Canine enrichment activities are excellent for your dog’s physical and mental well-being. Dogs given enrichment activities lead happier, healthier lives, and they are often less destructive in their environment. Canine enrichment can be as simple as playing a game of fetch with your dog, or more complex like setting up a nose work course. There are endless options of puzzle toys and snuffle mats to keep your pup busy and entertained. Remember, when using toys or items your dog may chew, always supervise them, and throw away damaged toys.
1. Interactive Puzzle Toys for Dogs
Interactive puzzle toys for dogs are a great enrichment tool. Fill them with some treats and/or bits of your dog’s kibble. They will keep your pup mentally and physically stimulated while they work to solve the puzzle and claim their prize. There are many different options of dog puzzle toys to choose from as well as skill levels. As your dog becomes accustomed to one puzzle and it becomes easier for them, try the next level up to challenge them. For older dogs especially, puzzle toys can help keep their brain stimulated to manage cognitive dysfunction.
There are lots of tutorials for DIY dog puzzles online as well. Some can be as simple as utilizing a muffin tin and some tennis balls with treats hidden underneath. Others require some building skills and a trip to the hardware store. Find an option that works best for you.
2. Toys You Can Stuff with Treats
Stuffable dog toys, such as KONGs, give your dog a fun and entertaining way to enjoy a delicious snack. They can be filled with a variety of wet or dry foods, peanut butter, or even special homemade treats by following a KONG Stuffing Recipe. Some of them can be frozen for an even longer-lasting treat. These types of toys can also be helpful for dogs with anxiety by giving them something to focus on during times of stress, like nail trims and loud noises outside.
3. Snuffle Mats Where You Can Hide Treats
Dogs love to sniff and forage. A Snuffle Mat lets them exercise those natural instincts in a fun and safe way. Snuffle mats, also sometimes known as olfactory mats, are rubber mats weaved with strips of fabric throughout to hide treats or kibble. Some are more advanced with pockets or sleeves that require a little more digging.
There are many different types of snuffle mats for dogs found at major pet retailers as well as online marketplaces like Amazon. There are also DIY snuffle mat tutorials online to make your own with some basic craft supplies.
4. Games That Encourage Nose Work
“Nose work” refers to training your dog to sniff out things. The most advanced versions of this are often seen with working dogs like police K9s however, any dog can do nose work.
Nose work training kits are sold online, but you can set up your own basic nose work course around your house with a few simple things. All you need is a few cardboard boxes and some high-value treats. Set up the boxes with the treats in them around your house and let your dog sniff them out. Repeat a few times and move the boxes around. Your dog will enjoy the physical and mental stimulation this gives them.
If your dog really enjoys doing nose work, there are workshops and events through the National Association of Canine Scent Work.
5. Sprinklers for Water-loving Dogs
If your dog loves to play in water, an easy enrichment activity for them is a water sprinkler. You can buy an actual dog sprinkler or splash pad, but many regular sprinklers will work fine too (always supervise your pet’s water play and make sure the water source is safe for them). For dogs that love to run and chase water from the hose, a sprinkler will be a game changer for them. Set it up in the middle of your yard and turn it on. Your dog will have the time of its life playing in the water while getting great exercise.
6. A Classic Game of Frisbee or Fetch
A quick game of frisbee or fetch with your dog can do wonders for their mental and physical health. These games combine three of your pup’s favorite things: toys, running, and spending time with you! Dogs love to run and chase things, and they burn off a lot of excess energy doing so.
Beyond the basic frisbee or tennis ball to play fetch with, there is another dog enrichment toy, the flirt pole. Flirt poles are essentially the dog version of cat wand toys. It consists of a pole, rope, and toy at the end. The owner holds the wand and moves it around while the dog chases it, burning tons of energy along the way.
7. Taking Your Dog for A Walk
One of the best and simplest forms of canine enrichment is just taking them for a walk! There’s a good chance your dog gets excited when they see you grab their leash. For most dogs, going on walks is the best part of their day. Take them for more leisurely walks and let them sniff and explore. Switch up their route sometimes so they have new sights, sounds, and smells to take in. Walks give them the physical exercise they need as well as mental stimulation from their surroundings. They also enjoy bonding time with their owner as well as the all-important potty breaks they need throughout the day.
