Let your dog decide what they want to engage with. Set out 2-3 options and see which one they choose. Not every dog likes every activity, and that’s okay.

Why it matters: Choice reduces stress, builds confidence, and makes enrichment more rewarding. Your dog knows what they need.

Enrichment sessions should be 5-15 minutes for most activities. Stop before your dog loses interest or gets frustrated.

Signs your dog is done:

• Walking away from the activity
• Lying down or losing focus
• Frustration behaviors (pawing, whining, giving up)

The goal: End on a positive note while your dog is still engaged and successful.

High-energy activities (obstacle courses, movement games) are great for wearing out an energetic dog. Calming activities (lick mats, sniff walks, massage) help anxious or overstimulated dogs settle.

Use enrichment strategically:

Evening: Soothing activities to wind down before bed

Morning: Calming activities before you leave for work

Afternoon: High-energy games to burn off steam

Dogs get bored with the same routine. Rotate through different types of enrichment throughout the week.

Sample weekly rotation:

• Monday: Food puzzle
• Tuesday: Scent game
• Wednesday: DIY project
• Thursday: Quick sensory activity
• Friday: Movement game
• Weekend: Hands-on project or outdoor adventure

Always supervise your dog the first few times they try a new activity. Watch for safety issues, frustration, or signs that the activity is too easy or too hard. 

Adjust as needed:

• Too easy? Make it more challenging (hide treats deeper, add distractions)
• Too hard? Simplify it (fewer steps, more obvious hiding spots)
• Not interested? Try a different type of enrichment

You don’t need expensive toys or special equipment. Most enrichment activities use household items: towels, cardboard boxes, muffin tins, plastic bottles, paper bags.

Common household items for enrichment:

• Towels and blankets
• Cardboard boxes and tubes
• Muffin tins and ice cube trays
• Plastic bottles (labels removed)
• Paper bags and newspaper
• Cones, hula hoops, and pool noodles

Mental stimulation tires dogs out just as much as physical exercise. A 15-minute enrichment session can be as tiring as a 30-minute walk.

Why mental exercise matters:

• Reduces boredom and destructive behavior
• Builds confidence and problem-solving skills
• Provides an outlet for natural instincts (foraging, sniffing, chewing)
• Strengthens your bond

Use high-value treats or your dog’s favorite toys to make activities more engaging. The reward is what motivates your dog to problem-solve and participate.

What counts as a reward:

• Food (treats, kibble, fresh foods)
• Toys (balls, tug toys, squeaky toys)
• Praise and affection
• Access to something they want (going outside, sniffing, playtime)

What works for one dog might not work for another. Pay attention to your dog’s preferences and adjust activities to match their play style.

Play style guide:

• Chasers: Movement games, fetch variations, backyard hunts
• Chewers: Frozen treats, lick mats, shredding activities
• Foragers: Scent games, scatter feeding, puzzle toys
• Cuddlers: Calming activities, massage, bonding games

You don’t need to do enrichment every single day or make elaborate setups. Even 5 minutes of mental stimulation makes a difference.

Start small:

• Scatter your dog’s breakfast instead of using a bowl
• Hide a few treats in a towel
• Let your dog sniff on walks instead of rushing
• Rotate toys weekly

The goal: Make enrichment a regular part of your routine, not a chore.