The purpose of enrichment is to reduce stress in dogs and reinforce socialization practices.

Providing a dog with enrichment allows the animal to have a sense of control over their environment, which can help to reduce and avoid stress.

Social Enrichment

One of the ways this can be done is by taking your dog on walks and creating positive interactions with other dogs.

Nutritional Enrichment

Encourage natural foraging/feeding behavior with an enrichment toy – For example, puzzle feeders, chewables such as raw bones, lick mats, and treat dispensers to name a few.

Occupational Enrichment

Give your dog a “job” by playing fetch, practicing training commands, and food puzzles where your dog can “work” to get the treats out.

Sensory Enrichment

Stimulate the different senses in your dog with soothing music or vanilla or coconut scents placed near their bedding, which can have a calming effect on animals and help reduce barking.

Physical Enrichment

Alter the complexity of your dog’s living space by providing safe toys given on a rotating basis to avoid boredom.

Along with keeping bored dogs entertained, some types of enrichment can potentially help with dog behavioral problems like separation anxiety, chewing, and stress. That promise alone makes it clear why so many dog owners flock to Kongs, puzzle games, and lick mats.