Glossary

Enrichment

Giving a dog chances to use its natural abilities, such as sniffing, chewing, foraging and problem solving, to improve its well-being.

Also called: environmental enrichment, mental stimulation, dog enrichment, mental exercise

Enrichment means giving dogs varied, species-appropriate things to do. Examples include sniff walks, food puzzles, chews, scatter feeding, new places, training games and safe play with other dogs or people. Dogs that have little to do often turn to barking, digging, chewing or restlessness.

Many forms are cheap: a muffin tin with treats under tennis balls, a cardboard box to tear up, or a longer walk with time to sniff. Variety matters more than expense, and activities should suit the dog's age, health and temperament.

Enrichment is not a substitute for physical exercise, company or training, and it is not a fix on its own for fear or anxiety. Supervise new toys and food items for safety.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Puzzle feeder A toy or bowl that makes a dog work to get its food, giving it a mental task and slowing down eating. Snuffle mat A fabric mat with many strips or pockets in which food is hidden so that a dog has to sniff and forage for it. Scent work Any activity in which a dog uses its nose to find a target odor, from backyard hide-and-seek games to trained detection jobs. Play Voluntary, energetic and usually social activity that dogs do for fun, including chasing, wrestling, tugging and bowing.