Let’s face it, we’re busy. You’re probably just itching to unwind to some TikToks or mindless scrolling after a long day of work and chores, but your dog has different ideas. Your dog has been home alone, resting, all day. Your dog wants interaction and attention from you! Your dog needs enrichment in their life!
Every day, after their supper, Wally and Oliver need “floor time”. Both dogs rush down to the basement living room, pleading eyes staring up the stairs at us. Never content just to play alone or with one another, they need our interaction! Whether we’re holding onto the bone so Wally can chew, playing a weak game of tug, or a rousting hide and seek session, the dogs want and need our attention.
Most family dogs spend the day alone. They’re overjoyed to see their humans walk through the door. Then, the inevitable happens. We have dinner to make, chores to complete, and the dogs are just kind of there, underfoot.
There are lots of simple ways to interact with your dogs and provide enrichment. All dogs should have a minimum of 2 hours per day on enriching social activities. These can be spread throughout the day. Here are some simple activities and reasons why dog enrichment is so important for our Best Friends!
Your Dog is A Social Creature; Your Dog Needs Enrichment in Their Life
Our dogs are social animals. Domestication has furthered this need for interaction, so your dog may feel as if a piece of her life is missing if she doesn’t get enough social time or interaction with humans. This could show up as destructive bored behaviors like chewing up your best shoes, or in overly enthusiastic greetings when you get home. Dogs who don’t have enough social interaction may also be fearful, anxious, or not know how to behave appropriately around friendly strangers.
Your dog benefits from activities that support her social needs. This could mean hiring a dog walker to take her out during the day when you’re at work, coming home for lunch to let her out and play for a few minutes, or investing in doggie daycare 1-2 days a week. Keep these things in mind if you’re away from home for more than 7 hours a day. There are so many compelling reasons why your dog needs enrichment in their life.
Doggie Daycare
If it’s in your budget, consider investing in Doggie Daycare a couple of days a week. This will WEAR out your dog! Daycare is especially beneficial for high-energy breeds. Daycare gives your dog a solid outlet for her energy, keeps social skills with other dogs sharp, and may even help your dog pick up new skills.
A couple of years ago we invested in dog training for Wally, which was done at a local doggie daycare. Wally had limited interaction with other dogs, but was a different dog when he came home. Part of this was from learning new things. Part of it from happy-fun social time with other dogs. He needed a full day to sleep after his sessions!
Dog Enrichment Activities and Resources
TV for Dogs!!!
Have you ever heard of Dog TV? Oh my! I didn’t know there was such a thing, until we started watching. Check out “TV for Dogs” channels on YouTube. They’re mostly relaxing nature scenes and sounds. This is something you can leave on for your dog during the day when your’re gone. Or, it’s just plain relaxing to have as background noise. I’ll admit, I had the dog channel on (as background noise) the whole time I worked on this post.
Dog Enrichment Toys
Our go-to enrichment toys are Kongs. Every Sunday evening, I stuff 10-12 of them with kibble and peanut butter, and pop them in the freezer. Then, when I leave for work each dog gets the gift of frozen peanut butter and crunchies. You’d think they were in line for a potroast, the way they sit in front of the freezer door drooling on the floor. Birdie and Franklin were the worst, and would sit and whine in front of the freezer, pleading for me to leave!
Follow any dog enrichment group on social media, and you will learn a bevy of beautiful ways to stuff a Kong. A word of caution though; if you have a power chewer or don’t know how your dog will react with such a bounty, make sure to monitor her before leaving her alone with such a treat. I will note that Franklin chewed a giant (and expensive) Kong Wobbler trying to get a piece of kibble.
Food Puzzles, Lick Mats, and Snuffle Mats
Mental stimulation is the name of the game! There is a slew of toys meant to stir your dog’s natural curiousity. Another we’ve tried is the Omega Paw Treat Ball. Fill the orange ball with kibble and your dog rolls it around the house, dispensing treats. At less than $10, this toy will keep your Best Friend busy for a long time! Again, if your dog is a power chewer, it’s best to monitor with these treats before leaving them home alone with them.

Lick mats are another enrichment tool. They come in different shapes and sizes. You smear peanut butter, soft banana, yogurt or some other soft, dog-friendly substance on them and your dog licks it up! You can also use a dog dish; smear the food on it, throw it in the freezer for a bit and your dog has a fun and entertaining treat! I’ve found that a lick mat on the bathtub wall is a fine distraction during an otherwise stressful bath!

Snuffle mats are another new-ish enrichment tool for your Best Friend. You can make a snuffle mat from a rubber sink mat with fleece strips tied through the slots. You then hide pieces of food or tasty-smelling treats in the strips. Your dog sniffs them out for a fine reward! Your dog explores the world through her nose, so these are a perfect enrichment tool! If you have a dog that loves to sniff, you’ll be doing him or her a huge favor! Your dog needs enrichment in their life!
Meaty Bones
My dogs LOVE meaty bones! In addition, meaty bones have the added benefit of keeping your dog’s teeth clean! Every time I purchase a bag of kibble, they get this treat from the specialty pet food freezer. You can also purchase meaty soup bones at the grocery store in the frozen food aisle. Make sure the bones are raw and not cooked. Cooked bones can splinter and cause damage to your dog’s esophagus and stomach. You will also need to ensure that the bones are not small enough for your dog to swallow. Supervision is key; your dog should enjoy the meaty bone for 15-20 minutes, then back into the fridge for later. Once the bone starts to chip, discard it.

We are so fortunate to live in a time when our dogs are so valued and we have access to so many resources to improve their lives! Dogs enjoy novel activities that spur their thinking and canine problem-solving abilities. An enriched, challenged dog will be a happy family member.
As with any new activity, these enrichment pursuits should be monitored. You don’t want special activities to be too much of a good thing. Our Best Friends give us so much, we owe it to them to do the same! Your dog needs enrichment in their life!
Meet Pudge!

Pudge is an 8 year old Pit Bull Terrier rescue. Pudge is the most aggressively friendly dog you’ll ever meet! His family calls him, “Our little cannonball of love.” Mr. Pudge adores his squeaky balls and has them littered throughout his home and yard. Isn’t that just like a dog to have their belongings everywhere? Pudge is his family’s loyal little buddy. Thanks for being so sweet, Pudge!
I’ve learned more from your blog than I have in the 48 years I’ve had dogs! Thank you!
Love this! As I write from sofa with broken toe elevated (great outing!), waiting for wetsuit-extraction support, I’m glad to have an array of home enrichment options to get my very active dog through the next few days of downtime I’ll be taking.
(Does free shaping count as enrichment? It makes her work to figure out new tasks while I lounge with clicker and treats.)
Oh no! I hope you didn’t break your toe on your swim with your dog! Glad you enjoyed the post and found some helpful ideas ☺️
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