Keeping your dog entertained isn't just about giving them more toys.

Dogs need opportunities to sniff, explore, play, learn and use their instincts.

But what works for an energetic adult dog might not be suitable for a young puppy or senior dog.

The good news? Enrichment doesn't need to be expensive or complicated.

Here are some simple ideas for every stage of your dog's life.

Enrichment for Puppies

Puppies are discovering the world for the first time, so everyday experiences can provide plenty of enrichment.

The key is keeping activities short, positive and appropriate for their developing bodies.

Explore Different Textures

Let your puppy safely walk over different surfaces such as:

• Grass

• Concrete

• Gravel

• Dry leaves

• Sand

• Different surfaces around the home

New surfaces give puppies an opportunity to explore different sights, sounds and sensations while building confidence in new environments.

Never force your puppy onto a surface they're unsure about. Give them time to investigate at their own pace.

Try a Gentle Chase Game

Puppies love to chase and pounce.

Instead of encouraging lots of jumping or sharp changes in direction, gently drag a soft toy along the floor or grass and let your puppy follow it.

Keep sessions short and let them catch the toy regularly.

Make Mealtimes Interesting

You don't always need a food bowl.

Try scattering some of your puppy's normal food across the grass or placing it in a puppy-appropriate food toy.

Using their nose to find food turns an everyday meal into an activity.

Introduce New Experiences

A different sound, smell, person or environment can be interesting for a puppy.

Keep new experiences calm and positive, and always consider your puppy's vaccination status before taking them into public areas.

Enrichment for Adult Dogs

Adult dogs often need a combination of physical exercise and activities that give them something to think about.

And you don't need to entertain them for hours.

Small changes to their normal routine can make a big difference.

Let Them Sniff

Not every walk needs to be about distance.

Give your dog time to stop and investigate interesting smells.

A slower sniffing walk can provide a completely different experience from your usual neighbourhood walk.

Create a Treasure Hunt

Hide treats or pieces of your dog's normal food around the house or backyard.

Start somewhere easy and gradually make the hiding places more challenging.

Let their nose do the work.

Rotate Their Toys

Instead of leaving every toy out all the time, put some away and rotate them.

An old favourite can suddenly become interesting again when your dog hasn't seen it for a while.

Teach Something New

Training isn't only for puppies.

Try teaching your dog a new trick, practising an old skill or introducing simple games such as finding a particular toy.

Keep sessions short and enjoyable.

Enrichment for Senior Dogs

Getting older doesn't mean enrichment has to stop.

Senior dogs can still enjoy exploring, sniffing and playing, but activities may need to become slower and gentler.

Consider your dog's mobility, eyesight, hearing and dental health when choosing activities.

Try a Soft Snuffle Mat

Hide small pieces of food through a soft snuffle mat and let your dog search for them.

It's a simple activity that allows them to use their nose without needing lots of movement.

Use Lick Mats and Food Toys

Soft foods can be spread across a lick mat or placed inside a suitable food toy.

Choose options appropriate for your dog's diet and avoid making toys unnecessarily difficult for dogs with sensitive teeth or reduced mobility.

Play a Simple Scent Game

Place a treat under one of a few lightweight cups and encourage your dog to find it.

Start easy.

Once they understand the game, you can move the cups around or add another one.

Let Them Stop and Sniff

Senior walks don't have to cover kilometres.

For some older dogs, a shorter walk with plenty of time to sniff and explore may be more suitable than trying to maintain the distance they walked when they were younger.

Let your dog set the pace.

Give Them a Change of Scenery

Dogs with limited mobility can still enjoy getting out of the house.

Depending on your dog, this might mean a short car ride, sitting together somewhere quiet or using an appropriate pet stroller for an outing.

Sometimes simply watching, listening and sniffing somewhere new is enough.

What About When Your Dog Is Home Alone?

Enrichment can help make time at home more interesting, but leaving out a pile of toys isn't always the answer.

Before you leave, you could:

• Hide a few treats around a safe area

• Leave an appropriate food puzzle

• Rotate their favourite toys

• Give them a sniffing walk

• Set up a comfortable place to rest

Always choose toys and enrichment activities that are safe for your individual dog to use without supervision.

And sometimes what your dog needs isn't another toy.

They might benefit from a walk, some company or interaction during the day.

That's where a dog walker or pet sitter can help.

Keep It Simple

Dog enrichment doesn't need to involve expensive toys or complicated activities.

Let them sniff.

Hide their dinner.

Teach them something new.

Take a different walking route.

Spend five minutes playing together.

The best enrichment is something your dog enjoys and can do safely.

Pay attention to what gets their tail wagging and adjust activities as they move through different stages of life.

With Wagly, you can find dog walkers, pet sitters, trainers and other pet care providers who can help keep your dog active, engaged and cared for when you can't be there.

FAQs

What is dog enrichment?

Dog enrichment includes activities and experiences that give dogs opportunities to sniff, explore, play, learn and use natural behaviours.

Does my dog need enrichment every day?

Dogs benefit from regular opportunities for physical activity, mental stimulation and interaction. Enrichment can be as simple as letting your dog sniff more on a walk or turning dinner into a food-searching game.

What enrichment is good for puppies?

Simple scent games, exploring safe new surfaces, age-appropriate food toys, gentle play and positive new experiences can all provide enrichment for puppies.

How can I entertain my senior dog?

Try gentle activities such as sniffing walks, soft food puzzles, scent games and short outings. Choose activities based on your dog's individual mobility and health.

Can I leave enrichment toys out when I'm not home?

Only leave your dog with toys or enrichment products that are appropriate and safe for unsupervised use. Some toys and food puzzles should only be used while you're there to supervise.

Related Reading

How Often Does Your Dog Really Need a Walk?

Is Pet Sitting Better for Anxious Dogs?

Dog Walking vs Dog Day Care: Which Is Right for Your Dog?

Finding the Right Pet Carer for a Dog With Special Needs

Looking for trusted pet care? Wagly makes it easy to connect with experienced Pet Professionals who can meet your pet’s individual needs. Explore the Wagly app or website today to find the right care for your pet.

Until next time

The Wagly Team