Enrichment
What is it and why is it important?
Enrichment:
Activities that provide animals with mental stimulation and allow them to practice instinctive behaviors safely and appropriately. In order for an activity to be enriching, it must have value to the animal. A food motivated dog may find great entertainment in sniffing out hidden treats, while a play motivated dog may prefer an activity such as removing small stuffed toys from a larger toy.
Enrichment plays a critical role in the mental wellbeing of all animals. Every species is born with their own set of natural behaviors: sniffing, hunting, foraging, scratching, chewing, and so on. Enrichment activities give animals an outlet to rehearse these innate behaviors without putting themselves, you, or your property at risk. Beyond encouraging appropriate displays of natural instincts, a main focus of enrichment is mental stimulation, which reduces boredom and increases the overall contentedness of the animal.
Why is enrichment important?
“Enrichment changes lives for the better and that applies to humans as well as dogs.”
— Lori Nanan: The Academy for Dog Trainers
Benefits of Enrichment
Encourages natural behaviors like sniffing, chewing, exploring, and problem-solving
Reduces boredom, stress, and anxiety — especially in new or stimulating environments
Helps prevent unwanted or destructive behaviors caused by frustration or excess energy
Promotes physical exercise, balance, and coordination
Stimulates the mind, keeping pets mentally sharp and engaged
Builds confidence and provides a sense of control and purpose
Supports emotional well-being and overall happiness
Strengthens the bond between pets and their caregivers through positive interaction
Examples of Enrichment
Scent work
Chew toys
Food stuffed toys (kongs, toppls, lickmats, etc)
Training games
Digging in a dig pit
Water games
Puzzle toys
Sports training, such as agility, disc, dock diving, etc
Adventure walks