Canine Enrichment:
Keep Your Dog Happy & Mentally Stimulated
As a Certified Canine Enrichment Specialist (DN-CET) and dedicated dog mom to two senior Chocolate Labs, I’ve spent years testing and perfecting activities to keep our dogs mentally stimulated and physically active.
On this page, you’ll find science-backed enrichment activities organized by type, plus DIY projects you can create at home and enrichment products I personally use with my Labs.
Why Every Dog Needs Enrichment (Even Yours!)
Dogs who get regular mental enrichment have fewer behavior problems. They have less anxiety, are less likely to destroy your stuff and generally lead happier lives.
My own dogs, Burt and Lucy, are living well at 13 years old because we still work in a variety of enrichment every day.
All dogs need enrichment—from high-energy puppies to senior dogs like mine. Even just 10 minutes of purposeful activity can help your dog feel satisfied and calm.
BLOG POST: How Much Enrichment Do Dogs Need? The Experts Weigh in
FETCH BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR DOGS In our course
Transform your dog’s daily routine with 10 research-backed activities that boost brain power!
As seen on KDKA’s Talk Pittsburgh!
Easy and Quick Enrichment Activities For Busy Dog Parents
Need quick ways to mentally enrich your dog’s day? These activities require minimal prep but provide maximum engagement. Perfect for hectic mornings or when you need your dog to settle while you work. Don’t overlook passive enrichment for dogs of all ages. It’s an easy thing to add to your day!
Prep Frozen Treats in Advance
These stuffable rubber toys are perfect for all stages of your dog’s life, from puppies to senior dogs.
Keep Your Dog Entertained Inside
Easy indoor activities you can do with your dog. I even include many ideas for dogs resting in their crate.
DIY Enrichment Projects to Make at Home
Save money and customize enrichment for your dog with these tested DIY projects. Busy Boxes are an absolute favorite in our house – Burt and Lucy love the night before recycling pick up because it means busy box dinner night! Each tutorial includes step-by-step instructions and tips based on our real experiences.
Our Favorite FREE Game
Use boxes, yogurt containers, egg cartons and more to make this.
DIY Snuffle Mat Video
See how easy it is to make your own scent enrichment toy.
Lick Painting Activity
Give youe dog a fun lick activity, and get some new art out of it!
The Best Enrichment Toys That Actually Work
Sometimes DIY isn’t an option. Here are the tested enrichment products that I recommend. There’s options for every budget and lifestyle. I’ve personally tested each one with my dogs Burt and Lucy!
Top Enrichment Products My Dogs Can’t Live Without
- West Paw Toppl – Easy to stuff, easy to clean and versatile! I use these multiple times a week.
- Nina Ottosson Puzzles – Durable and perfect for dogs who need a mental challenge. Our Activity Pack has ideas to make the puzzles more challenging.
- Stella & Chewy’s Meal Mixers – Great for enrichment games and trick training. Plus, comes in lots of protein options!
- Hide and Scent Game – Make scent games at home easy with this kit that comes with full instructions. Lucy loves this one!
- Calm Dog Games Card Deck – 52 fresh ideas to create a calming and bonding routine for your dog. Use code TORI to save.
- Pup O’Clock Subscription Box – Perfect for families with kids and dogs (I’m their enrichment expert and consult on each box!). Use code TORI10 to save.
- Find more recommendations in my Amazon storefront.
Meet Tori Mistick, Your Certified Canine Enrichment Expert
I’m Tori Mistick, a Certified Canine Enrichment Specialist (DN-CET) and founder of Wear Wag Repeat. Since 2013, I’ve been creating research-backed enrichment activities with my Chocolate Labs, Burt and Lucy. They’re now 13 years old and have their own unique needs and enrichment faves.
My expertise has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and Good Morning America. I share ideas as the Enrichment Expert for the Pup O’Clock subscription box.
As a Pet First Aid & CPR expert and professor at Point Park University, I bring both academic knowledge and hands-on experience to every recommendation.
Consider me your fairy dog mother, here to help you and your pup live your best life together through the power of enrichment!
Engage Your Dog’s Powerful Nose & Sense of Smell
Scent work is one of the most powerful forms of enrichment because it taps into your dog’s natural abilities. My dog Burt participated in Barn Hunt trials and Lucy is an expert at scent games. You can also do scent enrichment with tasty foods.
A scent Work Dog Sport
Barn Hunt is a growing dog sport and it’s really fun to do with your pup. Burt earned a RATI title!
Enrich Your Dog's Food with Healthy Herbs
5 healthy herbs that have beneficial qualities to enhance – AKA enrich! – your dog’s life.
Enrichment That Helps Your Dog Relax
To help your dog settle down, you don’t always need to run them around! Sometimes the best activities are the ones that help your dog settle and find their inner calm. Lucy loves to “sit and watch the world go by” – a passive enrichment activity that’s perfect for senior dogs, anxious pups, or those with limited mobility.
Teach Your Dog to Embrace the Calm
Calming games where you reward your dog for relaxing and using impulse control can rewire your dog’s brain.
Passive Enrichment to Decompress
Sitting in an interesting location to take in the scents, smells and sights is a relaxing way to enrich your dog’s life.