Your dog isn’t misbehaving—they’re just bored out of their mind. When dogs don’t get the challenge, connection, and purpose they crave, chaos ensues (chewed shoes, anyone?). That’s why enrichment isn’t optional—it’s essential. Think of it as a gym membership, puzzle room, and social club all rolled into one.
Did you know that enrichment isn't a luxury—it's essential?
The Oregon Zoo is a pioneer in animal enrichment. The zoo enriches the lives of animals through stimulating and challenging environments, objects, and activities.
It was here in the 1980s that the concept of environmental enrichment was established. The first international animal enrichment conference was held at the Oregon Zoo in 1993.
Today, animal care staff around the world are innovating enrichment techniques throughout their zoos.
Much like zoo animals, dogs in home environments can experience stress, boredom, and anxiety when their natural instincts are stifled.
What is canine enrichment?
Enrichment is any activity that taps into your dog's breed-specific behaviors and stimulates your dog's body and mind, encouraging them to do what they were born to do—sniff, dig, chase, problem-solve, and play. It reduces stress, builds confidence, and even helps with issues like separation anxiety. Best of all, it's scientifically backed!
When you introduce the right kinds of daily enrichment:
Enrichment is essential. Whether you've got a high-drive herder or a laid-back couch pup, every dog thrives when their environment supports their instincts.
The best part? You don't need hours or a ton of money. Enrichment can be as simple as a cardboard box and some treats.
Why it matters
Dogs who don't get enough stimulation often look for their own entertainment—cue the chewed shoes and destroyed couch cushions. With regular enrichment, your dog becomes happier, healthier, and better behaved.
"Enrichment isn't optional—it's an act of love. Backed by science. Powered by play."
Snuffle Mat
Share bubbles year-round. Gazilliion bubbes are safe for dogs.
This is a Crinkle Mat for cats. Doxies are known to dig. It's better to be on a mat and not your carpet.
KONG can help calm your pet and support them through challenging situations.
Great varieties online.
You can find snuffle mats online, but the biggest and best are the ones you make yourself.
Ditch the dish and let them work for their meal.
It's just a basic plastic jug you might recycle.
That's a free enrichment toy!
Herding balls are an innovative type of dog toy specifically designed to provide both mental and physical stimulation for herding breeds.
Visit your local Dollar Tree for your plastic bowls.
You can find snuffle mats online, but the biggest and best are the ones you make yourself.
There has been a lot of research conducted about canine enrichment. There are many types of enrichment available. They generally fall into two main categories:
Here are the most common types of enrichment for dogs.
Visual (passive)
Auditory (passive)
Nutritional or Oral (active)
Social (active)
Physical (active)
Environmental or Exploration (active)
Olfactory (active)
Cognitive or Mental (active)
Enrichment is excellent for puppies, and there's so much you can utilize during puppyhood. Studies show that puppies engaged 64% of their time with enrichment toys and activities if given a choice. That's 64% less time trying to destroy couches and shoes!
Contrary to popular belief, old dogs CAN learn new tricks. Adding behavioral enrichment into the lives of aging dogs impacts their cognitive abilities and slows age-dependent cognitive decline. Not only is enrichment suitable for senior dogs, but integrating enrichment can positively affect the aging process for senior canines.
Enrichment is far more than just destruction—usually the opposite. When we give our dogs a legal outlet for these species-specific behaviors, we typically see any problem behaviors decrease.
Yes! Feeding enrichment isn't just for fun. Looking at the differences between dogs who were given stuffed Kongs vs. those who were not in a shelter setting. When given feeding enrichment, dogs had increased activity and appetitive levels. There was also less frequent barking with dogs who had enrichment in their routines.
Connect KONG Genius "Mike" and "Leo" for a more challenging puzzle.
Use the toppl individually or connect for more fun.
Nina Ottosson
KADTC puzzles have three levels of difficulty in one puzzle.
There are three levels of difficulty in this toy.
Maggie is a resource guarder of food dispensing puzzles. She takes every last one, like a ninja moving in the night.