Enrichment Activities Every Owner Needs to Try With Their Pets

Keeping your dogs busy and stimulated is one of the most challenging things for pet owners, especially for hyperactive breeds who need constant exposure to experiences that promote mental stimulation.

The great news is that there are numerous enrichment activities that can help you reduce your pet’s boredom and strengthen the bond between the both of you.

In this article, we’ll talk about the different unique enrichment activities that you should schedule for you and your pet on your next free day.

What are enrichment activities for pets?

In a general sense, enrichment activities are pastimes that offer both mental and physical stimulation. These activities provide an outlet for natural behaviors and instincts, such as exploring, hunting, and even retrieving.

These can also help pet owners renew the sense of curiosity in their pets, and at the same time spend time with their dogs in new and unfamiliar environments. Whether we’re talking about Golden Retrievers or Dachshund puppies, enrichment activities will surely help your pets stay active and stay mentally sharp.

7 Enrichment Activities You Should Try With Your Pets

Having a pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Not only do they provide companionship and unconditional love, but they can also be great sources of enrichment activities. From playing fetch to teaching them tricks, there are numerous activities you can do with your pet to help keep them both physically and mentally healthy.

Here are 10 enrichment activities to try with your pet that will make sure they stay happy and active!

Schedule training sessions: Dog training should be an essential part of every dog’s life. It allows them to build skills and positive behaviors that can help them better navigate unknown situations and environments. With an effective training session, you can give your pet the mental stimulation they need. Let them learn new tricks, teach them new obedience commands, or help them recall training that they’ve learned in their previous training sessions.
Try out puzzle toys: Puzzle toys are great enrichment materials that can help keep your pets preoccupied for long periods of time. There are numerous puzzle toys that are available in the market, most of which you can strategically fill with treats and let your dog discover how they can shake the treats out. If you’re looking for more affordable options, you can tie towels or blankets together and place small treats around the “ball,” and let your pets unravel the towels.
Play a game of fetch: Want a more classic approach to recreation and enrichment activities? How about a game of fetch? A game of fetch can keep your dog active for long periods of time and can help mentally stimulate them by navigating the fields in pursuit of the ball or stick you’re throwing out each time.
Go on hiking trails or nature walks: Give your pet the opportunity to learn new sights, scents, and environments while you’re out in nature. Bring your pets along with you on a hiking trail where you can keep them off-leash. This will help them become familiar with the different things that they can find outdoors. Just make sure that you keep them under strict supervision, since hike trails may have a few plants that may not be safe for your dogs! You can also support your dog’s health with Nature’s Blend.
Plan out a scavenger hunt: Start bonding with your pet by sending them out on a scavenger hunt in your yard or even inside your home! Hide their favorite toys around the house, and let them explore your space until they find each one. You can also hide a few treats around your home or even interactive toys to keep them busy for longer.
Go swimming: Swimming is a great low-impact workout for you and your dog. Allow them to enjoy splashing around a pet-friendly pool to keep them active. You may also throw in a few inflatable toys or floaties that they can play fetch with in the water. Just make sure you help them get a hang out swimming, especially if it’s their first time!
Set up playdates with other dogs: Do you have friends who have their own dogs and pets? Schedule playdates with them and let your pet interact and play with other dogs. This can help you socialize your pets in a safe environment, and at the same time, stimulate your pet’s mental and physical health by promoting inter-species interaction.

Enrichment Activities Can Help Mentally Stimulate Your Pets

Dogs are highly active animals, and they need all the stimulation they can get – whether physical or mental. With the enrichment activities we’ve enumerated above, you can help your pet overcome bouts of boredom and renew their curiosity over new things and environments. Try out some of these activities, and find the ones that your dog enjoys the most!