The Benefits of Enrichment Toys

Did you know there are ways to exercise your dog without actually exercising them? You can do this by using dog enrichment toys. There are many ways to do this including puzzles, Lickimats, Kong toys, snuffle mats, and treat-dispensing toys. (My top picks are linked at the bottom!)

As always, keep in mind that I am not a vet or dog trainer. I am a self-proclaimed doggy expert with a lot of personal, firsthand experience. I research and consult with a dog trainer as well. Please consult your vet, trainer, or the resources I will have below with any questions or concerns.

Several brands make dog puzzles that treats can be put into. Your dog will have to figure out how to open them and get the treat reward. This is both difficult and rewarding for your dog. Snuffle mats work in a similar manner. A snuffle mat is a felt mat with pieces of fabric sticking up. Put treats or even your dog’s kibble in it for them to have to sniff out to eat! Lickimats and Kong toys work in the same way. Fill the Kong or cover the Lickimat with treats, peanut butter, or plain greek yogurt, and freeze it. Your dog will have to work hard to lick all of it off. Treat dispensing toys can be used in place of a bowl for mealtimes. Load your dog’s kibble into the toy, and they will have to roll it, push it, and paw at it to get the food out. This can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. All enrichment toys come in varying levels of difficulty. Whether your dog is a brainiac or dopey, there is an enrichment toy suited for them!

People don’t realize how brain stimulation is equally as tiring as physical exercise for dogs. If you work long hours, have a puppy, or even an energetic adult dog you may find yourself feeling tired and frustrated when they will never settle down. You may feel like you can only play so much fetch or walk so much. These are the perfect times to utilize enrichment tools. I have a 5-year-old dog and a 5-month-old puppy and find myself thinking these things often. This is why I have a cabinet full of puzzles, and a freezer full of licky mats and kongs that are ready to go at all times!

Enrichment toys are not only a way to “exercise your dog without exercise”, but they also reduce frustration and anxiety in your dog. Dogs can get bored of their routines! Bored or frustrated dogs usually lead to destruction. Enrichment toys are the perfect way to add something exciting, fun, and new to their routine. Dogs relieve their anxiety by licking. If you notice your dog excessively licks you, themselves, or furniture, a Lickimat or other enrichment toys could minimize that.

Of course, there is no real substitute for physical exercise. You should still exercise your dog the appropriate amount for their breed, size, and temperament. However, enrichment toys are great to keep their mind sharp, while physical exercise keeps them healthy.

Enrichment toys are perfect to establish downtime with your dog. If your dog never settles and wants to keep playing and running around into the night, this will set a boundary for them that the nighttime is time to relax. It adds more structure, routine, and fun into your dogs’ schedule, while also giving you a break. Add various enrichment toys to your dogs’ routine and see the change in their behavior, as well as the amount of downtime you will have! 

For more information on the benefits of enrichment toys, visit the resources linked below, or reach out to me via the contact page! Resources: American Kennel Club, Red Hill Dog Trainer.

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