So, you’ve just done a big walk with your dog, and you get home, and they’re still full of energy.
And you think, how? What am I missing?…
Well, you’ve come to the right place to solve your problems!
Don’t worry; you’re definitely not alone with these feelings. We’ve all been there at some point, and it can be tough, really tough, especially if you’ve got a working breed or a high-energy dog.
So, what’s the solution to your problems?
Enrichment! Mental enrichment is so important for your dog.
Mental enrichment challenges your dog’s brain, taps into their natural instincts and helps them feel fulfilled, relaxed, and more manageable at home.
It’s one of the most overlooked keys to raising a happy, well-behaved dog. When done right, it can prevent a whole list of unwanted behaviours like chewing, barking, digging, and destructive zoomies.
What Is Mental Enrichment and Why Does It Matter?
Just like humans, dogs need to think, make their own decisions and engage their brains.
Mental enrichment for your dog is the missing piece of the puzzle to keeping your dog happy, balanced, and well-behaved.
In fact, mental enrichment can be just as tiring as your dog going for a walk or run (if not more)!
You’ll see a difference in no time. Honestly, the first time you use our mental enrichment tips and ideas, we can almost guarantee your dog will be asleep and snoring their head off straight after!
So, what exactly is mental enrichment for your dog? Mental enrichment is anything that challenges your dog to think, problem-solve, explore, or use their senses.
Sniffing, chewing, licking or foraging are some of the best starting points for mental enrichment.
And they help prevent boredom, stress, and unwanted behaviours like:
- Chewing furniture or shoes
- Excessive barking
- Digging
- Zoomies at all the wrong times
In short, a mentally stimulated dog is a calmer, happier, and more manageable dog.
We all want what’s best for our dogs, and getting enough mental stimulation is a huge part of making sure they have the best life.
Choosing the Best Enrichment for Your Dog
When planning and choosing enrichment activities, picking activities that suit their breed, intelligence, age, and size is probably the most important part.
For example, it’s no good to give a Border Collie a peanut butter licky mat. They’re far too clever for something simple like that, just like you wouldn’t use high-energy enrichment for a bulldog or a greyhound.
The main things to consider when choosing enrichment activities for your dog are:
- Make sure any enrichment is safe and suitable.
- Different breeds were developed for different jobs, and those instincts still drive their behaviour today.
- Any food-related enrichment needs to consider their diet and any allergies.
- When using food for enrichment, take into consideration their daily food allowances so you don’t overfeed your dog.
- Be careful when choosing things for big dogs because if the toy or puzzle is small, it can be a choking hazard.
- Activities with multiple steps or variable difficulty will work best for clever breeds.
- For less motivated or sensitive dogs, keep things simple and rewarding to avoid stress.
How Often Should You Be Doing Enrichment?
You really should be aiming to do enrichment activities with your dog every day. But don’t worry. It doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.
To start with, it’s a good idea to work up to doing these things every day, so doing it a few times a week to get used to it is a good starting point without it all being overwhelming.
6 Affordable and Easy Ways to Mentally Enrich Your Dog
You don’t need to break the bank by buying loads of fancy toys and gadgets to improve your dog’s quality of life. You don’t even need to put in loads of extra effort. It’s just a case of knowing these simple things and using them regularly.
If anything, it just makes things easier for you. More enrichment makes for a more chilled and well-behaved dog.
No more chasing them around the house, no more stealing socks, no more excessive barking and most importantly no more chewing your expensive sofa!
Here are six easy enrichment ideas for you to use to get some peace back. How nice is it to think your dog can be busy doing something productive rather than causing chaos 24/7? It’s a win-win for everyone!
1. Frozen Stuffed Kong
Simple, soothing and ideal for downtime.
What it is:
A rubber toy (like a Kong) stuffed with food and frozen to make it last longer. Great for calming your dog or helping them settle.
What you’ll need:
- A Kong or similar stuffable toy.
- Something tasty: mashed banana, natural yoghurt, soaked kibble, or dog-safe peanut butter (peanut butter without added sugar or artificial sweeteners like xylitol).
- Optional: A topper like a chicken foot, carrot, or small chew poking out of the top.
How to do it:
Layer the ingredients, freeze for a few hours, then give it to your dog on a towel or mat.
Where to do it:
Perfect for indoors — especially in crates, the kitchen floor, or washable surfaces (try and avoid carpets if possible; it’s not very fun trying to scrub peanut butter out of your carpet).
Best for:
- Puppies teething or learning to settle.
- Lower-energy breeds (Bulldogs, Greyhounds, etc.).
- Dogs who need help with calm downtime or solo chill-outs.
2. Snuffle Mat or Scatter Feeding
Let your dog use their nose — it’s their superpower.
What it is:
A game where your dog sniffs out food hidden in a blanket, tea towel or scattered across the ground.
What you’ll need:
- A snuffle mat (or just use some long grass or a towel with kibble rolled inside). You can also tie knots in the towel if your dog finds it too easy.
- Their usual food or small high-reward treats.
How to do it:
Hide the food and let them sniff it out. That’s it!
Where to do it:
Indoors on a non-slip surface or outside in your garden.
Best for:
- Dogs who love sniffing (Beagles, Spaniels, Dachshunds).
- Overexcited or anxious dogs (sniffing = calming).
- Dogs on rest or recovering from surgery.
3. Puzzle Toys & Brain Games
Keep those clever clogs busy.
What it is:
Interactive toys that make your dog figure out how to get the treats out — by lifting flaps, sliding compartments, or pressing buttons.
What you’ll need:
- A puzzle toy (look for beginner level if they’re new to it).
- Treats or kibble.
How to do it:
Show them how it works and let them explore. You can help at first and slowly back off as they learn.
Where to do it:
Best indoors on a flat surface.
Best for:
- Smart breeds like Collies, Poodles, and Retrievers.
- Dogs who get bored easily.
- Fast eaters — puzzle toys double as slow feeders!
4. Natural Chews
The doggy version of a good book and a cuppa.
What it is:
Giving your dog a long-lasting, natural chew to relax and focus on.
What you’ll need:
- A suitable chew: yak bar, beef knees, beef trachea, etc. We’ve got loads of delicious, long-lasting chews available on our website.
- A mat or blanket to keep the any mess or crumbs contained.
How to do it:
Hand over the chew, supervise while they enjoy, and let them get into the chew zone.
Where to do it:
Anywhere calm — great after a walk or before bedtime.
Best for:
- Pretty much every dog, we’ve got natural chews that suit all breeds, ages and sizes.
- Dogs who need something to do indoors.
- Helping dogs unwind or cope with alone time.
5. Treat Hunts
Turn your home or garden into a treasure hunt.
What it is:
A fun game where you hide treats around your space and encourage your dog to sniff them out.
What you’ll need:
- High-value treats (natural dog treats).
- Optional: a sock or toy to rub the scent.
How to do it:
Hide treats in corners, behind cushions, behind plant pots — anywhere safe — and tell your dog to “Find it!”
Where to do it:
Indoors or outdoors in a secure area.
Best for:
- Scent hounds (Beagles, Spaniels, Dachshunds).
- Nervous or reactive dogs (confidence builder).
- Dogs stuck indoors or needing a rainy-day activity.
6. Trick Training
Fun, focused and great for bonding.
What it is:
Teaching your dog a new trick or cue — from “spin” to “touch” to “high five.”
What you’ll need:
- Small, tasty training treats.
- A clicker or marker word like “Yes!”.
- A few distraction-free minutes.
How to do it:
Pick a simple trick and break it into small steps. Reward every success, keep it upbeat, and finish on a win.
Where to do it:
Anywhere quiet — living room, garden, even during a walk for variety.
Best for:
- Pretty much every dog.
- High-energy breeds who need a job.
- Boosting your dog’s focus and your bond.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Bored or Understimulated
Not sure if your dog needs more enrichment? Here are a few common signs to look out for:
- Destructive chewing or digging.
- Barking for attention.
- Pacing or restlessness.
- Seeming “hyper” even after walks.
- Stealing objects (socks, shoes, etc.).
These aren’t signs of a “bad” dog. They’re signs of a bored dog who needs more to do when they’re not out on a walk.
A few changes to your dog’s day, such as adding in some enrichment activities, can easily make these behaviours disappear in no time. It’s just about consistency and mixing things up for your dog. Try giving them a few different types of enrichment per week to keep things interesting.
The Link Between Enrichment and Behaviour
Mental stimulation doesn’t just help your dog—it helps you. No one likes having to constantly tell their dog off or clean up after them all the time.
A mentally enriched dog is:
- Easier to train.
- More relaxed indoors.
- Less likely to be destructive.
- Better behaved on walks.
It builds your bond, reduces frustration, and creates a more peaceful home. That’s a win-win.
Why Natural Treats Are Perfect for Enrichment
Natural treats are ideal for enrichment because they’re:
- Long-lasting – great for chewing and calming, and your dog is using their natural instincts.
- Healthier – no artificial junk or fillers. Natural treats are the best thing you can give your dog for enrichment.
- More engaging – with different smells, textures, and shapes.
Whether you’re rewarding training, playing scent games, or helping your dog wind down, natural treats add purpose and excitement to your enrichment routine.
Check out our range of handpicked, high-quality treats made for enrichment-loving dogs here. We’ve got chews and treats for all dogs to enjoy.
Final Thoughts: An Enriched Dog is a Better-Behaved and Happier Dog
You don’t need a huge garden, expensive gadgets, or endless free time to enrich your dog’s life. A few minutes of mental stimulation a day can completely change your dog’s behaviour—and deepen your connection. Start small, have fun, and watch your dog thrive.
Ready to Level Up Enrichment Time?
Check out our natural treats and chews. Our natural treats and chews are perfect for training, sniff games, puzzle games, and more.
At Cloud K9, we believe every dog deserves the best. That’s why all of our treats are made in the UK; they’re healthy, and they all serve a purpose to give your dog a better, fuller life.
