Curb canine boredom by playing enrichment games

Enrichment exercises are essential for your puppy or dog, as they stimulate both the mind and body, fostering a well-rounded and happy canine companion. Engaging your puppy or dog in various activities not only helps to curb boredom but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend, turning playtime into a delightful learning experience.
Here are easy exercises you can affordably replicate at home:
Here are easy exercises you can affordably replicate at home:
- Snuffle Mats/Towels–Place treats inside the snuffle mat or a towel and watch them “sniff” them out to find and snack on!
- Muffin Tin Game–Place treats inside each section on the muffin tin and cover with tennis ball. Watch them figure out how to get the treats.
- Toilet Paper Roll Game–Place toilet paper rolls in a box or plastic container. Fill some of the toilet paper rolls with treat. Watch them “sniff” them out to find which ones have the treats.
Opening the door to your dog's mind

Great dogs just don’t happen by accident. When you train your dog, you establish a powerful bond that helps cement the relationship. Positive reinforcement or reward based training opens the door to your dog’s mind. By receiving rewards for desired behaviors your dog learns how to choose to do the right thing, rather than avoid the wrong thing. As you train your dog you create a relationship of trust and understanding.
Did you know that some rewards are lower value than others and some are higher value? Same holds true for the distractions. In order for training to be successful, you need to pair the reward with the distraction.
Think about your own puppy/dog and how would you pair the appropriate reward with the distraction in order to keep your pup/dog’s attention? (e.g.) While practicing Sit outside, if a rabbit just ran in front of your dog, would kibble work to keep your dog’s attention or would you need a piece of chicken? If your dog is having trouble adjust the reward or change the environment.
Did you know that some rewards are lower value than others and some are higher value? Same holds true for the distractions. In order for training to be successful, you need to pair the reward with the distraction.
Think about your own puppy/dog and how would you pair the appropriate reward with the distraction in order to keep your pup/dog’s attention? (e.g.) While practicing Sit outside, if a rabbit just ran in front of your dog, would kibble work to keep your dog’s attention or would you need a piece of chicken? If your dog is having trouble adjust the reward or change the environment.
Examples of Rewards |
Examples of Distractions |
Kibble |
People, Kids |
Cheerios |
Dogs |
Cheese |
Squirrel, Rabbit |
Freeze Dried Treats |
Cars |
Chewy Treats |
Bikes, Scooters |
Hot Dogs |
Joggers |
Chicken |
Smells |
Blueberries |
Backyard |
Carrots, Green Beans |
Park |
Bacon, Steak |
Loud Sounds |