Enrichment Activities

Snuffle Mats

Snuffle mats are a type of interactive toy that require a dog to sniff out and retrieve food or treats hidden between strips of fabric on a mat. These fabric pieces are supposed to mimic tall grass in nature, where your dog would have to forage for food to eat.

Grab our snuffle mat handout below to implement this enrichment activity at home!

Download Snuffle Mat Handout
null
A snuffle mat with a puppy sniffing it, designed for engaging dogs in sensory activity to promote mental stimulation and slow eating.

Water Play

Water play is a fun way to engage dogs to get in exercise and sensory play, especially in the warmer months. Sprinklers and pools are great because they not only provide a cooling jet or body of water, but also engage the dog’s attention so that they take the steps to cool themselves down.

Implement water play at home! Download our enrichment activity handout for water play below.

Download Water Play Handout
Wet, scruffy brown dog with tongue out in a blue plastic kiddie pool outdoors.
Instructional poster about water play for dogs showing a photo of two dogs in a pool, icons for individual, water, group, outside, and activity length, with sections describing activity, setup, cleanup, supplies needed, and purpose.

Balance Beam

Balance beams are an excellent enrichment activity for dogs! They promote mind body connection, builds confidence in new spaces and offers a stimulating challenge with many levels to incorporate. If your dog is into agility, this enrichment activity is for them!

Grab our balance beam handout below to implement this enrichment activity at home!

Download Balance Beam Handout
Small dog with long white and gray fur balancing on a narrow wooden beam outdoors, with a person feeding it treats, green grass, trees, and a building in the background.
Informational poster about balance beam activities for dogs, including a picture of a black and white dog walking on a balance beam outdoors. The poster details activity steps, purpose, and supplies needed, emphasizing safety and confidence building for dogs.

Kongs

Engaging with a stuffed food toy, such as a kong, is a great way for a dog to release pent up energy. The natural rubber helps promote clean teeth, control plaque and remove food particles. Stuffed food toys also stimulate mental exercise for the dog’s mind which is vital to overall health. They also help minimize destructive behaviour due to boredom!

Implement stuffed food toys at home! Download our enrichment activity handout below.

Download our Kong Handout
Guide for using stuffed food toys with dogs, showing a photo of a dog chewing a red rubber toy, and icons with tips for safety and activity instructions, including activity duration and setup steps.