A tired body is not the same as a satisfied mind. Cornell's canine health center puts it plainly: some unwanted behavior, such as chewing, may partly come from too little enrichment.
Ideas you can do at home
- Sniffing walks: let your dog choose the pace and what to smell, on a long lead if the area is safe.
- Find it: hide treats around the yard or house, starting with easy spots.
- Puzzle feeders: a muffin tin with tennis balls over treats, a cardboard box with crumpled paper, or a paper towel tube with folded ends.
- Snuffle mats: hide food in a shaggy mat so your dog hunts for it.
- Mealtime foraging: serve part of the daily portion through a game.
What the experts add
Cornell and the ASPCA both suggest everyday items rather than expensive toys. Cornell also advises supervising any enrichment toy, especially if a dog has eaten inappropriate objects before, and watching senior or arthritic dogs, who may struggle with some games. If your dog is on a special diet, ask your veterinarian for suitable substitutes.
Extras at Happy Paws
| Extra (2026 rates) | Price |
|---|---|
| Happy Pup Cup | $4.99 |
| Happy Lick Mat (peanut butter or cheese) | $4.99 |
| Happy Pupsicle (frozen bell pepper treat, beef or chicken) | $7.99 |
| Additional picture play session, per kennel | $14.99 |
| Additional bubble picture play session, per kennel | $19.99 |
Walks, space and the field
Walks are included in every stay. The property is about 10 country acres with large fenced play areas and a grass field, and each run has a doggie door so a dog chooses between inside and outside. For details on each extra, see lick mats, pupsicles and picture play sessions.
Keeping enrichment safe
Check peanut butter labels for xylitol, which the FDA warns is found in some nut butters and is dangerous to dogs. Keep portions small enough to fit in your dog's daily food, and ask your vet about the food-to-treat ratio. The lick mat and frozen treats guide has recipes.
Matching enrichment to the dog
A young, high-energy dog usually wants a job: scent games, a puzzle feeder, a fetch session in a fenced space. A senior may prefer a gentle sniffing stroll and a lick mat. A nervous dog often does best with calm, repetitive activities such as licking and slow foraging. Rotate what you offer so it stays interesting, and put a toy away for a week before bringing it back.