--- title: Dog Enrichment Ideas From Our Kennel | Happy Paws url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-enrichment-ideas/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Enrichment ideas from our kennel # Enrichment ideas from our kennel (lick mats, pupsicles and more) Enrichment gives a dog a job for its nose, mouth and brain: sniffing walks, hide-the-treat games, puzzle feeders and lick mats. At Happy Paws, a Happy Lick Mat is $4.99, a Happy Pupsicle is $7.99 and a Happy Pup Cup is $4.99 on the 2026 rates. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) 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 **Per item, added to a boarding or day care stay on request.** | 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](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/lick-mats/), [pupsicles](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/pupsicles/) and [picture play sessions](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/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](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/lick-mats-and-frozen-treats/) 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. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [Cornell Riney Canine Health Center, canine enrichment ideas](https://riney.vet.cornell.edu/member-benefits-health-tips/canine-enrichment-ideas) - [ASPCA, canine DIY enrichment](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/canine-diy-enrichment) - [U.S. FDA, paws off xylitol](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/paws-xylitol-its-dangerous-dogs) - [Happy Paws Kennels 2026 rate sheet (PDF)](https://happypawskennels.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/2026-Rates-EFFECTIVE-1-1-26.pdf) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Happy extras](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/) - [Happy Lick Mat](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/lick-mats/) - [Happy Pupsicle](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/pupsicles/) - [Happy Pup Cup](https://happypawskennels.com/extras/happy-pup-cup/) - [Lick mats & frozen treats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/lick-mats-and-frozen-treats/) - [Slow feeder bowls](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/slow-feeder-bowls/) ## Read next - [Lick mats & frozen treats](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/lick-mats-and-frozen-treats/) - [Boarding and kennel cough risk](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/boarding-and-kennel-cough-risk/) - [Bringing your dog home after boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-coming-home-after-boarding/) - [What to expect from a month-long stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/long-term-boarding-what-to-expect/) - [Microchips & ID tags before you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/microchips-and-id-tags/) - [A pet evacuation plan for Solano & Yolo families](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/pet-emergency-plan/) - [Which kennel class does my dog need?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/choosing-a-kennel-class/) - [Should two dogs share a kennel?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/two-dogs-one-kennel/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### What is the best enrichment for a dog? A mix of sniffing, problem solving and licking or chewing. Match it to your dog's age and health. ### Can my dog have a lick mat at the kennel? Yes. A Happy Lick Mat is $4.99 with peanut butter or cheese on the 2026 rates. ### What is a pupsicle? A Happy Pupsicle is a frozen bell pepper treat in beef or chicken, $7.99 on the 2026 rates.