Why enrich? Benefits & principles

Mental enrichment fulfills a dog's cognitive and instinctive needs (sniffing, searching, exploring, chewing, problem-solving), reducing boredom, channeling energy, and promoting a more stable temperament. A dog that is intelligently occupied is often calmer at home and more focused outdoors.

• Fewer annoying behaviors (incessant movement, chewing on furniture, bored barking).
• Better emotional recovery after excitement/stress.
• Faster learning (walking on a leash, recall) thanks to a “hot brain”.

Principles: variety, gradual progression, short sessions, and frequent successes. Ten well-thought-out minutes are better than one intense hour that leads to frustration.

Games of smell (nose): the foundation of well-being

The dog lives by its nose. Making it search for something calms it and tires it out mentally.

Easy ideas (home)

• Kibble rain : Turn off the light for 5 seconds, scatter 10–30 kibbles, say “Find it!”.
• Scent trail : trace a trail (kibble every 50 cm) that leads to a small treasure.
• Surprise boxes : 3–5 boxes/cups, only one filled; mix, let them choose.
• Textiles : Crumple a blanket, slip 10 treats into the folds (monitor if big eater).

Ideas (outdoors)

• Treasure hunt in the grass: 20 small pieces spread over 3–5 m².
• “Zigzag” trail : on a long line, wind your way along and mark your discoveries.

👉 Easier with a flair/snuffle mat (anti-gulping, washable).

Puzzles & toy dispensers: thinking with your nose and paws

Food puzzles teach perseverance and regulate enthusiasm. Start with an easy level and increase it.

Progression in 3 levels

1. Level 1: licking mat, large hole dispensing ball, easy lid puzzle.
2. Level 2: drawers to pull, sliders to push, tighter mazes.
3. Level 3: combinations (pull + push), multiple caches, limited time.

Rules: start with very attractive food, stay present the first few times, finish with a success .

👉 See puzzles & toys dispensers

Soothing licking and chewing

Licking and chewing release self-soothing behaviors for many dogs.

• Licking mat (recipes: plain cream cheese, warmed pâté, plain yogurt + mashed banana).
• Toys to stuff (freeze for 20–30 min in summer to extend).
• Textured chew toys (short durations, supervision).

👉 Licking mats · Textured and stuffable toys

Walking tours (city & nature)

Turn outings into investigations:

• Odor checklist : “find a tree, a grate, a hedge, a bin”.
• Scent break every 5–10 minutes; the (regulatory) long line increases controlled exploration.
• Micro-exercises : 3 calm sits spread over the walk, 2 “relaxed leash = we move forward”.

👉 Cushioned leads & leashes for comfortable scent work walks.

Home circuit & gentle proprioception

Without jumping or forcing: you feel your paws , you coordinate.

• Slalom between 6 bottles, not slow, reward at each pass.
• Surfaces : carpet, blanket, corrugated cardboard, firm cushion (controlled rise/fall).
• Giant step : placing your feet in flat hoops.
• Target : send someone to place a paw on a cork trivet (strengthens body awareness).

Duration: 3–6 minutes maximum to maintain motivation.

Establishing "calm on the mat" (key exercise)

1. Place a comfortable mat . As soon as the dog approaches it, say “Yes!” + treat.
2. Reward while lying on the mat. Feed low and slowly.
3. Add micro-distractions (you get up, you walk) → reward if he stays.
4. Space out the rewards. The mat becomes the Off zone .

👉 Non-slip mats & blankets .

Mistakes to avoid

• Too difficult too soon → frustration. Go back a level .
• Too long → overexcitement. 5–15 minutes is enough.
• Monotonous : vary textures, locations, times.
• Without safety precautions : monitor chewing/ingestion, no unsupervised licking mats at the beginning.

FAQ

How much time per day?

Two to three blocks of 5–15 min, depending on size and age, are sufficient for visible effects on calmness.

My dog ​​“doesn’t like to search”…

Increase the appeal (chicken, dog cheese) and simplify the game. Reward every minor success.

Can I replace a walk with puzzles?

No. Enrichment complements physical activity and socialization; it does not replace them.