Dog Enrichment 101: Easy Activities (Including Frozen Treats) to Keep Your Dog Busy

Enrichment is anything that gives your dog a safe job to do—sniffing, chewing, licking, problem-solving, or learning. A little enrichment each day can reduce boredom behaviors (like chewing furniture, barking, or getting “wild” at night) and help your dog feel more settled.

Why enrichment matters

• Mental exercise: sniffing and problem-solving tire dogs out in a good way.
• Better behavior: boredom is a common trigger for chewing, barking, and restlessness.
• Confidence: learning small skills and “winning” easy puzzles builds resilience.
• Bonding: short training and play sessions improve communication and trust.

Easy enrichment activities (pick 1–2 per day)

1) Sniffing games (the easiest win)

• Scatter feeding: toss a handful of kibble in the grass or on a snuffle mat.
• Find it: toss one treat nearby and say “find it,” then gradually make it harder.
• Scent trail: drag a treat on the floor for a few feet, then hide it at the end.

2) Licking activities (calming + low effort)

• Spread a thin layer of dog-safe food on a lick mat or plate and freeze it.
• Make “pupsicles” with dog-safe ingredients (ideas below).

3) Chewing (natural stress relief)

• Use durable chew toys or vet-approved chews that match your dog’s chewing strength.
• For power chewers, monitor closely and replace toys that are cracking or shedding pieces.

4) Micro-training (5 minutes)

• Practice sit, down, touch, wait, or go to mat.
• Keep it easy and end on a win. Training should feel like a game.

5) “Jobs” around the house

• Towel roll-up: roll kibble into a towel (supervise so they don’t eat fabric).
• Box search: put treats in a cardboard box with crumpled paper.
• Pick-up game: teach “bring it” with a soft toy and reward.

Frozen treats: simple, safe ideas

Freezing turns a quick snack into a longer activity. Start with easier fillings, then increase difficulty.

Beginner fillings (freeze well)

• Soaked kibble: kibble + warm water, let it soften, then freeze.
• Plain canned pumpkin: 100% pumpkin (not pie filling).
• Plain yogurt or kefir: choose unsweetened; avoid xylitol and added sugars.
• Wet food “cap”: a spoonful of your dog’s regular wet food.

Flavor boosters (small amounts)

• Mashed banana
• Unsalted broth (check ingredients; avoid onion/garlic)
• Finely shredded cooked chicken (plain)

Featured enrichment toy: fill + freeze

If you want one tool that makes enrichment easy, use a fillable chew toy you can stuff and freeze. Freezing makes the snack last longer and gives your dog a calming “project.”

A simple weekly enrichment plan (no overwhelm)

• Mon/Wed/Fri: frozen fillable toy (10–20 minutes)
• Tue/Thu: sniff game + 5 minutes training
• Sat: new “job” (box search or towel roll-up)
• Sun: easy day (chew + short sniff walk)

When to call the vet

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Vomiting/diarrhea after new treats or repeated stomach upset
• Broken tooth, bleeding gums, or pain while chewing
• Choking, repeated gagging, or trouble breathing
• Sudden behavior changes or worsening anxiety