Enrichment Without the Overwhelm: Simple Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy

busy-pawz
2 days ago
3 min read

We hear it all the time: Dogs need more enrichment! More sniffing! More games! More challenges!

And while it’s true that mental and physical enrichment plays a huge role in our dogs’ wellbeing, it can also feel… exhausting. Especially when you’re juggling a busy household, work, and the never-ending to-do list.

So let’s take a breath and break down what enrichment really means (and how to make it work for you).

What is Enrichment, Really?

At its core, enrichment means giving your dog opportunities to do dog things.

It’s not about making every day a carnival of puzzles and brain games. It’s about meeting your dog’s emotional and instinctual needs in a way that’s natural and sustainable for both of you.

That might look like:

Sniffing on a slow walk
Shredding a cardboard box
Chewing on a bone
Solving a simple food puzzle
Playing a short game with you

If it brings your dog joy and allows them to use their brain or body in a way that feels good - it’s enrichment.

Why Enrichment Can Start to Feel Overwhelming

Social media’s full of “10 Ways to Enrich Your Dog Today!” and videos of perfectly crafted enrichment stations made from recycled wood and organic twine.

Dogs don’t need perfect. They need present.

When we start to see enrichment as another thing to tick off or compare ourselves to others doing more - we lose the magic. And our dogs would honestly rather we spent 5 relaxed minutes together than 45 minutes stressed about doing it “right.”

Keep It Simple, Keep It Real

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Most dogs are thrilled with basic, regular options. Try:

Letting your dog sniff a new patch of grass on your walk
Scattering a few treats in the backyard
Giving them an empty box with treats hidden inside
Swapping their bowl for a lick mat once a week
Rolling up kibble in a towel for a quick unroll game

And as a bonus, these simple activities can often replace unwanted behaviours like chewing, barking, or pacing because they give your dog an outlet for that energy or emotion.

Let Your Dog Lead the Way

Watch what your dog naturally gravitates towards.

Do they like to shred? Lick? Sniff? Tug? Use that as a guide.

You don’t need a new idea every day - you just need a few that feel fun and easy for you and your dog.

Some dogs thrive on change. Others find comfort in routine. There’s no one-size-fits-all. So give yourself permission to keep it simple.

Final Thoughts: You’re Probably Doing More Than You Think

Enrichment isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing meaningful.

If your dog has chances to play, sniff, explore, or unwind during their day, you’re already on the right track.

So next time you see a complicated DIY puzzle made from a crate, a cabbage, and a crowbar... just smile, nod, and toss your dog an empty cardboard box instead. 😉

You’ve got this.

Thanks for reading! And thank you for being the kind of person a dog would choose.

As always…

Throw your dog a treat from us!

Deb & the Busy Pawz Crew xo

🎧 P.S. Want more stress-free enrichment ideas?

Tune into this week’s podcast where I share my favourite 5-minute games and how to use enrichment to calm your dog - not hype them up.

👉 Listen here