There’s a lot of talk in the dog world about active enrichment — and for good reason. Dogs didn’t start out as couch companions; they were domesticated by humans to fulfil a purpose, and that purpose still runs deep in their DNA. From herding sheep to hunting game to guarding the homestead, each breed was shaped by the work it once did.
Many of the behaviours we see in our dogs today were intentionally bred into them — terriers, for example, were designed to dig for rodents, so that urge to dig and hunt is still deeply anchored in their instincts. Telling them not to do these things isn’t enough; they’re fulfilling and rewarding by nature. Instead, we can take these inborn traits — along with their natural willingness to engage with us — and turn them into something positive.
That’s where active enrichment comes in. It’s not just about meeting your dog’s needs; it’s about working together in a way that strengthens your bond and brings joy to you both. Enrichment adds activities to your dog’s day that spark curiosity, promote confidence, and satisfy those instincts — keeping them more fulfilled, more relaxed, and less likely to invent their own mischief.
What is Active Enrichment?
Active enrichment is all about shared adventures that challenge your dog’s body and mind — and deepen your connection in the process. Together, you’ll engage their senses, encourage problem-solving, and channel their energy into something healthy and rewarding.
Think of it as a boredom buster with benefits — keeping you both moving, their brain buzzing, and their tail wagging while strengthening that all-important bond.
5 Ideas for Active Enrichment
1. Scent Games
Hide treats or toys around the house or garden and let your dog’s nose do the work. Start easy so they can build confidence, then make it trickier as they get the hang of it. You can even take it up a notch by joining a scent work course with a professional trainer and working towards becoming a scent detection team — in person or online.
The best part? Every dog can learn this — and it’s just as fun for us humans. You’ll get to watch instincts you didn’t even know your dog had come to life right in front of you.
💡 Pro tip: Keep rewards handy with our Treat Pouch so you can mark successes quickly and keep your dog motivated.
2. Training Games
Short, focused training sessions aren’t just good manners — they’re great enrichment too. Use treats and praise to teach new cues, refine known ones, or introduce fun tricks like spin or bow. Grab your Treat Pouch to keep rewards close, so sessions stay smooth and enjoyable.
You can even take it further by entering online trick-training competitions — simply film your dog’s skills, send them in, and work towards awards. Some tricks are just for laughs, but others turn out to be surprisingly useful in everyday life.
3. Tug & Chase Games
Tug is one of the most engaging ways to actively play with your dog — you’re both holding onto the same toy, pulling against each other, and fully involved in the action. This is different from fetch, where you throw the toy away and wait for your dog to return it. Fetch still has its place, but tug keeps you connected every second of the game, making it a stronger bonding activity.
Chase games take that excitement up a notch. Use a flirt pole, long rope toy, or even a soft toy you drag along the ground to spark your dog’s natural prey drive. The key is that you control the movement, so the fun comes from the interaction, not just the toy.
Both tug and chase satisfy deep instincts, give your dog a great physical and mental workout, and strengthen your bond. Keep it fun, let your dog win often, and they’ll be begging for the next round.
4. Obstacle Courses
Use household items or garden gear to create a mini agility course. Jump over broomsticks, weave through chairs, crawl under benches — it’s a great combo of physical and mental stimulation. Start super simple and reward often so your dog builds confidence with each challenge.
As they progress, you can create more complex courses, eventually guiding them through a set sequence in a certain order and time frame. On rainy days, bring the fun inside with safe, lightweight items.
💡 Pro tip: Your Treat Pouch is perfect here too — quick access to rewards keeps training momentum high.
5. Swimming Together
If your dog enjoys water, swimming is an incredible way to combine exercise, enrichment, and bonding. Whether it’s in a calm lake, at the beach, or in a gentle river, heading into the water together can be a huge confidence builder.
When you actively swim alongside your dog rather than just throwing a stick from shore, you encourage them to follow your lead, building trust and teamwork. For water-shy dogs, start slow — wade together in the shallows, rewarding every brave step.
💡 Gear tip: Our Terraflow Waterproof Collars are perfect for wet adventures — stink-proof, easy to clean, and built to last.
Why It Matters
Active enrichment is more than just fun — it’s confidence-building, stress-reducing, and bond-strengthening. It channels your dog’s natural energy into positive outlets, leaving them calmer, more balanced, and more responsive to training.
When you work with their instincts instead of against them, you open the door to a happier, more fulfilled life for both of you.
Up next: Passive Enrichment — the art of keeping your dog’s brain gently busy, even when you’re not around. Stay tuned for Part 2.
