Crazy Enrichment Ideas We've Tried with Our Dogs (And Loved!)

As dog parents, we always look for new ways to keep our pups mentally stimulated, happy, and engaged. Just like humans, dogs can get bored if they aren't challenged, and that's where enrichment comes in! In this post, we (Nelly, with my dog Yenko, and Emily with her dogs Toby and Fitz) share some of the wild and creative enrichment ideas we've used to keep our dogs on their toes (or paws!).

While some of our tactics might sound a bit crazy, they've worked wonders in keeping our dogs stimulated, and hey, they've added some fun and unpredictability to our daily routines, too! From using laundry as a treat scavenger hunt to forking some cake taste tests, we hope these ideas inspire you to try something new with your pup.

Why Enrichment Matters

Enrichment is more than just entertainment—it's vital to your dog's well-being. Dogs are naturally curious, driven by instincts like sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving. By engaging those instincts, we can help prevent boredom, reduce anxiety, and channel their energy into something productive (rather than tearing up the house!). Plus, it's a fantastic way to build a stronger bond with your dog as you experience these new activities together.

Emily's obstacle course for her dog Fitz

The Indoor Obstacle Course (Emily)

Fitz, Emily's ball-obsessed dog, isn't allowed to play with balls inside—his antics would likely leave the house in shambles! To channel his energy creatively, Emily started using everyday items like sections of agility equipment, grooming tools, harnesses, and leashes to create an indoor "Treat Alley" in her hallway. By scattering treats or portions of Fitz's meals around, on, and under these objects, Fitz discovered a fun and mentally stimulating way to play indoors. With his boundless energy, especially during cold Iowa winters, Emily found herself exhausted trying to keep up. That's when she dove deep into enrichment activities for high-energy dogs and began crafting interactive games to keep Fitz entertained and fulfilled, even inside.

Nelly folds laundry while her dog, Yenko searches for treats

The Laundry Treat Hunt (Nelly)

I have a confession: I hate folding laundry. It's one of those chores I put off as long as possible. But I realized there was a way to turn this dreaded task into something fun for both me and Yenko. My solution? The Laundry Treat Hunt.

Here's how it works: Once the laundry is fresh out of the dryer and dumped on the bed (unfolded, of course), I scatter small, dry treats throughout the pile. Yenko, with his sharp nose, gets to work sniffing out the treats while I attempt to fold faster than he can find them. It turns laundry folding into a race against my dog—and surprisingly, it's made the chore a lot more enjoyable. Plus, Yenko gets a fantastic sniffing workout!

What I love about this activity is how simple it is. You don't need any fancy tools, just your dog's favorite dry treats and a pile of clothes you're willing to let them rummage through. It's a great way to keep them busy for a few minutes, and honestly, it's been a lifesaver on days when I need to get stuff done around the house but don't want to neglect Yenko's need for stimulation.

Emily's senior dog, Toby plays the Ping Pong Challenge

The Ping Ball Challange (Emily)

Toby, Emily's senior dog, maybe a little slower these days, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy a good mental challenge. Instead of simply giving him dinner in a bowl, Emily created a fun and interactive game using a silicone mini cupcake mold and ping pong balls. By placing bits of food under the balls, Toby has to sniff and nudge the balls out of the way to find his treats. This game keeps him engaged, sharpens his mind, and adds fun to his mealtime. Plus, Toby absolutely loves it—though the ping pong balls do tend to go flying as he gets into the game!  

My dog Yenko and his smelly goat friends

The 'Farm Fresh' Scent Adventure (Nelly)

This next one takes a bit more planning but is well worth the effort: the Farm Fresh Scent Adventure. Yenko loves new smells, and what's more exciting than the scent of farm animals? So, occasionally, I'll take a trip to a local farm and ask them to rub one of my old towels or blankets on their horses, goats, or cows. The result? A sensory explosion for Yenko when I bring it home.

I lay the towel down outside, and Yenko goes crazy exploring all the unfamiliar smells. He'll spend a good amount of time sniffing, pawing, and even rolling around on the towel, clearly fascinated by the new scents. It's an incredible way to enrich his sense of smell and bring some of the outdoors home.

This activity is a perfect example of how simple and inexpensive enrichment can be. A towel and some animal scents can transform a regular day into an exciting adventure for your dog. Just be sure to check with the farm owners first to ensure they're okay with it—and avoid any animals that could carry harmful parasites or bacteria.

The Bedtime Cake Routine (Emily)

 Every night before bed, I have a special tradition with my dogs that helps signal the end of the day—feeding them their "Bedtime Cake." It's not an actual cake, of course, but a small, calming snack I prepare for them. Toby and Fitz know that once they get their bedtime treat, the excitement of the day is winding down, and it's time to relax. This simple ritual has become a comforting part of our nightly routine. As soon as they see me preparing their treat, they settle down, eagerly awaiting their snack before curling up to sleep. It's a gentle way to shift from playtime to rest, creating a smooth transition for them (and for me!) into a peaceful night.  

Why Crazy Enrichment Works

Enrichment taps into a dog's instincts—whether it's sniffing, problem-solving, or foraging—and these activities help provide both mental and physical exercise. The brainpower your dog uses in these games is just as tiring as physical exercise, which means your dog is less likely to become bored, frustrated, or even destructive at home.

Dogs are wired to work for their rewards, whether it's food, affection, or a fun activity, and these kinds of creative enrichment ideas give them a chance to use their senses in new ways. Whether it's Yenko searching through laundry for treats or exploring a farm-scented towel, these activities mimic their natural hunting and foraging behaviors.

By keeping our dogs mentally stimulated, we're enriching their lives and helping improve their overall behavior and well-being. A mentally satisfied dog is a calmer, happier dog, which every dog parent can appreciate!

Tips for Trying Crazy Enrichment at Home

Safety First

Before trying out any new enrichment activities, consider your dog's limitations. If your dog is older, has mobility issues, or has any medical conditions, adapt the activities to suit their needs. For example, don't encourage your dog to jump or climb if they have joint problems, and avoid certain scents if your dog has allergies.

Think Outside the Box

You don't need fancy toys or expensive gadgets to create enrichment for your dog. Think creatively about the resources you have around you. A pile of laundry, an old towel, or even a cardboard box can become a source of entertainment. It's all about engaging your dog's senses and tapping into their instincts.

Simple is Often the Best

Sometimes, the simplest activities can be the most effective. Whether it's hiding treats around the house or using a scent from the outdoors, these little moments can excite your dog. It doesn't have to be a grand event—just something that breaks up the monotony of their day and gives them a new challenge.

Enrichment is about having fun with your dog and keeping their minds engaged. Whether it's a quirky treat hunt through the laundry or a farm-scented adventure in the living room, these little moments of creativity can make a big difference in your dog's day-to-day happiness.

We'd love to hear your crazy enrichment ideas! Have you tried anything wild or unexpected to keep your dog entertained? Share with us in the comments, or tag us on social media—we can't wait to see what you come up with!

Meet our Co-Writer Emily Breslin

Emily is a passionate animal lover and seasoned expert with 30 years of experience as a retired veterinary technician and now a dog trainer. Through her platform, Straight-Up Dog Talk, she empowers dog parents with honest conversations about training, behavior, and health. When she’s not sharing her knowledge, you can find her enjoying time with her two furry sidekicks, Toby and Fitz.