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5 Simple Games to Enrich Your Pet
Dogs can learn over 100 words—brain games keep them stimulated.
Outdoor walks are very important, but enrichment can also happen at home on rainy days. Mental exercise is just as vital as physical exercise for dogs—sometimes even more so. A tired brain equals a calmer, happier dog, and that can make life at home a whole lot smoother.
Fun fact: Dogs can learn over 100 words. Some breeds, like border collies, have been documented knowing more than 200. That means your pup isn’t just listening to the tone of your voice—they’re decoding vocabulary and responding to cues. Which is why brain games at home are so powerful.
The good news? You don’t need special equipment or a big backyard. Here are five simple, tried-and-tested games to enrich your dog’s life right in your living room.
Why Enrichment Matters
Dogs left without stimulation can become restless, bark excessively, or chew furniture. Enrichment games:
Provide mental exercise that’s just as tiring as physical play.
Build confidence, especially in anxious or shy dogs.
Strengthen your bond—because you’re part of the fun.
Think of it as daily brain gym for your pup.
Hide and Seek
This classic isn’t just for kids—it’s a fantastic way to engage your dog’s nose and brain.
Have your dog sit and stay (or get someone to hold them).
Hide in another room or behind furniture.
Call your dog once and wait.
The excitement of finding you taps into their natural search instincts. For beginners, start with easy spots. As they get better, hide upstairs, under tables, or behind doors.
Hack: Instead of yourself, hide a favourite toy or treat and encourage your dog to “Find it!”
The Shell Game
Take three plastic cups.
Place a treat under one, shuffle them slowly, then let your dog choose.
Most dogs will paw or nose the right cup after a few rounds. It’s simple, but it builds focus and problem-solving skills.
Pro tip: Gradually make it harder by shuffling faster or adding more cups.
Towel Treat Roll-Up
Sprinkle kibble or small treats along a towel.
Roll it up, tucking treats as you go.
Let your dog unroll and sniff their way to the prize.
This game slows down fast eaters and gives them a puzzle to solve. For extra challenge, tie the towel in a loose knot.
Name That Toy
Since dogs can learn so many words, why not start with toy names?
Pick one toy and repeat its name often during play (e.g., “ball”).
Place the ball among two other objects.
Ask your dog to “get the ball.” Reward success with praise and a game.
Over time, most dogs can learn the names of multiple toys. It’s a fun way to flex their vocabulary and impress friends.
Sniffari Indoors
You don’t always need a park to go on a sniffing adventure.
Scatter kibble or treats around a room, behind furniture legs, under cushions, even under a flipped-over laundry basket.
Encourage your dog to “search.”
This transforms mealtime into a scavenger hunt. It’s particularly great for rainy days when walks are short.
PawPaw’s Favourite Enrichment Toys
Sometimes you don’t have the time (or energy) to cut up towels and scatter kibble around. That’s where ready-made enrichment toys shine. We tested a bunch and found these three worth adding to your dog’s toolkit:
Pebble
$39
Designed to be both a slow feeder and treat dispenser, Pebble is a versatile all-in-one interactive toy that mentally and physically stimulates your dog. Use it as a slow feeder for all sorts of food, including wet, dry, and raw meals.
Snuffle Mat
$12
Made of premium fleece and felt material, this snuffle mat is soft and wearproof for reusable and long term use. Anti slip bottom design makes it not easy to move during use. A fastener tape design provides easy fixing.
Dango Ring
A pair of rubber balls that cleverly conceal treats, reminiscent of traditional rice cakes. A durable, horseshoe-shaped rubber holder that securely connects the balls. Fill each ball with your pup's preferred treats to provide irresistible incentive for manipulating the balls and uncovering the hidden rewards.
Final Thought
Dogs thrive on variety. A mix of physical exercise, brain games, and sniffing adventures creates balance and happiness. Try one or two of these games tonight—you’ll see your pup’s eyes light up, tail wag faster, and energy burn in the healthiest way.
Because at the end of the day, a mentally satisfied dog isn’t just a joy to live with—it’s a best friend who feels understood. 🐶
🐶
🐱
5 Simple Games to Enrich Your Pet
Dogs can learn over 100 words—brain games keep them stimulated.
Outdoor walks are very important, but enrichment can also happen at home on rainy days. Mental exercise is just as vital as physical exercise for dogs—sometimes even more so. A tired brain equals a calmer, happier dog, and that can make life at home a whole lot smoother.
Fun fact: Dogs can learn over 100 words. Some breeds, like border collies, have been documented knowing more than 200. That means your pup isn’t just listening to the tone of your voice—they’re decoding vocabulary and responding to cues. Which is why brain games at home are so powerful.
The good news? You don’t need special equipment or a big backyard. Here are five simple, tried-and-tested games to enrich your dog’s life right in your living room.
Dogs left without stimulation can become restless, bark excessively, or chew furniture. Enrichment games:
Provide mental exercise that’s just as tiring as physical play.
Build confidence, especially in anxious or shy dogs.
Strengthen your bond—because you’re part of the fun.
Think of it as daily brain gym for your pup.
Why Enrichment Matters
Hide and Seek
This classic isn’t just for kids—it’s a fantastic way to engage your dog’s nose and brain.
Have your dog sit and stay (or get someone to hold them).
Hide in another room or behind furniture.
Call your dog once and wait.
The excitement of finding you taps into their natural search instincts. For beginners, start with easy spots. As they get better, hide upstairs, under tables, or behind doors.
Hack: Instead of yourself, hide a favourite toy or treat and encourage your dog to “Find it!”
The Shell Game
Take three plastic cups.
Place a treat under one, shuffle them slowly, then let your dog choose.
Most dogs will paw or nose the right cup after a few rounds. It’s simple, but it builds focus and problem-solving skills.
Pro tip: Gradually make it harder by shuffling faster or adding more cups.
Towel Treat Roll-Up
Sprinkle kibble or small treats along a towel.
Roll it up, tucking treats as you go.
Let your dog unroll and sniff their way to the prize.
This game slows down fast eaters and gives them a puzzle to solve. For extra challenge, tie the towel in a loose knot.
Name That Toy
Since dogs can learn so many words, why not start with toy names?
Pick one toy and repeat its name often during play (e.g., “ball”).
Place the ball among two other objects.
Ask your dog to “get the ball.” Reward success with praise and a game.
Over time, most dogs can learn the names of multiple toys. It’s a fun way to flex their vocabulary and impress friends.
Sniffari Indoors
You don’t always need a park to go on a sniffing adventure.
Scatter kibble or treats around a room, behind furniture legs, under cushions, even under a flipped-over laundry basket.
Encourage your dog to “search.”
This transforms mealtime into a scavenger hunt. It’s particularly great for rainy days when walks are short.
PawPaw’s Favourite Enrichment Toys
Sometimes you don’t have the time (or energy) to cut up towels and scatter kibble around. That’s where ready-made enrichment toys shine. We tested a bunch and found these three worth adding to your dog’s toolkit:
Pebble
$39
Designed to be both a slow feeder and treat dispenser, Pebble is a versatile all-in-one interactive toy that mentally and physically stimulates your dog. Use it as a slow feeder for all sorts of food, including wet, dry, and raw meals.
Snuffle Mat
$12
Made of premium fleece and felt material, this snuffle mat is soft and wearproof for reusable and long term use. Anti slip bottom design makes it not easy to move during use. A fastener tape design provides easy fixing.
$36
Dango Ring
A pair of rubber balls that cleverly conceal treats, reminiscent of traditional rice cakes. A durable, horseshoe-shaped rubber holder that securely connects the balls. Fill each ball with your pup's preferred treats to provide irresistible incentive for manipulating the balls and uncovering the hidden rewards.
Final Thought
Dogs thrive on variety. A mix of physical exercise, brain games, and sniffing adventures creates balance and happiness. Try one or two of these games tonight—you’ll see your pup’s eyes light up, tail wag faster, and energy burn in the healthiest way.
Because at the end of the day, a mentally satisfied dog isn’t just a joy to live with—it’s a best friend who feels understood. 🐶
Hours
Monday – Friday
9am – 6pm
Hours
Monday – Friday
9am – 6pm