The Many Faces of Canine Enrichment: Finding the Right Balance

“Enrichment isn’t about doing more — it’s about finding the right balance.”

When most people think of “enrichment,” they picture long walks, games of fetch, or high-energy play. While those things absolutely count, enrichment isn’t just about keeping a dog busy. It’s about creating opportunities for them to engage their minds and bodies in healthy ways, and just as importantly, it’s about balance. Too much of the wrong kind of enrichment can actually leave dogs overtired, stressed, and less able to relax.

There are many forms of enrichment, and the truth is, anything that falls into the normal behaviour category for a species — sniffing, chewing, digging, social play, resting — is enriching when a dog can perform it with autonomy. But when we talk about the kind of enrichment that we intentionally provide in our homes and daily routines, that’s when it helps to think about three main categories.

Active Enrichment (with Guardians Involved)

This is the enrichment most people think of first: walks, training games, tug, fetch, agility, or even puzzle toys when the owner is actively cheering the dog on. What makes this type of activity so powerful is that it’s not just stimulating, it strengthens the bond between dog and guardian.

Think of it as “double enrichment”: the activity itself engages the dog’s brain and body, and the presence of their person adds another layer of social and emotional value.

Independent Enrichment (Confidence-Building and Problem-Solving)

Dogs also benefit from enrichment that doesn’t rely on us. Activities they can do on their own, like food-stuffed toys, snuffle mats, digging boxes, or a safe chew — encourage independence and problem-solving.

These moments allow dogs to explore, make choices, and build confidence without needing constant direction from their humans. They also give guardians a break, knowing their dog is happily occupied in a healthy, constructive way.

Decompression Enrichment (Calming and Restorative)

Finally, there’s enrichment that’s specifically about winding down. Just like when humans read a book or listen to calming music before bed, dogs also need downtime activities that help them shift from “on” to “off.”

Chewing, sniffing, licking, or slow, calm sniff-walks all fall into this category. These activities trigger soothing brain chemistry and help dogs regulate themselves, making it easier for them to relax and sleep deeply.

The Key: Balance

Too much active enrichment without enough decompression can backfire. Dogs need space to rest, sleep, and recharge — most require 14–16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. Over-scheduling their days with constant activity can leave them just as frazzled as a human who never gets a quiet evening at home.

By offering a balance of active, independent, and decompression enrichment, we set dogs up for healthier bodies, calmer minds, and stronger bonds with us.

Pro Tip

If a dog relies heavily on their guardian to participate in every form of enrichment, it may be a sign that confidence building is needed. One effective strategy is to begin with activities that involve the guardian, then gradually step back to allow the dog to complete the task more independently. This gradual shift helps the dog develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and self-assurance, especially valuable for dogs that are anxious, insecure, or overly attached to their people.

Final Thought

Enrichment doesn’t have to mean doing more, it means doing smarter. A little tug game here, a stuffed Kong there, and a quiet sniff-walk to wind down may be all your dog needs for a fulfilling day.

And sometimes, the best enrichment of all is simply letting your dog rest.

Let’s Connect

If you’re interested in learning more about enrichment strategies or want professional guidance tailored to your dog, Thrive Canine Service Team is here to help. Compassionate, science‑based, ethical care — for dogs and the people who love them.

By: Lisa Large, CDBC, CCPDT-KA, SDC