Explore
Sniffing and searching let your dog investigate at their own pace.
Activity and rest check
Is My Dog Bored? Free 4-Question Enrichment Assessment
Answer four questions to build a simple plan that suits your dog.
About 2 minutes
Developed with the behavior experts at
Review tool
Check your dog's activity and rest.
Question 1 of 4
A balanced daily routine
Good enrichment includes activity, choice and rest.
Dogs can benefit from sniffing, chewing, searching, play and quiet recovery.
Use body and mind
Safe chewing, foraging and short training provide focused activity.
Recover
Undisturbed rest supports learning and physical recovery.
Keep the plan simple
Choose activities your dog enjoys.
Add one change at a time and watch how your dog feels afterward.
- 1
Follow your dog's preference
Repeat activities your dog chooses and enjoys.
- 2
Supervise new items
Remove anything your dog swallows or breaks into dangerous pieces.
- 3
Watch recovery
A suitable activity should not leave your dog sore, frantic or unable to rest.
Common questions
Enrichment questions.
Does my dog just need more exercise?
Not always. Sniffing, chewing, training, social contact and rest may create a better balance.
Are food puzzles enough?
No single activity suits every need. Use puzzles as one safe option among activities your dog enjoys.
Can I use cardboard or household items?
Only use safe materials with close supervision. Stop if your dog swallows pieces or guards the item.
Sources.
Reviewed
- AAHA: Enrichment at homeExplains mental wellbeing, individual preferences and different enrichment types.
- ASPCA: Canine DIY enrichmentProvides practical activity ideas and safety advice for homemade items.
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Normal social behavior in dogsExplains natural dog behavior, exploration, play and social needs.
- CATCH Canine Trainers Academy: Our PhilosophyForce-free, positive-reinforcement methods based on modern learning principles.
This tool considers health, daily activities, recovery and item safety. It does not set one exercise target for every dog.