Why Brain Games & Enrichment Matter for Your Dog

When people think about exercising their dogs, they often picture long walks or zooming around a field. But one of the most important things I teach in my sessions, whether it’s puppies, heel walking, reactivity or calmness, is this:

Mental exercise can be just as powerful as physical exercise. And sometimes… it works even better.

Dogs are problem-solvers by nature. Their noses, brains, and bodies are designed to explore, sniff, search, and think. When we use enrichment to tap into these natural behaviours, something brilliant happens.

The Science Bit

Sniffing lowers heart rate

Nose work activates the olfactory centre of the brain, which is huge in dogs. Studies show that sniffing helps reduce stress and encourages calm decision-making. This is why scatter feeding and scent games are so effective for overexcited or anxious dogs.

Licking releases calming hormones

When a dog licks (lick mats, Kongs, yoghurt spread on a tray), their brain releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that help lower arousal and promote relaxation.

Problem-solving builds confidence

Puzzle games, shredding boxes, and “find it” searches engage the parts of the brain linked to learning and independence. This is especially helpful for nervous dogs, rescue dogs, or dogs going through adolescence (the “teenage stage”).

Mental work tires the brain

A dog can run for an hour and still have energy, but 10 minutes of thoughtful enrichment can help them settle more quickly because it’s mentally challenging in a healthy, fulfilling way.

Simple Brain Games You Can Try at Home

You don’t need fancy equipment to start enriching your dog’s mind. Here are some easy games that use everyday items:

Hide and Seek

Hide treats or favourite toys around the house or yard. Encourage your dog to find them using their nose. This game taps into their natural scent-tracking abilities and provides mental exercise.

Shell Game

Use three cups and hide a treat under one. Shuffle the cups and let your dog guess which cup holds the treat. This game sharpens focus and memory.

Scatter Feeding

Simple, free, and incredibly effective. Spreading food on the grass or floor encourages natural foraging and helps dogs slow down.

Snuffle Mats

Perfect for puppies, busy-brained adolescents, or dogs who become overstimulated. Sniffing encourages that lovely, calm state we want to nurture.

Cardboard Box Treasure Hunt

Put treats, toys, or scrunched paper inside a box. Let your dog rip, sniff, and search safely. Great for dogs that mouth, steal, or love to destroy things.

Lick Mats & Kongs

These are fantastic for dogs who struggle to switch off or want constant attention. Licking = calm brain.

Muffin Tin Puzzle

Treats hidden under tennis balls: simple but perfect for beginners or puppies learning problem-solving.

How Often Should You Do Enrichment?

A little, often.

Even 5–10 minutes a few times a week can:

• Reduce unwanted behaviours

• Build calmness

• Help your dog settle more easily

• Support training goals

• Improve overall well-being

  
  

For high-energy dogs, reactive dogs, or young dogs (especially the 7–18 month “teenage stage”), enrichment is essential.

Final Thoughts

Enrichment isn’t about tiring your dog out; it’s about fulfilling them. It strengthens your bond, builds confidence, and helps create calm, content dogs who can make good choices.

At Emma-Jayne Canine Behaviour & Training, I weave enrichment into everything I do because it genuinely makes life easier for both dogs and owners. You don’t need expensive toys or complicated setups; just a few simple activities can transform your dog’s day.