Let’s Talk About Enrichment: Have We Lost the Plot a Bit?

By Avril, thedogcalmer

Over the many years I’ve worked as a dog behaviourist, I’ve seen more trends than I can count. Buzzwords come and go. Products pop up promising to solve every issue. And one of the biggest buzzwords doing the rounds lately? Enrichment.

Now before anyone jumps down my throat, let me say this: I’m not against the idea of meeting our dogs’ emotional and behavioural needs. Far from it. What I am questioning is how we’ve started defining “enrichment” and whether, somewhere along the way, we’ve slightly lost our common sense.

Who was it, I wonder, that first decided our dogs need puzzles, snuffle mats, wobble feeders, and lickable walls to be content in life? As if, in the absence of these things, they are missing something fundamental?

I’ve met people who genuinely feel guilty because they don’t have time every day to scatter their dog’s kibble in the grass or freeze pumpkin and goat’s milk into silicone moulds. Others who feel they’re failing because their dog didn’t quite “take to” the latest sensory activity board or ball pit. And it’s not their fault — we’re bombarded with marketing and social media that make it all look so necessary.

Somewhere along the way, it’s been sold to us that enrichment is something we must buy, or something that must happen away from us. Doggy daycare, for instance — now there’s a whole other conversation (and believe me, that blog is coming!) — is often touted as enriching. But let’s be honest… playgroup isn’t for every child, and doggy daycare isn’t for every dog.

And throwing food on the ground to encourage “foraging”? I mean, really. Since when did that become the gold standard of fulfilment? Yes, dogs enjoy sniffing. Yes, it’s part of who they are. But do they need us to actively encourage them to sniff out treats all the time, not much of a challenge to a dog? And more to the point — shouldn’t we be the most engaging, rewarding, and enriching part of their world?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against sniffing, games, or even the odd puzzle if your dog enjoys it. But when “enrichment” becomes something we outsource to toys, gadgets, or doggy experiences, we risk forgetting what truly matters: our relationship with our dogs. Real, meaningful connection. Shared experiences. Calm, quality time together. Teaching, guiding, playing, resting.

Enrichment isn’t always found in novelty. Sometimes it’s found in the rhythm of a dog’s life — in the calm of a structured walk, in watching the world go by from a safe spot, in quietly being included in your day. Enrichment is a dog feeling understood, safe, and secure. And that doesn’t come from a snuffle mat.

So maybe the question we should ask isn’t “what new enrichment activity should I try today?” but instead — what does my dog need from me right now?

The answer might surprise you.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the enrichment advice out there and wondering what truly fits your dog, I’d love to help you cut through the noise and find what really matters — for you both.

With calm and kindness, Avril — thedogcalmer

Clinical Dog Behaviourist

📞 07505 277374📧 avril@thedogcalmer.com🌐 www.thedogcalmer.com