Why Indoor Enrichment Matters for Your Dog

Rain, snow, or cold weather can keep you indoors, but your pup still needs ways to stay busy and sharp. Research and veterinary behaviourists agree that indoor enrichment:

• Reduces boredom, stress, and destructive behaviours by tapping into natural instincts like sniffing and problem-solving.

• Boosts confidence and focus through interactive play and training.

• Provides physical and mental activity when outdoor exercise is limited, especially in winter or rainy conditions.

1. Puzzle Toys & Treat-Dispensing Games

Puzzle toys and treat dispensers are an easy way to make your dog work for their food, turning mealtime into an engaging challenge. These toys are a great way to encourage mental stimulation through sniffing, pawing, and problem-solving. If your do gi new to these type of toys start with easy puzzles and increase difficulty as your dog learns.

Our Faves:

• Treat-dispensing toys:

  • DuraPaw Treat Dispensing Feeder Ball — A durable treat ball that dispenses food as your dog rolls and plays, it can act as a slow feeder and boost mental stimulation.
  • West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispenser — A tough, treat‑dispensing dog toy that can also act as a slow feeder to extend meal time and engage your dog’s brain.
  • The Pupsicle — A beautifully designed, treat toy that claims to keep your dog occupied for 30 minutes!!

• Slow feeder bowls:
  • ollie b. good — we love the creative selection of slow feeders from this brand, all designed to to add some mental stimulation to your pet’s routine.

• Puzzle toys: 
  • Nina Ottosson Hide N' Slide Puzzle — Nina Ottosson has a range of interactive enrichment toys for dogs (and cats) that hide treats and challenge pets to solve problems by sliding blocks, spinning discs, or lifting pegs to access rewards.
  • Wholesome Canine Puzzle Library — if your tired of buying new puzzles once your dog solves them, you can check if your city has a local dog puzzle library like Wholesome Canine in Toronto, or swap puzzles with your friends or neighbourhood dog group.
    
    

2. DIY “Nose Work” & Scent Games

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell — up to 10,000–100,000 times stronger than ours — which makes scent games one of the best indoor enrichment activities. Sniffing engages their natural instincts, boosts focus, and tires your dog out fast.

Our Faves:

• Snuffle Matts — Snuffle mats encourage your dog to use their nose to search for hidden treats, keeping their brain busy and boredom at bay. They also slow down fast eaters and provide a calm, low-impact way to burn energy and help dogs relax. Try the Tall Tails Foraging Mat, Strawberry Snuffle Mat, or Lamb Wolf Snuffle Ball.

• Treat Scavenger Hunt — Hide treats around a room and let your dog sniff them out for an easy DIY at home game. 
  
  
• Wholesome Canine Scent Den — This is a sensory-rich indoor space in Toronto, where dogs can sniff, explore, and engage their natural instincts in a calm, controlled environment. It’s an amazing way to give your dog a mental workout — especially during colder months or when outdoor time is limited. 

3. Quick Trick Training Sessions

Spend a few minutes daily teaching you dog a new trick! Teach basics like sit, stay, spin, and touch, or move onto more advanced tricks. These short training sessions:

• Increase obedience and focus

• Build confidence

• Are a perfect indoor activity on cold or rainy days

Pro tip: Keep sessions short (5–10 min) to prevent frustration and keep it fun. Search Tik Tok or You Tube to find a variety of beginner to advances tricks to teach your dog! Try these beginner level videos: Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution, Emily Larlham Trick Video, or for more advanced  Emily Larlham Advanced Trick Video.

4. Lick Mats & Frozen Stuffed Toys

Lick mats or frozen stuffed toys are great for calm enrichment — especially if your dog needs a soothing challenge. Spread dog-safe peanut butter or other dog-friendly food on a lick mat and let them go to work. This slows eating, reduces anxiety, and keeps your dog occupied.

Our Faves:

• Lick Mats — ollie b. good — we love their creative selection of silicon lick mats.

• Frozen Stuffed Toys — Kong and West Paw offer a variety of sizes and shapes of toys you can fill and freeze for long lasting licking and chewing! 

Tips for Success

Indoor enrichment isn’t just winter fun — it’s essential year-round for a happy, healthy dog.

• Rotate activities to keep things interesting — variety is key.

• Always supervise games, especially DIY versions.

• Match the game to your dog’s personality — some prefer scent work, others love puzzles.

• End sessions on a high note with praise and treats.

We want to hear from you!! Comment below on your favourite indoor enrichment activities you do with your dog!