Dog Enrichment Checklist
✅ Keep Your Dog’s Brain and Body Happy at Home
Enrichment isn’t extra—it’s essential. This weekly checklist helps you support your dog’s mental, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing through simple, fun activities.
Print it. Post it on the fridge. Check off what you do each week!
MENTAL ENRICHMENT
Stimulate your dog’s brain and problem-solving skills.
☐ Puzzle feeder or snuffle mat
☐ Scent game or “find it” scavenger hunt
☐ Learn a new trick or cue
☐ Cardboard box destruction (with treats inside!)
☐ Frozen Kong or lick mat
☐ 5-minute “place” or impulse control game
PHYSICAL ENRICHMENT
Get the body moving with intention and safety.
☐ Tug, fetch, or flirt pole
☐ Climb or balance on a safe surface (cushion, step stool, etc.)
☐ Structured walk (not just sniffing—engage together)
☐ Gentle stretching or massage
☐ Mini obstacle course in the house or yard
☐ Fitness game using paws or core
SOCIAL ENRICHMENT
Support healthy interactions and confidence building.
☐ Positive, structured playdate
☐ Calm interaction with a new person
☐ Training in a new location (e.g., park, store)
☐ Supervised dog-dog social time (if appropriate)
☐ Practice greetings or manners with guests
☐ Gentle grooming or cooperative care practice
REST & EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Dogs need rest and self-regulation just as much as play.
☐ At least 1 hour of calm crate or bed rest
☐ Daily quiet time without stimulation (no screens, people, or chaos)
☐ Low-arousal decompression walk
☐ Short training with calm rewards (like a sniff walk followed by a chew)
☐ Cuddle time, if your dog enjoys touch
☐ Chew or lick item to settle the nervous system
Goal:
Try 1–2 activities from each category per day, or aim to hit all categories 3–4x per week. The key is variety and balance—not just tiring your dog out, but helping them feel calm, focused, and fulfilled.
Want more enrichment in your dog’s life?
stayNplay daycare builds these elements into every day—so you don’t have to do it all alone.
Download Your Own Checklist and Work with Your Dog At Home: Canine Enrichment Checklist
