Favorite Enrichment Toys for Mentally Stimulated Dogs
How I Use Play to Build Focus, Confidence, & Calm
Have you ever taken your dog on a long, strenuous hike only for them to nap briefly and then bounce back, ready to play again just a couple of hours later? That’s because you tired out their body, but not their mind. Physical exercise is important, but without engaging their brain, many dogs still feel restless, bored, or even anxious.
In fact, just 30 minutes of mental enrichment can be more tiring than a 2-hour hike for many dogs. That’s why I always incorporate enrichment into training plans — it balances the nervous system, satisfies instinctual needs, and helps create a calmer, more focused dog.
As a professional dog trainer, one of the biggest behavioral breakthroughs I see comes not from training, but from enrichment. Dogs need more than just walks and food bowls. They need mental stimulation, problem-solving, and creative ways to express their instincts. Enrichment helps dogs burn off excess energy, reduce anxiety, build confidence, and even improve obedience.
Below are some of my favorite enrichment toys — ones I use regularly with my clients, my own dogs, and even dogs recovering from anxiety or overstimulation. These aren’t just toys — they’re tools that support a more balanced, happy, and emotionally regulated dog.
🧩 1. Snuffle Mat
Snuffle mats are one of my favorite low-effort, high-reward enrichment tools.
They mimic natural foraging behaviors, helping dogs slow down, focus, and engage their nose — their most powerful sensory organ.
Why I love it:
It’s perfect for anxious or high-energy dogs who need help calming down without overstimulating them. I’ll use this as part of a decompression routine or before crate time.
👉 Find one of my favorite snuffle mats on Amazon
🍦 2. Lick Mats
Lick mats are great for dogs who need to self-soothe or work through nervous energy.
Spreading soft food (like peanut butter, canned food, or goat milk yogurt) helps dogs release calming hormones through repetitive licking.
Trainer tip:
Stick it in the freezer for a few hours for added challenge and cooling effect — especially helpful during fireworks or post-training cooldown.
👉 Find one of my favorite lick mats on Amazon
🧠 3. Puzzle Toys (Adjustable Difficulty)
Not all puzzle toys are created equal, but the best ones are:
Durable
Easy to clean
Adjustable in difficulty
Dogs love the problem-solving aspect, and these are excellent for building confidence and patience. I recommend toys with sliding pieces, compartments, or food-release systems that make dogs think before they eat.
Why I recommend these:
They’re amazing for rainy days, crate time, or dogs who tend to “demand bark” from boredom.
👉 Find one of my favorite puzzle toys on Amazon
🦴 4. Long-Lasting Chews (Paired with a Chew Holder)
While not toys in the traditional sense, long-lasting chews are powerful enrichment — especially when paired with a safe chew holder.
It gives your dog something natural and satisfying to focus on, while also promoting dental health.
Energetic note:
Chewing is a natural release valve for stress — especially for sensitive or reactive dogs. It’s one of the fastest ways to bring a dog back to center.
👉 Find my favorite Himalayan Yak Dog Chew on Amazon
👉 Paired with my favorite chew holder
🧊 5. Stuffed Frozen Kongs
The classic Kong toy is a timeless enrichment staple for a reason.
When stuffed with nourishing ingredients and frozen, it becomes a long-lasting mental workout and soothing outlet for anxious energy.
I like to fill them with a mix of:
Wet food or raw blends
Plain Greek yogurt or goat milk yogurt
Mashed sweet potato, banana, or pumpkin
High-value treats layered in the middle
Pro tip:
Make a few ahead of time and keep them in the freezer. They’re perfect for crate training, helping dogs settle during overstimulating moments, or simply giving them a purposeful activity.
👉 Find my favorite Kong toy on Amazon
🥣 6. Slow Feeders & the Kong Wobbler
If your dog inhales their food in seconds or struggles with boredom after meals, slow feeders and food-dispensing toys are game changers. One of my favorites is the Kong Wobbler — it turns mealtime into a fun, interactive game that engages their brain and body.
Why I love it:
It helps dogs eat more mindfully, relieves boredom, and supports calmer behavior throughout the day. It’s also great for building problem-solving skills in a low-stress way.
Other slow feeders with ridges or spirals also work beautifully — and many dogs begin to look forward to meals not just for the food, but for the fun that comes with it.
👉 Find my favorite Kong Wobbler on Amazon
🧺 7. DIY Enrichment Ideas
If you’re just getting started or want to rotate options:
Roll kibble up in an old towel or blanket and let your dog “unravel” it
Use a muffin tin with tennis balls over each cup hiding treats
Hide small treats in cardboard boxes and let your dog destroy them to find the prize
These are great budget-friendly options that still activate the brain and the body.
💡 Closing Thoughts
Enrichment isn’t just about keeping your dog busy, it’s about supporting their natural instincts, calming their nervous system, and building emotional resilience. I always recommend rotating toys every few days to keep things novel and engaging and remember to always supervise them during enrichment time. If you’re unsure where to start, try just one or two of the items above and observe the shift in your dog’s mood and focus, the results speak for themselves.
Whether you’re working through behavior challenges, building a calmer daily rhythm, or simply want to give your dog a more fulfilling life, enrichment is one of the most impactful changes you can make.
🐾 Want Personalized Help With Your Dog?
Whether you’re navigating anxiety, reactivity, or just looking to create more calm and connection in your daily life with your dog, I’d love to support you.
I offer both in-person training sessions (North Metro Atlanta) and virtual consultations for clients across the U.S. — so no matter where you are, we can work together to create a custom plan that brings balance to your home.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s build a training and enrichment routine that actually works for your dog — and feels good for you too.
👉 Click here to book a session or learn more
🐶 I’d Love to Hear From You!
Have you tried any of these enrichment tools with your dog?
Do you have a favorite toy, trick, or DIY activity that your pup goes crazy for?
👇 Share your thoughts in the comments below!
I read every one and love hearing how other dog families are bringing calm, focus, and fun into their daily routines.
Jackie Audette, CPDT-KA, GDMI
Owner/Head Trainer
Channeled Canine Coaching
channeledcaninecoaching.com
