3 Easy Ways to Make Your Dog’s Day Better

Enrichment is about giving your dog things to do that let them feel like… a dog! Whether it’s sniffing, chewing, exploring, or relaxing, these natural behaviours help your dog feel calm, safe, and fulfilled.

Great for all dogs especially for senior, rescue, and nervous dogs — giving them confidence and reducing stress.

Why It Matters for Seniors, Rescue, and Nervous Dogs:

•  Keeps minds active 

• Builds trust and confidence 

• Reduces anxiety, boredom, and restlessness 

• Supports better rest and recovery

Safety First! 

Always make sure activities are suitable for your dog’s age, health, and breed. If you’re unsure, check with your vet to find the best and safest enrichment options for your dog.

3 Simple Enrichment Ideas You Can Do at Home

1. Sniff Walk or “Sniffari”

Let your dog lead the way on a slow walk — even just around the garden if you have recently adopted your dog. No rushing, no pressure — just time to sniff and explore.

• Great for calming nerves

• Meets their natural need to explore

• Strengthens your bond — it’s quality time spent together

• Sniffing is mentally tiring — in a good way!

• Let them take their time — it’s about enjoyment, not distance.

•  Choose quiet areas with fewer people and dogs.

•  Follow their nose! Sniffing is their way of understanding the world.

• If your dog checks in with you, pauses to calmly watch the world go by, or chooses to relax — praise them with treats or cue words.

Safety tip:Let them sniff — but stay mindful of where. Avoid rubbish, sharp plants, or anything that could be harmful. If in doubt, gently redirect with a treat or cue word like “this way!”

2. Treat Hunt 

Hide a few treats around one room while your dog waits in another. Let them come in and search with their nose!

Try hiding them: 

• Under cushions or toys

• Behind furniture (but easy to reach) 

• Inside rolled-up towels or cardboard tubes

• Snuffle mat

• Start with easy, visible treats to build confidence

• Adds fun to the day 

• Can be done indoors or in the garden 

• Great mental exercise for when you can’t do a long walk

Safety tip: Always use safe, dog-friendly treats and supervise to make sure they’re confident and safe.

3. Create a Calm Safe Space

 Set up a quiet spot in your home just for your dog — like their bed or crate. Make it cosy with soft blankets, a favourite chew, or even a piece of clothing with your scent.

• Use orthopedic beds for joints and place non-slip mats or rugs if you have slippery floors. This helps them feel safer and more confident when moving around.

• Try a box fan — the white noise can help block out sounds like fireworks, and some dogs enjoy the cool breeze in warm weather. Try it and see if your dog finds it comforting.

• No kids or visitors allowed in their space

• Supports proper rest and emotional recovery 

• Especially important for rescue or nervous dogs 

• Encourages healthy boundaries and independence

Bonus for you:

A dog that feels safe and secure is often calmer and more settled at home. This benefits every dog because they learn, “This is my space.” It gives them the freedom to retreat there whenever they feel overwhelmed or just need a good nap.

Enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about tuning into what your dog enjoys and giving them space to just be a dog.

Start simple and build up slowly to avoid frustration. The goal is a happy, relaxed dog — not perfection. Let them succeed, feel safe, and have fun.

Follow us for more enrichment ideas, or visit our website to learn how we support senior, rescue, and nervous dogs:

www.houndsretreat.com