Dog Enrichment Ideas: Sniffing, Tug and Fetch Games

Enrichment gives a dog opportunities to sniff, explore, solve simple problems and enjoy time with you. It can be inexpensive and short: a successful two-minute game is more useful than a difficult puzzle that leaves the dog frustrated.

Start with what your dog enjoys

Watch whether your dog prefers searching for food, following a moving toy, fetching or carrying something. Match the activity to their age, health and play style, and make the first attempt easy. Enrichment complements suitable exercise, rest and company.

1. A simple sniff-and-find game

Let your dog watch you place a few pieces of their normal food in an easy-to-reach spot. Give a cue such as “find it” and let them search. Gradually increase the challenge once they understand. You can also hide a favourite toy for a dog that enjoys searching without food.

Use a clean, safe area and count food rewards within the daily ration. Stop if your dog tries to eat the container or becomes frustrated.

2. Share a short tug game

Choose a toy long enough to keep hands clear of teeth. Invite your dog to take it, keep the action low and controlled, and allow pauses. Let your dog win sometimes. Finish while the game is still enjoyable and put interactive toys away between sessions.

A tug is for supervised play together. Check the toy for loose parts, damaged stitching or frayed material before each session.

3. Make fetch about returning

Begin in a secure area, with a short, easy throw or roll. Reward bringing the toy back rather than repeatedly throwing it farther away. A dog that prefers carrying may enjoy a training dummy; a dog that likes searching may prefer finding a toy you have hidden.

Compare our dog toys and training aids, including Rosewood N-Gage Propeller Floating Dog Toy for supervised fetch and tug play. Follow the individual toy’s size and supervision instructions.

4. Use play as a training reward

Reward a simple behaviour with a brief game your dog already values. Prepare the toy first so the reward follows promptly. For outdoor distractions, our recall guide for dogs with a high prey drive explains practising with safe management and gradually increasing difficulty.

Rotate activities and leave time to rest

Keep a few suitable toys available and rotate the interactive games. Watch the dog in front of you: turning away, becoming frantic or losing interest is a reason to pause or make the task easier.

You do not need a new toy for every session. Supervision, a suitable space and a game your dog understands matter more than filling a basket with equipment.

Further guidance: Dogs Trust enrichment activities, Battersea play advice and Dogs Trust chasing guidance.