Enrichment is a new buzzword and exciting trend in the pet community, although the concept of improving animal lives through intentional play and environmental design is nothing new. Enrichment can add value and fun to your pet’s life. Check out the Caldwell Animal Hospital team’s five do-it-yourself (DIY) ideas.

If I was a rich pet: Enrichment benefits for every pet

Enrichment is a husbandry practice that began originally to provide a better quality of life for captive animals in zoos, conservation centers, and laboratory settings. The concept involves providing pets with opportunities to express natural or instinctive behaviors, which in turn improves their emotional wellbeing.

Enrichment benefits for wild animals and domestic pets alike are vast, and include:

  • Improved behavior — Pets who rehearse natural behavior patterns and use their senses for exploration experience increased release of endorphins (i.e., feel-good hormones) and less boredom and frustration.
  • Better physical health — Enrichment encourages pets to use their bodies and minds appropriately and decreases inactivity-related health issues, such as obesity and arthritis.
  • Reduced stress and frustration — Pets who have a constructive energy outlet are better satisfied and less likely to exhibit destructive or reactive behaviors.
  • Decreased anxiety — Busy pets are happy pets and likely less prone to boredom-based anxiety or environmental sensitivity.
  • Enhanced sleep — Mentally and physically challenging activity helps pets feel fulfilled and improves rest.

Reduce, reuse, reinvigorate: 5 DIY enrichment toys and activities for pets

Before we dive into our top five favorite DIY games, the Caldwell Animal Hospital team wants to warn you—watching your pet enjoy enrichment activities can be incredibly satisfying and may lead to an increase in cardboard boxes, rolls, old towels, puzzle toys, and pet treats around your home. But, these additional items come with unforgettable memories and benefits, so the choice is yours!

  • The busy box for pets
    Busy boxes encourage your pet’s natural foraging instincts and a little pet-safe destruction. To build a busy box, select a cardboard box no higher than your pet’s shoulder to ensure easy reach. Remove the flaps if desired. Fill the box with layers of crumpled packing paper and intersperse your pet’s favorite toys or treats. Include at least one high-value item, such as a dental chew, peanut butter Kong, or beloved toy.

Present the prepared box to your pet and let them explore. If your pet is hesitant, sit on the floor beside them, and open the box’s contents together. Always supervise your pet to ensure they do not eat any cardboard or paper while they play.

  • Cardboard tube toys for pets
    Cardboard paper towel or toilet paper rolls are versatile toys for pets. Cats and puppies may enjoy fetching or batting a plain, unadulterated roll, but to amuse other pets, place a treat inside the tube and fold in the ends. If your pet enjoys the busy box challenge, add these puzzles to your next box!

You can also create a reach box for cats by tightly packing a small box with toilet paper tubes set on their ends, and then scattering treats, so they fall into random tubes. Your cat will have to use their forearms and paws to apprehend the hidden morsels. 

  • Towel games for pets
    Towel games are a simple and convenient way to preoccupy or engage your pet’s nose and mind. Beach towels work best because of their length and relatively short fibers, but any towel will work. Simply lay the towel flat on the floor, scatter your pet’s dry food or treats across the towel’s surface, grasp the center of the towel, and twist—don’t lift—until the towel folds into a circular shape. Your pet will love sniffing the treats or food out from between the spiral-like wrinkles and folds.
  • Hide-and-sniff for pets
    Did you know that 20 minutes of active sniffing is equal to an hour-long walk for dogs? Sniffing may not seem to require much action, but pets use significant brain-power as they comb through complex environmental odors in search of their target.

Nose work or scent-based games capitalize on this special skill by encouraging pets to set their sniffers on a specific target, such as a pet-safe essential oil, food, or specific toy. You can easily play hide-and-seek at home by asking your pet to find a favorite treat or toy hidden in a small room. Start with easy searches (e.g., the item in plain sight,and  then slightly concealed) to build your pet’s confidence and help them understand the game. Gradually increase the challenge by hiding the item above nose height, in corners, behind curtains, or inside pet-accessible containers. 

  • Trick training for pets

Trick training is an excellent way to bond with your pet, have fun, and get creative. Tricks often are dismissed as unimportant, but they are a high-value method for building your pet’s confidence, increasing their body awareness, and creating better focus and attention.

Many free online resources are available for pet trick training, such as Do More With Your Dog and the American Kennel Club Trick Dog YouTube channel. These organizations also offer virtual titling programs, which can help you set fun training goals! 

Enrichment is more than a game or a new toy, and should be a regular part of every pet’s life. After you’ve completed these five activities, share your experiences with the Caldwell Animal Hospital team. We can’t wait to hear how they’ve benefitted your pet! 

For additional tips on enhancing your pet’s quality of life or to schedule an appointment, contact our team.