Mental workouts can be just as important as physical ones. Here’s how to keep your clever pup out of trouble and having fun.
While all pups deserve plenty of time for cuddles and playtime, certain breeds—like Border Collies, Poodles, and Shepherds — are wired to think, problem-solve, and work. And if that mental energy doesn’t have somewhere to go, it can, unfortunately, turn into shredded couch cushions or stretches of barking.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily need a training degree or a pile of fancy gear to keep your smart dog happy. With a little creativity, you can challenge their mind and forge a strong bond. So how do you do it? We explore nine enrichment ideas to keep even the brainiest dog satisfied.
Hide and seek is a classic for a reason. This game is great for humans, and even better to play with dogs because it taps into your dog’s natural tracking instincts and forces them to think on the spot. The best way to start is by hiding in obvious places and calling them. As their success rate in finding you climbs, then you can work up to tougher spots.
You can also hide their favorite toy or treats for them to find if you’re too busy to crouch behind the couch. And a major bonus is that this is a year-round activity that can be done inside or outside depending on the weather.
What exactly is scentwork, you might ask? Well, scentwork mimics what working dogs do, which is to use their nose to search for something specific. This can range from hiding small bits of kibble or treats in boxes, to placing them under cups, or around the house in other spots. As with any new activity, you should start easy to get your dog used to it. Then, continue to make it more challenging by upping the difficulty of hiding spots or hiding new high-value items.
Not every treat has to come easy. Sometimes, it can be beneficial for your pet to work for them. That’s where puzzles and other interactive toys come in. These toys that require your dog to figure out how to get a treat are excellent brain games. Snuffle mats, treat-dispensing balls, and puzzle boards all encourage problem-solving, which uses parts of your dog's brain that they may not use with everyday activities. Try to rotate a few toys to keep things interesting, and don’t be afraid to DIY with things you have at home, like muffin tins and old tennis balls.
Training isn’t just about teaching sit and stay. At the end of the day, it’s one of the best ways to mentally exercise your dog. Smart dogs love having something to do, and learning new skills taps into their natural drive to work and problem-solve. Whether you're brushing up on the basics or teaching advanced tricks, even 5 to 10 minutes a day can make a big difference.
You can also explore more structured activities like agility, rally obedience, or trick training classes to give them a bigger challenge. These are especially helpful for working breeds that thrive on routine and achievement.
We can’t stress enough that mental stimulation is incredibly important for highly intelligent dogs, but physical activity also helps burn energy that might otherwise turn into mischief like chewing or excessive barking. There are a few ways to make this a part of your routine. Daily walks, jogs, or backyard games like fetch give your pup a healthy outlet, especially for high-drive breeds. After all, a tired dog is a happy dog, and much less likely to dig through the trash.
“The amount of exercise a dog needs will depend on a lot of factors, such as breed, personality, body condition, and daily caloric intake. When trying to figure out what's best for your dog, be sure to ask your veterinarian.” - Dr. Erica Irish
Dogs need new experiences, and while trekking to new cities or states can be difficult, even small adjustments can make a difference. That’s why changing up your walking routine can be so beneficial. New smells, sounds, and sights give your dog a lot to process and engage with. And while it can be a drag to stop every step, try to let your dog sniff and explore at their own pace.
Smart dogs are often curious and social, and interacting with other dogs or people through socialization helps satisfy that need. Supervised playdates or even just visits to pet-friendly stores can offer valuable stimulation. But you’ll want to make sure the experiences are positive since forcing interactions can backfire in the long run.
Let your dog set the pace, reward good behavior, and offer breaks when needed. Be sure to keep an eye on them and watch their body language for any cues. Social time isn’t just good for their brain, it boosts confidence and teaches important communication skills.
Mealtime doesn’t have to be over in 30 seconds, nor should it be! For smart dogs, turning food into a challenge can make it way more satisfying. Puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and treat-dispensing toys turn eating into an enrichment activity by encouraging your dog to slow down and work for their food.
You can also try scatter feeding. This is done by simply tossing kibble across the yard or around a room and letting your dog sniff it out. It taps into their natural foraging instincts and keeps them moving.
Digging is a natural outlet for many dogs, especially Terrier breeds. Instead of fighting their biological urge, create a designated dig zone, whether it be a sandbox or kiddie pool with pet-safe sand or soil. Just be sure to supervise and keep the area covered when not in use to avoid pests or debris. For indoor fun, try a ball pit or a box filled with paper for a cleaner, year-round option.
“When doing this activity, be sure to use materials that are easy to clean — it's hard to get mud out from the long coats that some Terriers have! Also make sure to prevent your pup from eating items, and dry them well if they use a kiddie pool.” - Dr. Erica Irish
When smart dogs don’t get enough mental or physical enrichment, they tend to find ways to entertain themselves, and those can often be frustrating behaviors. Over time, you might notice sudden behavior changes—like chewing, barking, or restlessness—that can signal boredom or pent-up energy.
Before assuming it’s just a phase, check in with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues, especially if the behavior involves changes in sleep, appetite, or elimination. But once your pup gets a clean bill of health, it’s time to level up the stimulation.
Here are some common signs your dog needs more enrichment:
If these behaviors sound familiar, your dog’s brain may just need more to do and the good news is, enrichment activities can help.
Enrichment comes in a lot of forms, but they can be broken down into six major types: social (playdates or cuddles), physical (walks or agility), sensory (new smells or textures), cognitive (puzzle toys), food (snuffle mats, Kongs), and occupational (tasks or "jobs" to do). Try to mix them throughout your routine to ensure your dog doesn’t get bored.
Switch things up! Try shorter, more frequent training sessions with high-value treats, interactive toys, or games like hide-and-seek. Just like people, dogs get bored with routine and novelty helps them tune in.
Very smart dogs do well with jobs. Teach them new tricks, introduce puzzle toys, rotate challenges, or even enroll your pet in dog sports like scent work or agility. LIke people, dogs crave mental stimulation and purpose.
The 1-2-3 method is a recall training game for dogs. To start, count to three and your dog runs to you and gets a treat. Over time, they learn that the number three means something great is coming, so they come running every time. It builds excitement and reliable recall.
It’s great to be able to work from home with your pup, but sometimes they can be distracting from meetings. To keep them busy while you’re busy, set up things like food puzzles, interactive toys, and give them a "work" task like licking a frozen Kong while you're on calls. Short training breaks also help burn energy and build skills between meetings.
