How to Enrich Your Dog's Life: Expert Tips from Tori Mistick

Happy dog, happy life, right? It’s normal for pup parents to try and spark joy for their dog through toys and treats, but true fulfillment goes beyond that. It’s also about creating enriching experiences for your dog that nurture their instincts, support their mental and physical health and deepen the bond you share.

We sat down with canine enrichment expert and longtime pet blogger Tori Mistick to explore what enrichment really means, why it’s essential and how to seamlessly work it into daily life.

What Is  Dog Enrichment?

You’ve probably heard the term “enrichment” tossed around, but what does it actually mean?

“Just like enriched cereal or enriched chicken broth, enrichment means that you’ve added something to something else to make it better,” explains Mistick. “When it comes to canine enrichment, it just means adding something that is going to make your dog’s life, their experience, and their activities better.”

Importantly, enrichment is additive by nature. It’s not about removing bad habits or punishing behavior—it’s about giving your dog more of what they need: variety, novelty and stimulation.

Why Every Dog Needs It—Yes, Even Couch Potatoes

No matter your dog’s breed, age or energy level, enrichment is non-negotiable.

“Imagine if you did the same thing every single day—ate the same food, saw the same people, walked the same route. You’d feel mentally checked out,” says Mistick. “Enrichment can help keep your dog feeling young, sharp and emotionally fulfilled.”

This means that even senior dogs or so-called “lazy” pups may benefit tremendously from low-key yet engaging enrichment activities.

Signs Your Dog Is Bored (and Needs More Variety)

How can you tell if your dog isn’t getting enough stimulation? Look for:

• Destructive behavior, like chewing shoes or furniture.

• Attention-seeking habits, such as barking or whining.

• Lethargy or disinterest in daily life.

“Of course, low energy can sometimes be a sign of a medical issue, so always consult your vet first,” stresses Mistick. 

Enrichment Doesn’t Have to Mean Buying More Stuff

“I'm always telling people: you don't have to buy anything new,” explains Mistick. “Enrichment starts with meeting your dog’s basic needs—quality food, health care and safety. That’s the foundation. Everything else is a bonus.”

She emphasizes that enrichment is really about intentional interaction and simple tweaks to routine. A few of her favorite low-lift ideas:

• Sit and watch the world go by: Go to a park bench and let your dog just observe. “My senior dog Lucy loves this. Her nose is always working, even if her body’s still.”

• Try trick training: Teach simple tricks like “spin” or “touch.” “Trick training provides mental enrichment and strengthens your bond.”

• Switch up your walk: “If you always turn left out of your house, try turning right,” suggests Mistick. “To your dog, that’s a totally new experience.”

How Mealtime Can Be Enriching

Your dog eats every day—so mealtime is a perfect opportunity for enrichment.

“With gently cooked foods like Nom Nom, you’re already giving your dog an exciting sensory experience. They get new smells, new textures and you can rotate proteins for variety,” Mistick says.

Beyond the food itself, the way you serve it can matter too:

• Try a lick mat, slow feeder bowl, or even a muffin tin.

• Add dog-safe herbs like parsley for a pop of scent and flavor.

• Occasionally serve meals in a new room, outside or during training games.

“If you use the same slow feeder for every meal, it eventually loses its novelty,” Mistick notes. “Rotating tools keeps the enrichment…enriching.”

Tiny Tweaks, Big Benefits

For those struggling to find time for enrichment, Mistick has great news: small changes count.

“You don’t necessarily need to hike for an hour in the woods,” she says. “Change the walking route. Let your dog sniff longer. Rearrange your furniture—it gives your dog a whole new environment to explore.”

She also recommends exploring different textures underfoot, like grass, sand or mulch, and putting artwork or mirrors at dog-level to shift your pup’s perspective indoors.

The Takeaway

Enrichment isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing things differently—and intentionally. Whether you’re teaching a new trick, letting your dog relax in a new spot or simply offering dinner (especially if it’s a tantalizing recipe from Nom Nom) in a muffin tin, you’re expanding your pup’s world..

“Enrichment is about connection. It’s about joy. It’s about helping them live their fullest life,” Mistick says.

And that’s something every dog deserves.