Is Your Dog Just... Bored? Let’s Talk About Exercise & Enrichment

If you’ve ever heard me talk about dogs (which, let’s be honest, is always), then you’ve definitely heard me say the words exercise and enrichment. And then more exercise and enrichment. And then... even more E & E.

DJ's dining al fresco with his snuffle mat this evening!

Here comes some gentle tough love: If your dog is countersurfing, chewing the furniture, jumping on everyone, or barking non-stop (very normal, by the way—but still driving you a little nuts?), there’s a good chance they’re not being bad... they might just be bored. And that’s something we can work on!

Your dog isn’t broken, or stubborn, or a lemon. But they do have needs—and if you’ve ruled out any medical causes and consulted with a qualified trainer, you might come to this simple but powerful conclusion: before we can fix unwanted behaviors, we need to meet your dog’s mental and physical needs first. That’s where exercise and enrichment come in.

Dogs Aren’t Meant for This World (Exactly)

Let’s remember who we’re dealing with: dogs! They come preloaded with software that says things like run, bark, chew, herd, shred. They can’t help themselves—it’s instinct. And it’s our job to honor that, not squash it. Only after their energy and brain needs are met can we see what else is possible in terms of training. Because the truth is, this modern human world? It’s not always made for dogs. But we can help them feel a little more at home in it.

Okay, But Life Is... A Lot

Now, I know what you’re thinking—because I think it too: “I don’t have time for more. Life is hectic, and I’m already exhausted.” I hear you. And I promise, this doesn’t have to mean a total lifestyle overhaul. Here are a few realistic, summer-friendly ideas to get more exercise and enrichment into your dog’s week:

• Hire a dog walker – even once a week can make a difference.

• Try doggie daycare – especially great for younger social dogs.

• Set up doggy playdates – bonus points if you get coffee with your friend while the pups play.

• Training walks with a certified trainer – great for leash manners and mental stimulation.

• New parks and trails – variety is enriching, even if it’s just a short hike.

• Dog-friendly beach trips – sand, swimming, sunshine... heaven for some dogs.

  
  

And don’t forget: mealtime is the perfect opportunity for enrichment. If your dog eats twice a day, that’s 14 meals per week — or 14 chances to use their brain.

• Feeding dry food? Toss it into a Kong Wobbler or a snuffle mat (or your backyard — nature’s snuffle mat!).

• Feeding wet food? Stuff a West Paw Toppl and freeze it.

• You can also hide food in boxes, scatter it in the grass, or use a slow feeder.

  
  

Let them sniff, lick, forage, chew. These are natural behaviors — and your dog will feel so much better when they get to express them.

You Are Your Dog’s Whole World

Here’s the thing: we have phones, jobs, friends, hobbies, Netflix. But your dog? You are their whole world. Their best friend. Their entertainment, their security blanket, their joy. With the unconditional love they give us, the least we can do is help them live full, enriched lives.

A Challenge for the Week

You know I love setting a goal! Here’s your challenge:

• One extra walk this week

• One new adventure or new park

• Two meals served as enrichment

  
  

Baby steps. Try it out. And let me know how it goes — I’d love to cheer you on (and your dog too).

From the archives! These girls were the cutest puppies.

This is Charlie. She is my Peach's sister and was with me as a foster! She was the silliest puppy I've probably ever met.

My sweet Peach as a baby! She was always thinking.