5 Easy Enrichment Games to Keep Your Dog Happy at Home
By Downward Dogz — your local dog walker, pet sitter & animal Reiki practitioner in West Sussex
Simple Ways to Entertain and Mentally Stimulate Your Dog Indoors
If you’re lucky enough to live in or around Steyning or Findon, you’ll know how spoiled we are for beautiful countryside. From rolling hills to peaceful woodland trails, there’s no shortage of dog friendly walks where tails can wag freely and noses can explore.
As a local dog walker in West Sussex, I spend my days discovering (and re-discovering!) the very best routes to keep both pups and people happy. Here are a few of my favourite South Downs dog walks that are perfect for adventure, enrichment, and connection.
🎯 1. The Snuffle Hunt
Turn mealtime into a scavenger hunt! Scatter a portion of your dog’s kibble or treats over a snuffle mat, in the grass, or even inside a towel.
👉 Why it helps: Sniffing activates your dog’s brain, encourages calm behaviour, and mimics natural foraging instincts.
DIY tip: No snuffle mat? Use an old muffin tin with tennis balls hiding the food inside each cup!
🧩 2. Hide & Seek (With You or Toys)
This classic never gets old. Ask your dog to “stay,” then hide in another room or place their favourite toy behind furniture. Call them to find you (or it)!
👉 Why it helps: Builds focus, recall skills, and trust. Plus, it’s a fun confidence booster for nervous pups.
🐕 3. The Box of Treasures
Grab a cardboard box and fill it with safe household items — scrunched paper, toilet roll tubes, old towels — and hide treats throughout. Let your dog dig and rummage!
👉 Why it helps: Provides mental stimulation and encourages natural sniffing and digging behaviours in a controlled way.
Safety note: Supervise to ensure they don’t eat anything that’s not food!
💡 4. The Cup Game
Place a treat under one of three cups, then shuffle them around and let your dog use their nose to find the right one.
👉 Why it helps: Sharpens problem-solving skills and adds a mental challenge to your dog’s day.
Make it harder by using more cups or moving them faster — just keep it lighthearted and fun!
🧘♀️ 5. Calm Lick Time
Use a lick mat or spread a bit of dog-safe peanut butter or natural yoghurt on a plate. Freeze it for a longer-lasting treat.
👉 Why it helps: Licking releases calming endorphins, perfect for winding down after playtime or when you’re heading out for a bit.
🌿 A Happy Mind = A Happy Dog
Enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated — just a few minutes of interactive play each day can make a world of difference. It helps reduce anxiety, channels energy positively, and keeps your dog emotionally balanced.
At Downward Dogz, I make enrichment part of every walk and visit. Whether it’s a sniff-filled adventure on the South Downs or a fun puzzle at home, your dog’s happiness and wellbeing always come first 🐾
📍 About Downward Dogz
Based in Steyning, I offer dog walking, pet sitting, pop-in visits, and animal Reiki across the South Downs. Fully insured, DBS checked, and trained in Canine & Feline First Aid, I’m dedicated to helping pets and their people live their best lives together.
🌐 www.downwarddogz.co.uk