20 Calming Activities for Dogs: Enrichment Ideas for Stressed Pups

A tired dog isn’t always a calm dog. Running and fetch burn energy, but some high-intensity games can leave dogs even more wound up. Many dogs unwind best through activities that tap into natural, soothing behaviors: sniffing, licking, chewing and foraging.

Here are 20 easy enrichment ideas, most using things you already have at home.

Sniffing activities

Sniffing is mentally tiring and helps many dogs relax.

1. Sniff walks. Let your dog lead the pace and stop to smell whatever they like.
2. Decompression walks. Use a long line in a quiet park or field so your dog can explore freely.
3. Scatter feeding. Toss part of your dog’s meal across the lawn or a clean rug.
4. Snuffle mat. Hide kibble in the fabric strips of a snuffle mat.
5. Find it. Hide pieces of food around a room and encourage your dog to search.
6. Scent trail. Drag a toy along the floor to make a trail, then hide it at the end.

Licking activities

Licking is calming for many dogs.

7. Lick mat. Spread a thin layer of dog-safe food, like plain yogurt or wet dog food, on a textured mat.
8. Frozen lick mat. Freeze it for a longer-lasting activity on hot or stressful days.
9. Stuffed food toy. Fill a hollow rubber toy with part of your dog’s meal and freeze it.

Chewing activities

10. Durable chew toys sized for your dog. Supervise the first sessions.
11. Rotating chews. Keep a few chew toys in a cupboard and swap them every few days to keep them interesting.

Brain games

12. Food puzzles. Start with easy puzzles and increase the difficulty as your dog learns.
13. Muffin tin game. Put food in a muffin tin and cover each cup with a ball.
14. Cardboard box forage. Scrunch paper in a box with a few pieces of food mixed in. Supervise so paper isn’t swallowed.
15. Short trick sessions. Two to five minutes of learning something new, like touch or spin, is great mental exercise.
16. Name that toy. Teach your dog the names of their toys, one at a time.

Relaxation activities

17. Mat settling. Reward your dog for lying calmly on a mat, building up the time slowly.
18. Gentle massage. Slow, gentle strokes along the back and shoulders, if your dog enjoys touch.
19. Quiet time with calm music or soft background sound in a cozy spot.

Social activities

20. Calm play dates. A relaxed walk or garden visit with a gentle, familiar dog friend.

Tips for success

• Match the activity to your dog. A nervous dog may prefer quiet sniffing over an exciting new game.
• Keep sessions short and end while your dog is still enjoying it.
• Adjust meals so food used in games doesn’t lead to weight gain.
• Supervise new toys and any activity involving paper or fabric.
• Build a routine. Enrichment at predictable times, such as before you leave the house, can make those moments easier.

Enrichment pairs well with a solid alone-time plan. See our step-by-step guide to leaving your dog home alone.

If you’d rather not source everything yourself, our Calm Box bundles enrichment toys and comfort supplies by theme, matched to your dog’s size.

Find the right activities for your dog

Different dogs need different outlets. Take our free 2-minute Dog Anxiety Quiz to see what stresses your dog most and get comfort ideas matched to their main trigger.