When your dog is chewing furniture, barking at every sound, or lunging on leash, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—and even more tempting to focus on stopping the behavior. But often, these behaviors are symptoms, not the root issue.

And here’s the truth: the real solution might be a lot easier than you think.

The right kind of daily dog enrichment can not only reduce behavior struggles, but sometimes eliminate them altogether—by meeting the needs your dog has been trying to express all along.

What Is Enrichment, Really?

Dog enrichment means offering safe, structured opportunities for your dog to do what their body and brain are wired to do: sniff, chew, dig, shred, chase, rest, and explore.

Many people think of enrichment as “extra” or “just for fun,” but it’s a core part of a behavior support plan—especially for reactive, anxious, or high-energy dogs.

Behavior Problems That Enrichment Can Help Solve

If your dog is doing any of the following, enrichment may be the missing link:

Chewing up furniture or shoes
Barking at everything inside or outside
Pacing or unable to settle
Digging up the yard or carpet
Overreacting to triggers on walks (leash reactivity)
Pulling or lunging on leash
Whining or attention-seeking behaviors
Zoomies at night (aka the “witching hour”)
Resource guarding from boredom or stress

In many cases, people will ask questions like:

“How do I stop destructive chewing?”
“How do I calm my hyper dog down?”
“Why is my dog barking so much?”
“Why won’t my dog won’t stop pacing around the house?”

…and the answer isn’t discipline—it’s daily, personalized enrichment.

Not All Dogs Need the Same Enrichment

Some dogs want to sniff their whole world. Others want to tear apart cardboard or carry sticks. Some dogs like puzzles; others want to chew in peace. When we discover what our individual dog finds rewarding—and give them daily outlets for that—it shifts their entire nervous system.

*A dog with needs met doesn’t have to act out to feel heard.*

Try These Enrichment Ideas to Reduce Behavior Issues

1. Sniff Walks

Let your dog lead and sniff everything. This is calming, grounding, and regulates their nervous system. Great for reactivity, excess barking, and even dogs who pull on leash.

2. Licki Mats & Chews

Licking and chewing are self-soothing behaviors. These tools can reduce separation anxiety, stress chewing, and even help with crate training.

💡 Tip: If you’re wondering how to stop destructive chewing—give your dog a chew they’re allowed to destroy, and do it often.

3. Destruction Boxes

Fill a box with paper, treats, and safe objects to shred. This can satisfy dogs who would otherwise rip up cushions or dig in the carpet.

4. Scent Work Games

Hide treats around the house or in a snuffle mat. These games are powerful for anxious dogs, bored dogs, and even hyperactive puppies who need a calm-down.

5. Puzzle Toys or Food Challenges

Dogs who get bored easily tend to bark, destroy, or pester. Puzzles and DIY challenges satisfy their brain, reduce attention-seeking behavior, and can even prevent zoomies at night (although sometimes we love a good zoomie for stress release!).

Why This Works: Enrichment + Behavior

Giving your dog structured enrichment can:

Reduce frustration-based behaviors like chewing or barking
Help your dog settle more easily indoors
Support training goals by reducing arousal
Improve emotional regulation
Deepen trust and connection between you and your dog

It’s not about keeping your dog busy.
It’s about helping them feel safe, seen, and satisfied.

What to Do Next

Start small. Try one new enrichment activity each day and watch your dog’s behavior over the next week.

Ask yourself:

Do they settle easier?
Do they bark less?
Are they less clingy or hyper?
Are walks a little calmer?

If so, you’re on the right track.

There are so many creative ways to support your dog through enrichment—and we’ve put together a detailed list of activities tailored to common behavior challenges like barking, chewing, reactivity, and more.

You can download it from my Buy Me a Coffee page—it’s pay-what-you-can (even $0), because we believe behavior support should be accessible to anyone who needs it. Click here to go to the guide page: How To Solve Behavior Issues with Enrichment

If this helped you, you might like my newsletter. It’s kind, calming, and full of practical support for dogs with big feelings. You’ll also get my free guide: 10 Things to Do When You’re Worried About Your Dog’s Behavior.

How Daily Enrichment Can Reduce (or Even Eliminate) Your Dog’s Behavior Issues