Enrichment & Online Training: Meeting Your Dog and Cat’s True Needs
Guest blog post from Amit Barran, from Ace Training Academy
Enrichment & Online Training: Meeting Your Dog and Cat’s True Needs
What Is Enrichment? And Why It Matters
Enrichment is about understanding what makes your dog a dog and your cat a cat — and then intentionally meeting those needs in safe, appropriate ways.
Dogs are naturally driven to:
• Sniff and explore
• Chew, bite, and lick
• Run, jump, climb, and dig
• Problem-solve and work
Cats are naturally driven to:
• Climb and perch
• Chase and stalk
• Scratch
• Engage their hunting instincts
In modern homes, many of the natural outlets for these behaviours are limited. Walks are structured. Meals are served in bowls. Cats stay indoors. Because of this, pets often don’t get to express their instincts in meaningful ways. When we meet these instinctual needs, we see:
• Reduced frustration
• Fewer behaviour issues
• Better focus
• More relaxed pets
• Stronger relationships
Enrichment is about satisfying biological drives in healthy ways. Let’s look at practical ways to do that.
Practical Enrichment for Dogs and Cats Dogs
The Kong Feeding Method (Upgraded Version)
Many people use a Kong with a bit of peanut butter and call it enrichment. That’s a good start — but we can take it much further.
Instead of feeding your dog from a bowl, try feeding their entire meal through a properly sized Kong. How to do it:
• Fill the Kong with your dog’s regular food (dry food, wet food, raw food, etc.).
• If using dry foods, slightly moisten the food to bind it.
• Pack it tightly.
• Freeze it overnight or for several hours.
Now your dog must:
• Chew
• Lick
• Bite
• Problem-solve
It becomes:
• A slow feeder
• Mental stimulation
• Physical engagement
• A satisfying chewing outlet
All while they’re eating their normal meal and after about 30 minutes to 1 hour, they are pretty well exhausted. This checks multiple enrichment boxes at once.
Snuffle Mats
Snuffle mats are excellent for dogs who love to sniff, forage, and paw at things.
These mats typically have felt strips and hidden pockets where you scatter dry food. Your dog must use their nose and paws to search and uncover the food.
Benefits:
• Encourages natural foraging behavior
• Provides independence
• Engages sniffing instincts
• Slows down fast eaters
Using a bowl takes seconds. Using a snuffle mat can take 5 to 20 minutes of focused work. That’s real enrichment.
Sniff Walks
Not every walk needs to be about distance or speed. Some walks should simply be about sniffing. Instead of marching down the sidewalk for a set time, try this:
• Use a regular leash, long line, or safe extended leash if appropriate.
• Go to a park or open space.
• Let your dog lead (within your comfort and safety limits).
• Allow them to sniff as long as they want.
Sniffing is mentally exhausting in a good way. It activates a huge portion of a dog’s brain. For some breeds, especially scent-driven dogs, constantly being rushed during walks can actually increase frustration.
Try alternating:
• Structured walk days
• Sniff walk days
You’ll likely notice a calmer, more satisfied dog.
Cats
Climbing Zones
Cats are vertical animals.
If space allows, create:
• Cat trees
• Wall-mounted shelves
• Elevated pathways
Climbing requires:
• Balance
• Coordination
• Muscle activation
• Mental mapping
Indoor cats especially benefit from vertical space. It gives them territory, stimulation, and confidence.
Chasing & Prey Games
Cats are hunters. That instinct doesn’t disappear indoors.
Use:
• Wand toys
• Flirt pole toys
• Quick, unpredictable movements
Move the toy like prey:
• Quick bursts
• Hiding behind objects
• Stop-and-start motion
Occasionally let them “catch” it. That completion is important. If needed, a small amount of catnip can increase engagement.
This type of play:
• Engages prey drive
• Provides cardio exercise
• Stimulates focus and coordination
Scratching Opportunities
Scratching is not bad behaviour — it’s natural behaviour.
Provide:
• Vertical scratching posts
• Horizontal scratch pads
• Sturdy materials
Most cats instinctively use them. You can add catnip if needed.
Scratching:
• Maintains claw health
• Releases tension
• Marks territory
• Provides muscle engagement
When we don’t provide appropriate outlets, they’ll find their own.
Why Training Is the Ultimate Mental Enrichment
While food puzzles and play are excellent, structured training is one of the most powerful forms of enrichment. Training is not just about commands.
It develops:
• Communication
• Emotional regulation
• Problem-solving ability
• Trust
• Clarity
• Relationship strength
Dogs and cats are problem-solving animals. When we intentionally guide them through structured learning, we satisfy that deep cognitive need. Training helps dogs learn how to:
• Handle distractions
• Stay calm around guests
• Walk politely on leash
• Make better choices
That mental engagement is powerful and lasting.
The Benefits of Online Training
Online training allows your dog to learn directly from you — with professional coaching guiding you every step of the way.
Benefits include:
• The dog learns 100% from the owner
• No confusion about who to focus on
• Real-world training in your actual environment
• Personalized coaching tailored to your dog
Online training can address:
• Obedience
• Leash walking
• Behavior modification
• Reactivity
• Puppy foundations
With the right structure and guidance, online training is highly effective and deeply enriching. It builds skills and strengthens the relationship at the same time.
Enrichment is about more than keeping pets busy. It’s about meeting instinctual needs in thoughtful, intentional ways.
When we combine:
• Appropriate outlets
• Mental challenges
• Physical engagement
• Structured training
We create balanced, fulfilled animals. And fulfilled animals are easier, calmer, and happier to live with.
Amit Barran, CPDT-KA
Ace Canine Academy
705-798-3310
Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed
Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Offering in-home services throughout the GTA, Simcoe County, and surrounding areas and online across Canada.