A Dog Owner's Guide to Satisfying Your Pup's 7 Instinctual Needs with Dog Enrichment Toys
You know that look your dog gives you—the one that says, "Why don’t we get out and actually do something?" They don’t even have to bark it. Because here’s the truth: Dogs are instinct-driven creatures. They’re not just sitting around hoping for a scratch behind the ears. Nope, they’re yearning to fulfill all kinds of needs—ones that go way back to their wild ancestors.
If you’ve got a dog, you know they’re full of unique quirks and habits, some a little more “wild” than others. And all those habits and instincts? They’re clues, little signals that show us what’s going on in their furry minds. So how do you keep them happy, engaged, and fully tapped into their natural instincts—especially when the “wild” isn’t exactly outside your front door? Let’s talk about dog enrichment toys. Not only do they prevent Fido from shredding your favorite shoes, but they also allow your pup to live a more fulfilled, instinctively satisfying life. Because, trust me, bored dogs do not make good roommates.
So what are these instinctual needs your dog is pleading for you to meet? I'm glad you asked.
1. Foraging - Let’s Satisfy that Inner Hunter-Gatherer
Ever wonder why your dog’s nose goes into overdrive whenever they’re outside? It’s because they’re born for foraging. Foraging is how dogs in the wild find food, sniff out new surroundings, and gather information about the world around them. But short of returning to the wild, here's some ways we can fulfill our dog's foraging need through the following dog enrichment toys.
- Snuffle Mats: These little fabric wonderlands are designed for dogs to use their noses to sniff out treats hidden among the folds. A well-made snuffle mat can keep them occupied and mentally engaged for a solid chunk of time. Hide a few tiny treats, and watch them transform into a detective sniffing out all the clues.
- The Busy Blanket: This isn't just any snuffle mat. Nope, it's a 20-pocket foraging frenzy that'll challenge your pup to sniff, strategize, and solve up to 5x longer than regular snuffle mats. If you're dog needs more of a challenge, The Busy Blanket is what we'd recommend.
- Puzzle Toys: These dog puzzle toys have little hiding spots for treats that require some pawing, sniffing, and strategic maneuvering to unlock. It’s like doggie Sudoku but with a food prize at the end, which, let’s face it, is way more motivating than Sudoku.
- Scatter Feeding: Here’s a free, wild-hearted way to give your dog their daily thrill of the hunt—toss treats or kibble around the house, out in the yard, or in a safe spot at the park. Let ‘em channel that inner Sherlock, nose down, tail up, working the scene like they’re on the most epic sniff-mission ever. They’ll love every single second of it.
If your dog has even a smidge of the “foodie” gene, foraging dog enrichment toys will give them the satisfaction of “hunting” for their meal, which goes a long way in keeping them calm, happy, and out of trouble.
2. Chewing - Built-In Stress Relief and Dental Hygiene
Chewing isn’t just a way for dogs to ruin shoes. It’s an instinctual behavior that helps them keep their jaws strong, teeth clean, and stress levels in check. In fact, puppies chew like it’s their job, and honestly, they’ve kind of got the right idea.
- Chew Toys: Not all chew toys are created equal. Look for safe, durable options made from materials like natural rubber or nylon. My dog Spirit, for example, is a power-chewer and requires toys that could withstand a small hurricane. Brands like KONG or Benebone provide sturdy chew toys that are virtually indestructible (well, almost).
- Bones, Antlers, Bully Sticks and Dental Chews: Real bones (processed safely) and dental chews not only help with the chewing itch but also contribute to their dental health. They keep teeth clean, reducing that delightful doggie breath we know and (try to) love. Just make sure to choose bones that are vet-approved and the right size for your dog.
Chew toys are essentially like doggy therapy sessions—they keep your pooch calm, prevent boredom, and even help puppies get through the teething stage.
3. Digging - Channeling Their Inner Archaeologist
Have you ever watched your dog dig in the dirt (or, let’s be real, the couch cushions) with single-minded determination? Digging is deeply instinctual, as dogs in the wild would dig to make cozy nests, cool off, or hide their food.
- Digging Boxes or Mats: Imagine a sandbox, but for dogs. Some companies make digging mats or boxes filled with fabric or sand where they can dig for hidden toys or treats. You can even DIY a digging box using a large container, filling it with sand, and hiding toys or treats inside.
- Burrow Toys: Some plush toys are designed with little pockets for your dog to “dig” out smaller toys inside. You’ve probably seen those plush toys where smaller squeakers or characters hide inside a “burrow” shaped like a tree trunk or a beehive. They’re perfect for dogs who love the thrill of the dig but indoors.
If your dog has a penchant for digging up the yard or, worse, your favorite sofa, giving them a designated place to dig can provide a healthy outlet for that urge.
4. Chasing - Unleashing Their Inner Predator
Running, chasing, and sprinting—this is where you see your dog at full speed, paws flying. Chasing taps into a dog’s prey drive, a strong instinct that, for many dogs, just won’t quit.
- Tug Toys with Movement: Toys like flirt poles—a kind of dog-safe lure attached to a long pole—can provide chase-based exercise in your backyard or even your living room if you’re brave. Dogs get a thrill out of following the fast-moving “prey” and it’s a great way to give them a workout.
- Balls and Frisbees: Classic chase toys like balls and frisbees give you the chance to play fetch, letting your dog feel like they’re tracking down their prey and bringing it back (albeit slobber-soaked). Look for durable, high-bounce options, especially if you’re the parent of a fetch-obsessed pooch.
For dogs with high energy and a serious prey drive, chase-based toys provide a satisfying outlet and help release pent-up energy that might otherwise be directed at, say, the mailman.
5. Problem Solving - Keeping Those Doggie Brains Engaged
Dogs are smart. In fact, they’re way too smart for their own good sometimes, and that means they need mental stimulation to prevent boredom and keep from developing destructive habits.
- Interactive Puzzle Toys: These toys have compartments and nooks where treats can be hidden, encouraging dogs to solve the puzzle to retrieve them. From sliding panels to rotating disks, there are many types of puzzles that challenge different levels of problem-solving skills.
- Treat-Dispensing Balls: Toys like treat-dispensing balls or cubes make your dog work for their food, a great way to give them a mental workout. The Busy Blanket can even double as a problem-solving tool, as dogs figure out how to sniff out treats in each pocket.
- Training Games: Even basic training can become a problem-solving exercise. Teaching your dog new tricks, especially ones that make them think (like “find it” games), is incredibly rewarding for both of you.
Problem-solving toys give dogs a mental workout that keeps their minds sharp, so they’re tired out in a way that a simple walk can’t always accomplish.
6. Nesting - Creating Cozy, Safe Spaces
Last but not least, there’s nesting. Whether it’s circling before they lie down or burrowing into a pile of blankets, dogs love having a secure, cozy spot to call their own. This instinct dates back to when dogs in the wild would create “dens” as a safe place to sleep and rest.
- Soft Beds or Caves: Cave-style dog beds or ones with hooded tops are ideal for dogs who love that burrowed, tucked-away feeling. They give dogs a sense of security and warmth, fulfilling their need to nest.
- Blankets and Burrow Toys: Some dogs will make nests out of your clothes if you’re not careful, but you can redirect that nesting instinct by providing them with cozy blankets or specially designed burrow beds. Even a few of your old t-shirts (bonus points if they smell like you) can make for a comforting spot.
- Calming Toys: Certain toys and beds are designed with calming features, like a heartbeat sound or warmth, which can make dogs feel as though they’re not alone. These toys are especially great for puppies or dogs with separation anxiety.
For dogs who naturally gravitate toward warmth and comfort, nesting toys and cozy beds create a safe, snug spot where they can relax and recharge.
7. Licking - It's Like Therapy For Your Dog
Licking isn’t just about tasting something tasty; it’s instinctual. From puppyhood, licking calms them down, builds focus, and releases those feel-good, doggy dopamine hits. And here’s where the magic of a lick mat comes in. Smear a little peanut butter, yogurt, or something they can’t resist, and watch ‘em settle into a Zen-like lick-a-thon. Not only does it satisfy their need to lick (and feel oh-so-content), but it keeps them busy, relaxed, and in their happy place. In other words? It’s a little slice of calm on a mat.
Wrapping It Up
There you have it—the 6 basic instinctual needs of every dog and the dog enrichment toys that satisfy them. Keeping your pup happy, mentally stimulated, and well-behaved doesn’t have to be an endless battle with torn-up couches or slobbery shoes. Instead, it’s about understanding what drives them, what they crave, and finding the right tools to help them tap into their instincts in a positive, controlled way.
Investing in the right toys—whether it’s snuffle mats, chew toys, or puzzle games—isn’t just about keeping your dog busy. It’s about meeting them where they are, showing them that their needs and natural tendencies are seen, valued, and appreciated. So, stock up on the good stuff, throw out the “no-dig” rule, and let them be the wild, wonderful creatures they were born to be. Because a happy dog? That’s priceless.
Hey there! Just a heads up—this article has affiliate links, which means if you end up snagging something through one of those links, I might earn a small commission (which I’d be forever grateful for 🙏). Most of the stuff I recommend here I use with my own pup, so it’s all tried, tested, and dog-mom-approved. Thanks for supporting us! ❤️