Is your dog acting out—or reaching out? Calm the chaos: easy enrichment fixes for reactive dogs

Does your dog's barking, door scratching, or couch chewing feel like deliberate misbehavior? Here's why it's not: those "naughty" behaviors are actually your dog’s emotional feedback system. They’re communicating. They're trying to tell you they feel upset. Perhaps they feel anxious or bored. Maybe the crave your attention. Whatever they're trying to say, the underlying message is that they have an unmet need.

Instead of punishing this “bad behavior,” think about how you can meet your dog's need. Ask yourself: What is my dog trying to tell me? And: How can I meet that need in a way we both feel good about? (Because you don't want to let your dog destroy your couch because it meets their emotional need!) The solution is often to simply provide enrichment activities for your dog that meet their needs.

For example: Is your dog saying: "I'm chewing on the furniture because I feel anxious when I'm alone." If so, providing approved chews like antlers or yak cheese your dog can chew while hanging out on a bed in your office will very likely solve the problem. If they can't be with you, the chew and soothing white noise or music could be the answer.

Dog Enrichment: What It Means

So, what is dog enrichment or enrichment activities? Similar to how you may read a novel or do a crossword puzzle to entertain yourself, your dog needs activities, experiences, and environments that allow them to express natural behaviors, entertain themselves and meet emotional needs. It’s about giving them healthy outlets for instincts like sniffing, chewing, digging, and problem-solving—behaviors that help dogs feel calm, confident, and fulfilled.

You walk your dog every day but reactive dog enrichment goes beyond exercise. It’s mental and emotional fitness. A well-enriched dog is less likely to engage in destructive or reactive behaviors because their needs for stimulation, comfort, and control are already being met in positive ways.

Examples include puzzle feeders, sniffing games, training sessions that use problem-solving, safe chewing outlets, and environmental exploration (even indoors). The goal is to make your dog’s daily life more interesting, balanced, and satisfying—so they can relax instead of act out.

My dog Shadow sniffing out treats in her ball pit.

Why Enrichment Matters for Reactive Dogs

Reactive dogs particularly need enrichment activities because they are more easily stressed than other dogs. Giving your reactive dog activities that allow them to engage in naturally calming behaviors like chewing, licking and sniffing supports calmer walks and a better quality of life.

Here’s how thoughtful enrichment activities help:

• Mental engagement by redirecting attention away from stress triggers and helping to prevent overthinking

  
  

• Emotional regulation through natural behaviors like chewing, sniffing, and foraging that soothe anxiety

  
  

• Confidence building through predictable, positive experiences and the satisfaction of problem solving

  
  

• Bonding time when you engage in activities together to foster improved communication, trust and a deeper connection

Fortunately, enrichment doesn’t require massive investments of time or money. Small tweaks in your daily routine can yield big behavioral payoffs.

Winter Enrichment Hacks You Can Use Right Now

Because cold weather means more indoor hours, here are enrichment ideas tailored for the winter months:

1. Sniff games

   • Hide treats around rooms or in small boxes for your dog to find.

   • Fifteen minutes of scent work can be as mentally tiring as an hour-long walk.

2. Rotate your treat and/or meal puzzles

   • Use a variety of food-dispensing toys (Kongs, slow feeders, puzzle boxes).

   • Swap them out weekly to keep novelty alive.

3. Cozy destruction zones

   • Give your dog safe items to shred: cardboard boxes, paper bags, old towels.

   • Let them chew as an outlet rather than trying to eliminate chewing entirely.

4. Indoor obstacle fun

   • Use pillows, blankets, chairs, and boxes to create tunnels or low jumps.

   • Incorporate obstacle navigation into playtime for both physical and mental benefits.

     
     

Enrichment for High Prey Drive / Reactive Dogs

For dogs with a strong prey or chase drive (very common in reactive dogs), enrichment must tap into that internal wiring—but in a controlled way:

• Scent work & nose games (e.g. find the hidden toy or treat)

  
  

• Flirt poles or teaser toys drag them across the floor for your dog to hunt

• Puzzle feeders with moving parts so your dog has to use their brain to solve the puzzle

• Interactive Toys that move when detecting motion (Archie’s new favorite toys are actually cat toys shaped like birds that chirp and flap their wings when you’re near them. Here he is playing with one.)

  
  

These activities reduce stress and give your dog a sense of satisfaction from rewarding behaviors without triggering reactivity.

Dog Behavior = What Works + What Feels Good

Dogs don’t do “naughty.” They do what works (gets a reaction, relieves stress, gets your attention) or what feels good in the moment (chewing, barking, digging).

• That bellowing bark at UPS? It's an emotional release + a hopeful “help me, human.”

• That couch chewing? It's a soothing behavior your dog can repeat when bored or anxious.

Instead of “How do I stop that behavior?” try “What need is being met through this behavior?” Then, design an alternative that meets that need (for both of you).

Examples:

• A dog destroying cushions might be craving a reliable, engaging chew outlet (e.g. frozen Kong, antler, yak cheese).

  
  

• A window barker may need a lick mat + limited view access + comforting background noise to reduce over-arousal.

When you satisfy the underlying need, the behavioral symptoms fade.

Next Steps (And How to Try This)

1. Pick 1–2 enrichment ideas from above and try them for a week.

   
   

2. Observe: Does your dog bark less? Do they seem more calm? Are they more emotionally settled? Tweak the plan as needed.

   
   

3. Keep asking “why is my dog doing this?” before defaulting to “what’s wrong.”

   
   

4. Be patient. Behavior doesn’t change overnight—but consistency and curiosity open the door to better days for both of you.

   
   

5. For more great enrichment ideas along with everything you need to know to support and heal your reactive dog, subscribe to my weekly email newsletter.