Skip the Walk—Try Enrichment Instead

Can’t get your dog out for a walk—but they’re still bouncing off the walls?
You’re not alone. For many reactive, anxious, or high-energy dogs, traditional exercise isn’t always possible—or even helpful. In this solo episode, Em shares 7 indoor enrichment games built for real life, emotional regulation, and nervous system support.

In this episode:

• Get 7 practical games that help your dog burn energy without overstimulation

• Learn why stillness and sniffing might help more than fetch or running

• Discover how to meet your dog’s behavioral needs—without draining yourself in the process

Press play to discover calming enrichment tools for the hard days, rainy days, and everything in between.

Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

Get a free copy of Paws, Brains, and Fun Enrichment ebook

https://straightupdogtalk.com/programs-%26-freebies/ols/products/paws-brains-and-fun-the-ultimate-canine-enrichment-guide

Book FREE 15-minute call with Em

https://straightupdogtalk.hbportal.co/schedule/68cdb369ba20a30034591cd9

Email [e-mail] to get in touch with Em

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https://petmatrx.com/?ref=straightupdogtalk

This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
If you're stuck inside this falland your dog is driving you
absolutely nuts, you're not alone.
Welcome to Straight Up Dog Talk,the podcast helping burned out
pet parents who feel stuck with their pup.
Finally let go of the guilt, learn to communicate and build
the bond you've always dreamed of through a partnership based
approach that combines training,nutrition and enrichment instead

(00:22):
of chasing the quick fixes that don't actually work.
MMM. And in this episode, you'll
learn 7 indoor enrichment games that help Be your dog, calm
down, focus, and rest without hours of exercise, How to meet
your dog's needs even if you're low on time, energy, or
resources. And why enrichment isn't a

(00:43):
bonus. It's a basic need, especially
for dogs who struggle with boredom over stimulation or
reactivity. Because regulation doesn't come
from wearing them out. It comes from lighting up their
brain in the right way. Let's talk about It's getting
darker, colder and harder to go outside later and later in the

(01:06):
day. But your dog still needs an
outlet, and maybe you do too. I know first hand how hard it is
to feel trapped inside with a big feeling dog who's bouncing
off the walls. And I also know that burning
them out with more fetch or longer walks isn't the answer,

(01:27):
especially if you have a reactive dog, a dog who gets
overstimulated easily, or a dog who just struggles with big
emotions and doesn't know what to do with them.
That's where enrichment becomes your lifeline.
And not just any enrichment, intentional, calming, regulation
focused games that help them rest easier, think clearer, and

(01:51):
feel safer inside their own body.
So today I'm walking you throughseven of my favorite indoor
enrichment games that calm and entertain your dog, especially
when going outside feels overwhelming or just straight
impossible. And I'm keeping it simple.
You don't need a million supplies and you don't need to
spend $100 at the pet store or online.

(02:14):
And you don't need to make your whole house into a training
zone. You just need a few things your
dog already loves and the intention behind it #1 scent
trails with A twist. Instead of tossing food all over
the room, try dragging a food filled sock across the floor,
the couch, the stairs, and then hide it somewhere creative like

(02:35):
the bathtub. Let your dog sniff it out.
This activates their nose and brain and you can level it up by
letting them watch the setup andwait for a release.
Cue #2 puzzler or modular puzzletime.
These are super great because they're not one and done.
You can change the layout, the difficulty, and the structure

(02:56):
each time. Puzzler specifically is
dishwasher safe, super durable, and allows you to build your
teens like your calm queue gets a puzzle and now rest #3 DIY
Toilet Paper tube games. Take a few empty tubes and seal
the ends with paper, or you can even fold them over on each
other. Don't ever use string or ribbon

(03:18):
because you don't want it tied up in your dog's intestines.
Then just hide a few treats inside and let your dog figure
out how to open them up. It's crunchy, safe if monitored
of course, and adds problem solving without oversimulation
#4 the calm lick mat routine. Lick mats aren't just for
boredom, they actually activate the calming part of your dog's

(03:41):
brain. Use things like goat milk,
pumpkin puree, or dog safe peanut butter.
You can even use an egg in the microwave for two minutes.
Otherwise, use your topping of choice and pop it in the freezer
for added challenge and use it before the chaos happens, like
guests arrive or a storm rolls in #5 Trash box treasure hunt.

(04:03):
Grab a cardboard box and fill itwith toilet paper rolls, scrap
paper, egg cartoons, cereal boxes, or brown paper.
Sprinkle food or treats inside and let your dog dig, sniff and
shred their way through it. It's super satisfying, super fun
to watch, and great for rainy days or emotional resets.

(04:23):
Object scent discrimination. Start with two two cups, one
with a treat underneath. Let your dog sniff both and
indicate which one hides the prize.
Build up using socks, boxes and new rooms.
This builds focus, confidence and trust.
And last but not least, the enrichment stack combo.
Try this routine. 5 minutes of play, 5 minutes of puzzle time

(04:47):
and then a 10 minute chew. This builds excitement,
satisfaction and call. You're activating different
parts of the brain, movement, problem solving, and finally
self soothing. When your dog is struggling,
it's not just bad behavior. They're likely under stimulated,
under regulated, or emotionally overwhelmed.

(05:08):
And that goes for pet parents too.
By giving them structured, calming outlets that match their
needs, you're not spoiling them,you're supporting their nervous
system and building a better relationship in the process.
You don't need to do all 7 everyday.
You don't even need to rotate constantly.
You just need to stay curious. What helps your dog reset?

(05:31):
What brings them back to their body, their brain, and their
bond with you? Here's your enrichment tip of
the week. Try the trash box treasure hunt.
It's quick, satisfying, and useswhat you already have in your
recycling bin. Bonus tip, let your dog watch
you build it. Anticipation builds engagement
and increases the payoff. So remember, be kind, spread

(05:54):
joy, and never forget. Calm doesn't come from quiet.
Sometimes it comes from connection.
Thank you for listening to straight up dog talk.
If your dog is bouncing off the walls, no matter how much you
walk them, it can feel like nothing is ever enough.
The truth is, most dogs don't need more exercise.
They need the right kind of enrichment to settle their

(06:16):
brains and their bodies. That's why I put together a free
enrichment resource packed with easy, fun ideas that you can try
right away. The link is in the show notes.
And remember, new episodes drop every Monday and Wednesday.
I'll see you next time.