Mythbusters: Does enrichment have to be expensive?

As enrichment becomes a more popular term in the pet space, so do a slew of puzzle toys, slow feeders, and other products marketed as necessities to keep our dogs and cats happy. A few minutes on Dogstagram or a canine Facebook group encourages me to try dozens of new enrichment staples. Many of these inventions are incredible! (We have several favorites here at Juniper.) Some of them are also inaccessible, boasting high price tags that can make us pet parents wonder if we're really doing enough.

Plus enrichment comes with more than just financial costs. If we decide to minimize tangible spend by going the DIY puzzle route or thrifting for the right supplies, there can be pressure to devote hours and hours and hours to this prep. Our time is a valuable resource too.

But does enrichment have to be expensive? For once the answer isn't "it depends." It's "not at all!" Here are some budget- and schedule-friendly ways to allow your pet to express their natural instincts—no matter your current capacity.

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Cut the financial costs of canine enrichment

Fulfill your four-legged companions without breaking the bank.

• Opt for DIY activities with supplies you already have on hand. The options are truly limitless. Check out our 101 Enrichment Ideas guide for a great place to start! Some go-tos include hiding treats in old towels as a makeshift snuffle mat or using a muffin tin to make an easy puzzle toy.
• Find affordable enrichment supplies at thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or local animal shelters hosting fundraising sales. Consider asking local dog trainers and other pet professionals what their favorites are. (Learn more about shopping small as a pet parent here.)
• Remember that enrichment doesn't require physical supplies. Some of the best time we spend with our pets doesn't have anything to do with fancy toys. Don't limit your view of "enrichment" to only include puzzles! Instead, go for a sniffari walk. Play with a stick you find in your backyard. Start some fun, simple trick training.

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Fulfill your dog while keeping your routine on busy days

We all know balancing other obligations while keeping our pets happy can be tricky—but there are plenty of ways to streamline enrichment.

• Set up multitasking enrichment where you give your dog a puzzle toy to enjoy in the background while you work. You can also integrate short training sessions into your daily routine (for example: I used to have my cattle dog, Scout, practice sit and down stays while I folded laundry).
• Embrace low-effort mental stimulation like scatter feeding (toss kibble in the grass or around a room to encourage foraging) or automated toys.
• Opt for passive socialization and exposure. Set up a comfy spot where your dog can safely watch outside activity (provided they aren't reactive out the windows). Bringing your dog along for errands (if your tasks are pet friendly and your pup is up to tagging along).
• Prioritize the enrichment activities your individual dog loves best. Picking the top things that fulfill your pup will help you be more efficient without making them feel slighted. Here's how to figure that out!

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Ease the mental work of coming up with enrichment activities

Feeling a little brain dead? Us too sometimes. You don't have to do all your pet's enrichment planning on your own!

• Get inspiration from fellow pet parents. Juniper rounds up a few fresh enrichment ideas in our newsletter every week. Social media groups can be a great place to get inspired. Ask around and steal the best ideas you come across!

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Don't miss the rest of our enrichment mythbusters series!

• Does enrichment make dogs destructive? Probably not—but here's what to watch for.
• Do enrichment puzzles make it hard for your dog to relax? It depends. Here's what to know!

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