The Lazy Dog’s Guide to Enrichment: What to Do When Your Dog Just Won’t Work

While some dogs are high-energy #goalgetters, others… not so much. If you are the proud person of a lazy dog, there are ways to deepen and enrich his life, even from the comfort of his favorite nap spot.

Call the vet.

First up, if your dog is lethargic and disengaged, it’s a good idea to schedule a checkup with your vet just to make sure there isn’t an underlying health problem. This is especially true if your dog was formerly energetic. Aging pups naturally slow down, but it can’t hurt to have a quick exam to make sure all’s well.

Skip the bowl.

Never let dinnertime be a bore. Use puzzle feeders, like PAW5’s Rock ‘N Bowl, to stimulate activity and make feeding time active and rewarding.

Add a little mood music.

Be it TV or radio, there are stations made to peak the interest of our dogs. These programs are consistently providing new sights and sounds, which in and of themselves are enriching additions to your dogs day.

Give a massage.

Touch is such an important element of your relationship with your dog. Through grooming, petting and massages, you can provide your dog with love, comfort and a healthy dose of enrichment. Massages are a great way to increase your dog’s physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Invite over a friend.

Although your dog might not be up for a play date with another dog, having another human over can add an interesting twist to your dog’s day. If they know the person, it means more attention and love. And if it is a new person, then they get to stretch their engagement muscles and make a new friend.

Walk slowly.

Take a stroll around the block. Dogs love to exercise their senses; it’s hugely rewarding and enriching for a dog to smell and hear new things. Don’t rush your daily walk. Allow your lazy pup to lead the way (no matter how slowly he likes to amble) so that he can follow whatever entices his senses. 

Invent games.

Maybe your dog isn’t lazy. Maybe he’s just bored! Mix up your routine with new games to test what strikes his fancy. Try backyard nose work or agility.

While your may not be into high-impact activities like running or swimming, he still needs mental and physical stimulation! If you love a lazy lug, try these tweaks to get him a little more enrichment in his day.