Outdoor enrichment tips from animal behaviourist Mark Vette to boost your pet’s wellbeing
As the days get longer and the weather warms up, many of us start spending more time outdoors – and our pets love it just as much as we do. Sunshine and fresh air aren’t only good for our own wellbeing; they’re also a chance to give our dogs and cats new ways to explore, play, and feel fulfilled.
Enrichment isn’t just “extra fun” (though there’s nothing wrong with extra fun, of course!). It’s a core part of your pet’s wellbeing. Our dogs and cats are hardwired with instincts to forage, sniff, climb, dig, stalk, and problem-solve. When they don’t get safe and healthy outlets for these natural behaviours, that energy has to go somewhere – often into barking, scratching, digging, or mischief indoors.
The good news is that by providing simple enrichment activities, you give your pet a “job” to do, and with it, a sense of purpose. Enrichment builds confidence, reduces stress, and helps prevent boredom-related behaviour problems. And the best part? Most ideas are easy, inexpensive, and fun for us too.
World renowned Animal Behaviourist Mark Vette shares some fun ways to bring variety and joy to your pets this season.
Mark Vette is a world-renowned Animal Behaviourist, Zoologist and Trainer. He brings together a unique combination of academic studies with 40 years of applied clinical animal behaviour consulting and treatment. Mark is a member of the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants. This article was written by Mark and the views expressed are his own.
Go on a "Sniffari"
Forget about brisk power walks – dogs (and adventurous cats on harnesses) live for the joy of sniffing. A “sniffari” is simply a slow wander where your pet gets to stop, sniff, and investigate to their heart’s content. Let them choose the pace, scatter a few treats in the grass for a mini treasure hunt, or hide a favourite toy along the way. You’ll be amazed at how satisfied they are afterwards.
Hide & seek (dogs)
Turn your daily walk into a game of hide and seek. When your dog is distracted, duck behind a tree or bush and call out. At first, keep it easy by calling loudly and hiding in an obvious spot. As your dog gets the hang of it, you can whisper, whistle softly, or pick trickier hiding places. When they find you – celebrate with a treat and lots of praise. This builds recall while making you the best “game” in their world.
At home or in the garden, you can also hide a toy or treat and encourage them to “find it!” It’s a simple but powerful way to engage their brain and nose. Once again - start easy by hiding the toy or treat in plain sight as you encourage your dog to “find it”. Then overtime, make it more of a challenge!
Water fun for hot days
On a warm afternoon, nothing beats some splashing around. A shallow paddling pool, a sprinkler, or even a bucket of water with floating toys can delight water-loving dogs. For bold cats, try a large bowl with ice cubes or floating ping-pong balls – pawing at them is both cooling and entertaining.
For an extra challenge, freeze your dog’s favourite toy in an ice cream container of water. They’ll lick, scratch, and nudge until they set their prize free. You can also freeze apple or carrot pieces in diluted low-salt broth for a healthy, cooling treat that keeps your dog occupied for ages.
Or if you’re out and about, nothing beats a swim in the sea, a calm river or a pond!
Bubbles & pinecones
Not just for kids! Dogs can have a blast chasing bubbles – start by encouraging them with a cheerful “Get it!” and reward when they catch one. Once they get the idea, you can sit back and let the fun unfold. You can even find flavoured bubbles especially for dogs (roast chicken bubble anyone?) to make them irresistible.
Nature offers its own toys too: pinecones are wonderfully tactile to bat, chase, and chew. Add a smear of peanut butter in the ridges to turn them into a long-lasting puzzle.
Digging (with permission)
Some dogs are born diggers. Rather than battling against it, give them a place where digging is allowed – a sandpit (clam shell pools work well!), planter box, or patch of sandy soil where you can bury toys or treats. Redirecting the behaviour means less frustration for your dog and fewer holes in the wrong spots.
Flirt poles or wand toys
A flirt pole (a long pole with a rope and toy on the end) is fantastic for high energy dogs, burning off some steam in a controlled way. Wand toys for cats work in much the same way by sparking their hunting instincts! A flirt pole or wand toy taps into your pet’s chase instincts and gives them a satisfying outlet, and for dogs it’s a great opportunity to teach impulse control - play, then stop and ask for a sit or down, then resume the play - continue to dip in and out in this manner. Just wait until your pup is over 12 months old before introducing a flirt pole, to protect developing joints.
Create a vertical playground (cats)
Cats thrive when they can climb and perch up high. Outdoors, think about adding a catio with shelves, repurposing an old ladder, or stacking tree stumps. A few pots of cat-safe plants like catnip or lemongrass will turn any corner into feline heaven. A secure catio is particularly great for indoor cats, as it gives them a way to safely watch birds, bugs and butterflies - which is hugely stimulating - without escaping or being able to hunt our precious native birds.
Sunbathing stations
Cats (and some dogs) adore warmth, so set up comfy beds in sunny spots to allow them to enjoy the gentle heat of that spring sunshine while enjoying the fresh air.
Make mealtimes an adventure
Who said food has to come from a bowl? Scatter kibble in the grass for a natural foraging game, use cardboard egg cartons as puzzle feeders, or freeze wet food in silicone moulds for a cooling treat. Dogs and cats both love the challenge of “working” for their dinner, and feeding outdoors is a great way to add to their overall stimulation!
Keep it fresh with rotation
The trick with enrichment is variety. Rotate toys, games, and experiences so each day feels new and exciting. Even moving yesterday’s toy to a different hiding place can spark enthusiasm.
Share the calm
Enrichment isn’t always about high energy. Sometimes the most rewarding moments come from simply sitting together in the sunshine, taking a picnic together, brushing your pet outdoors, or teaching a trick in the garden. These quiet times deepen your bond and give balance to all the fun and games.
From a behaviourist’s perspective
Enrichment is all about helping pets express their natural behaviours – sniffing, climbing, digging, chasing, foraging – in safe, positive ways. When those needs are met, you’ll see less frustration, less mischief, and more calm confidence. Outdoor enrichment is a simple gift that makes life richer for our pets… and for us too.
Always consult your vet on the best way to look after your pet. And to avoid unexpected costs, make sure your pet is insured.
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