Adequate mental enrichment is as important as physical exercise for companion dog welfare, and simple daily activities can prevent boredom-related behavioural problems.
Dogs with insufficient mental stimulation develop boredom-related problems including destructive chewing, excessive barking and hyperactivity. These behaviours are frequently misattributed to disobedience rather than unmet welfare needs. Daily enrichment through training, sniff walks and puzzle feeding addresses root causes rather than symptoms. Cognitive engagement is a core welfare need for a species whose evolutionary history involved continuous problem-solving activity.