Dogs have significant cognitive abilities that require regular mental stimulation for good welfare. Boredom and under-stimulation are major contributors to behavioural problems in companion dogs.
A dog that is physically exercised but mentally under-stimulated is not experiencing good welfare. Cognitive enrichment including training, scent games, puzzle feeders, and social interaction addresses dogs as the cognitively complex animals they are. Mental fatigue from enrichment activities is often more effective at producing calm, content behaviour than physical exercise alone.