Cognitive enrichment that challenges dogs mentally is as important as physical exercise for behavioral welfare, and dogs provided with regular cognitive challenges show fewer anxiety and frustration-based behavioral problems.
Cognitive enrichment welfare recognizes that dogs are thinking animals whose mental needs are as real as their physical requirements for exercise and nutrition. A dog that receives two hours of physical exercise daily but no cognitive challenge may still suffer from boredom-driven frustration that manifests as destructive behavior, excessive barking, or anxiety. The evidence for this is that dogs given equivalent exercise but with cognitive enrichment added show substantially lower stress hormones and fewer problematic behaviors. Nose work is particularly valuable because it engages the olfactory system that is primary for dogs, provides clear success events through finding the target scent, and works across a wide range of physical ability levels. Dogs with mobility limitations from arthritis or other conditions can receive full cognitive stimulation through nose work when physical exercise is restricted.