Enrichment gardens for dogs

From sniffing out new smells to feeling different textures under their paws, dogs experience the world through their senses. That means enrichment gardens, also known as sensory gardens, are a great way to stimulate your dog mentally and physically.

Enrichment gardens are a great way to enhance your dog’s life, and offer benefits such as: 

• Helping to reduce stress levels 
• Encouraging gentle physical activity 
• Offering a variety of interesting scents 
• Giving your dog a safe space to relax and explore 
• Helping prevent boredom-related behaviours like chewing or barking
• Providing an area for natural dog behaviours like sniffing and rolling

Enrichment gardens also offer benefits for dog owners. Spending time outdoors with your dog is a great way to bond. The sights, smells and sounds of nature can also be extremely relaxing.

An enrichment garden needn’t be complicated or expensive. The key is to include a variety of elements within your existing garden that stimulate your dog’s different senses and encourage them to explore the space. 

Dog-friendly gardens and pet-safe plants have even been highlighted by The Royal Horticultural Society, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Goodwoof – the dog-focused festival.

Sniffing is a natural behaviour for dogs, and essential for their wellbeing. When it comes to dog enrichment, just 20 minutes of sniffing is the equivalent of an hour’s walk.

Support scent-based enrichment in your garden by planting dog-friendly herbs such as thyme, basil, rosemary and mint, or by adding flowering plants like lavender, marigolds and roses.

You can also play some fun enrichment games for dogs by letting some patches of grass grow longer, then hiding treats or toys for your dog to sniff out. 

Try incorporating different textures into your outdoor space, such as:

• Small areas of woodchip, gravel or bark
• A designated digging spot with sand or dirt, for dogs who love to dig
• A shallow water tray or paddling pool to cool down in during hot weather

Gentle sounds can support relaxation for you and your dog. Try adding: 

• Wind chimes 
• Water fountains 
• Natural rustling plants
• Soft background music 

Studies suggest dogs enjoy calming, classical music, so if you have outdoor speakers, try searching for ‘calming music for dogs’ and try out some playlists to see what your dog prefers.

Add visual interest to your garden by:

• Adding tall plants that move in the wind
• Using wind spinners or moving ornaments 
• Creating different levels so your dog can view their environment from higher up

Some dogs also enjoy watching the local wildlife. Enrichment activities for dogs that aren’t prone to chasing can include placing a bird feeder or bird bath in your outdoor space to encourage birds and other wildlife to visit, so your dog can calmly observe them.

Dog enrichment gardens can involve taste, but safety is key. Dog-safe herbs, fruits and vegetables can have health benefits, but it’s essential to do your research first. 

Try planting fruits like strawberries and blueberries, or creating a tasty treasure hunt by hiding treats around the garden.

Always research which plants are safe and supervise your dog if they like to taste things. If you’re worried your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t, speak to your vet for advice. 

If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can also use our Pet Expert Chat to connect with vet professionals, any time. To get started, log in to your My Petplan account.

You don’t need a large space to provide enrichment activities for dogs. If you have a smaller garden, patio, balcony or just an indoor space, try:

• Using pots or planters filled with lavender or catmint
• Placing snuffle mats and puzzle toys around the house
• Using a dog-safe bubble mixture for some fun supervised play
• Setting up an indoor treasure hunt to keep your dog’s mind active 
• Filling a plastic tray with dog-safe balls and hiding some treats in the tray
• Indoor scent-based training

Certain plants should be avoided as they can be harmful to our pets, including: 

• Azaleas and rhododendrons
• Chrysanthemums
• Foxgloves
• Hydrangeas
• Lilies
• Some bulbs and their flowers, such as autumn crocus, bluebells and daffodils
• Some food plants, such as rhubarb and potatoes
• Tulips
• Wisteria
• Yew

There are also plenty of plants that are safe for dogs, such as:

• Calendula
• Chamomile
• Cornflowers
• Herbs such as basil, mint, rosemary or thyme
• Lavender
• Meadowsweet
• Michaelmas daisies
• Pansies
• Sunflowers
• Wheatgrass

Some hazardous plants may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, but others can be more serious, especially if consumed in large amounts. Make sure you know the signs of poisoning in dogs, and if you’re concerned, contact your vet as soon as possible.