Enrichment for dogs has become a buzzword in the pet world, and for good reason. Many dog owners are actively seeking dog enrichment activities and training ideas they can use at home. What you might not know is that there are different types of enrichment, and each one uniquely supports a dog’s well-being.
So what exactly is visual enrichment, and how can you incorporate it into your dog’s daily routine or training plan?
Enrichment isn’t just about handing your dog a puzzle toy. True canine enrichment is any activity that provides mental, physical, or emotional stimulation—helping your dog express natural behaviors and feel more fulfilled. Visual enrichment, in particular, gives dogs exposure to new sights and opportunities to safely observe and scan their environment. It’s a simple yet powerful way to provide mental stimulation for dogs without increasing physical activity.
Like all enrichment strategies, not every visual activity will be the right fit for every dog. But when you discover something your dog genuinely enjoys, it can become a grounding, calming part of your daily routine.
Think about it this way: when you go sightseeing—exploring somewhere new or taking in scenery that interests you—you usually feel more satisfied and centered afterward. Dogs are no different. Visual enrichment offers them a chance to “sightsee” in their own way, and the impact can be surprisingly positive.
Visual Enrichment Game Ideas
As you read through these suggestions, experiment with activities you think might work for your dog. For example, if your dog reacts to sounds on the TV, skip that exercise (and make a note to mention it to your dog trainer). The goal of visual enrichment for dogs is to add activities that create positive, calming experiences—not overstimulation.
Let Your Dog Watch Television
When I was in class to become a Certified Enrichment Technician through Dognostics, the instructor, Niki Tudge, shared something that really caught my attention about TV and dogs.
First, she mentioned that Dr. Evan MacLean, the founder and Director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center, has noted that television may be especially beneficial for dogs who spend a lot of time alone. For some dogs, TV provides gentle visual stimulation and can break up long periods of quiet or inactivity.
Tudge also explained that older televisions are harder for dogs to see, while modern high-definition TVs produce a smoother, more natural refresh rate that dogs can actually perceive. That detail surprised me, because my own dogs have never shown much interest in the TV. So I started asking around—and the answers were all over the place. Some dogs genuinely seem to love it.
There are even entire YouTube channels dedicated to dogs, and DogTV, a streaming service launched in 2012, designs its programming based on scientific research into canine sensory enrichment.
But the most consistent feedback I kept hearing?
A lot of dogs like Bluey.
Yes, Bluey, the children’s cartoon character on Disney Channel and Disney+. My kids are older, so I wasn’t very familiar with the show—but the dog trainer in me immediately recognized Bluey as a Blue Heeler.
When I looked into it, I found out that this is actually a common conversation online. Many people report that their dog watches or responds to Bluey, and the most likely reason is that the show heavily uses blue and yellow, the colors dogs see most clearly. This contrast can make the animation easier and more visually interesting for dogs compared to other programs. Here is an article for anyone who wants a deep dive into why Bluey may appeal to dogs.
Of course, if your dog doesn’t care about TV, that’s completely normal too. Just like people have different interests and favorite pastimes, so do our dogs. Dog enrichment activities should always match your individual dog’s sensory preferences—not ours.
Take Your Dog for a Car Ride
Some dogs are naturally fascinated by the world outside the car, and for them, a car ride can be a simple form of visual enrichment. I’ve had a few dogs who absolutely loved watching the scenery go by. In fact, car rides are on my German Shepherd’s Joy List—she’ll lean her head on the window, quietly observing the world outside.
I once had a Papillon who behaved the same way—but only in the mountains. On flat drives, she would curl up and nap, but when the mountains appeared outside the window, she would stare dreamily, fully absorbed in the view.
Of course, this visual enrichment activity isn’t for every dog. If your dog gets car sick or becomes overly stimulated when they see things outside that they can’t reach, skip this one. But if your dog seems calm and curious in the car, try glancing at them the next time you drive—they might be quietly enjoying their own version of “moving TV.”
Window Watching at Home
You don’t need a car to offer your dog visual enrichment—windows at home can serve as “nature’s TV.” My parents have a dog bed for their Cairn Terrier on the bench of their bay window. It overlooks their backyard, where multiple bird feeders provide a steady stream of visual stimulation. Watching her engaged in the sights and movements of nature never fails to make me smile.
Of course, window watching isn’t suitable for every dog. Some dogs can get overstimulated by outdoor activity (for instance, I have my Chihuahua’s window frosted to prevent overexcitement). If you think your dog might enjoy this activity, start calmly and mindfully.
Set Up a Calming Station: Sit with your dog near a window and offer a lick mat filled with something they love—like peanut butter or canned dog food—and freeze it. This encourages a calming behavior while they watch the world outside.
Supervise at First: Until you know your dog isn’t triggered by the sights outside, restrict window access during these enrichment sessions.
Short, Positive Sessions: Keep the first sessions brief, then gradually increase the time if your dog remains calm and engaged.
Window watching is a perfect combination of visual enrichment and calming mental stimulation for dogs—allowing them to observe, track movement, and stay mentally engaged while remaining relaxed.
Doggy Dining Alfresco
One of my favorite ways to provide visual enrichment for dogs is to combine calm observation with meal time. I call this approach Doggy Dining Alfresco: take your dog and their portioned meal to a location where they can watch activity from a safe distance.
Some of my favorite spots include:
A city park with a play structure – sit on a bench at least a football field away so your dog can observe without being overwhelmed.
The back end of a parking lot – perfect for watching cars and people in motion.
A sports field during a game – again, start at least a football field away to avoid overstimulation.
A hiking trail in the woods – watch squirrels, birds, and other wildlife from a calm perch.
Once you’ve found a good spot, sit with your dog on a bench or a blanket. As your dog looks around and takes in the sights, scatter pieces of their meal or kibble randomly. This pairs calm observation with sniffing and eating, reinforcing positive, relaxed engagement with their environment.
Fish Tanks
This is one of my personal favorites. Both my dogs and I could watch fish swim for hours—it’s soothing and offers gentle visual enrichment.
If keeping a fish tank isn’t practical at home (as I’ve learned the hard way), you can still test your dog’s interest. Many pet stores and big retailers like Bass Pro Shops have large, dog-friendly fish tanks. Take your dog for a supervised visit and see how they react.
If your dog enjoys watching fish but you’re not ready to commit to a tank, there are also water activity mats and shallow sensory pools designed for pets. Some mats, like this one, are even durable enough to withstand claws and provide safe, visual, and tactile enrichment.
Pairing gentle movement and visual interest with calm activities—like sniffing or eating—makes these setups a perfect form of mental stimulation and calming enrichment for dogs.
Things to Consider Before Trying Visual Enrichment Games
The goal of visual enrichment for dogs is to provide a fun, engaging, and calming outlet. Before you start, consider your individual dog’s personality, preferences, and sensitivities to make each session positive and stress-free.
Here are some key tips to keep in mind:
Check the environment for triggers
Loud noises, delivery trucks, other dogs off-leash, or active children can create overstimulation. Pick a location where your dog can observe without feeling stressed.Start with short sessions
Begin with brief periods of 5–10 minutes. As you learn how your dog responds, you can gradually extend the session length. Short sessions help prevent frustration and ensure the activity remains enjoyable.Maintain calm energy
Dogs mirror our emotional state. Your relaxed demeanor encourages your dog to stay calm and focused during the activity.Reward calm observation
Use treats, praise, or other positive reinforcement to reward your dog for quiet, attentive watching. Avoid rewarding barking, whining, or hyperfocus, which can turn the session into a stressor rather than a calming enrichment activity.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can make dog enrichment activities more effective, enjoyable, and safe.
In Conclusion
Mix up your dog enrichment activities to engage all of your dog’s senses—not just sight. Incorporating a variety of experiences helps keep your dog mentally stimulated, physically satisfied, and emotionally enriched.
As you discover your dog’s favorite visual enrichment games, treat this time as a chance to bond. These sessions aren’t tasks to be checked off—they’re opportunities to pause, connect, and enjoy the moment with your dog.
Have a favorite visual enrichment activity that your dog loves? We’d love for you to share it with us! Your ideas might inspire other dog owners to try new ways of keeping their pups happy and engaged.
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