Easy Fall Enrichment Ideas for Busy Pet Parents 🍁
If you’re a busy professional who spends long hours at work, you probably know the guilt of leaving your dog home alone all too well. The good news? With just a little creativity, you can make your pup’s day more exciting, even when you can’t be there. Fall is the perfect time to refresh your dog’s routine with cozy, stimulating activities that help burn energy, relieve boredom, and keep tails wagging.
Here are some easy fall enrichment ideas you can set up before you head to work (or enjoy together on your days off).
🍂 1. The Sniff & Seek Box
Dogs love to use their noses, and a cardboard “sniff box” is a quick, budget-friendly boredom buster. My pups Poppy and Tito like to race to see who can eat their treats first!
How to make it:
Pro tip: Use your dog’s breakfast kibble instead of extra treats to keep things balanced.
🎃 2. Frozen Pumpkin Pops
Fall and pumpkin go hand-in-hand and your dog can get in on the fun, too! My dogs and I are pretty basic so we are obsessed with anything pumpkin flavored!
How to make them:
Leave a few out in a lick mat or treat toy before heading to work. Licking helps calm anxious pups and keeps them occupied.
🍁 3. The Autumn Scent Trail
If you have a few extra minutes before leaving, set up a scent trail indoors or in the backyard.
How to do it:
It’s a mental workout that doesn’t require a ton of time or effort, perfect for a quick morning enrichment session.
🐾 4. Cozy Comfort Corner
Some dogs just need a soothing space while you’re away. Create a little fall-themed relaxation nook for your pup!
Ideas:
It helps ease separation anxiety and makes your dog’s downtime more relaxing.
🍎 5. DIY Apple Treat Hunt
Apples are in season and they make great enrichment treats (just skip the seeds and core).
Quick idea:
This simple puzzle keeps them mentally engaged while you’re out.
🦴 6. Stuffed & Ready Enrichment Toys
If you’re short on time, you can prep a few toys on Sunday and freeze them for the week.
Try stuffing:
Use a mix of dog-safe ingredients like pumpkin, yogurt, banana, or kibble soaked in bone broth. Freeze overnight and rotate them daily, it’s the dog version of meal prep!
🧡 7. Fall Walks (for Weekends or Lunch Breaks)
When you do have time, make the most of it with an enriching fall walk. Try visiting a local trail like Sara Babb Park or Leone Hall Price Park to let your pup explore new scents and scenery.
Can’t fit in a midday walk? That’s where we come in! At Pet Pals of Cedarcrest, we specialize in midday dog walks and pet check-ins so your dog stays happy, healthy, and loved even while you’re at work.
A Little Enrichment Goes a Long Way
Adding even one or two of these ideas each week can make a big difference in your dog’s happiness and behavior. Enrichment helps curb boredom, reduce anxiety, and turn lonely hours into fun mental challenges.
You’ll feel better knowing your pup is having a good day, too and they’ll thank you with extra tail wags when you get home. 🐶❤️
Need help keeping your dog active while you work?
👉 Book a midday walk with Pet Pals of Cedarcrest and we’ll make sure your dog’s day is full of fun, fresh air, and love.