Top Enrichment Activities to Keep Energetic Terriers Happy
If you’ve ever shared your home with a terrier, you’ll know they come with a built-in turbo mode. These tenacious pups are full of personality — and energy! Whether you're parenting a Jack Russell, Fox Terrier, or Airedale Terrier, having an enrichment plan in place will help keep your pup happy, healthy, and out of mischief. In this blog, we’re sharing the top enrichment ideas perfectly suited to energetic terriers. Because at Petdirect, We Get Pet.
1. Interactive Toys To Challenge Their Minds
Terriers are smart — sometimes too smart for their own good! To keep their brains engaged, use puzzle toys that require problem-solving. Food-dispensing toys like the Nina Ottosson range are fantastic at challenging curious minds, while keeping them mentally stimulated.
You can also rotate a variety of interactive toys to keep things fresh. Just like us, dogs can get bored with the same play every day.
2. DIY Dig Zones And Snuffle Mats
Many terriers were originally bred to dig and hunt. Why not let them exercise this natural behaviour with purpose? Creating a DIY dig box filled with sand or soil and hidden toys is not only fun — it’s enriching, too.
Snuffle mats are another excellent option. Sprinkle kibble or natural treats into the mat’s fabric and let your terrier forage away. It turns mealtime into a nose-work adventure!
3. Tug, Fetch, And Chase Games
Terriers love a good game — especially ones that tap into their hunting instincts. Rope toys, like those from KONG, are fantastic for tug-of-war. Just make sure to practice good manners during play to prevent overstimulation.
For fetch, consider durable fetch toys that can keep up with your terrier’s strong jaw and enthusiasm for the chase! We also love incorporating chew toys post-play, offering some calming downtime after a high-energy session.
4. Enrichment Through Training And Obedience
Short, engaging training sessions are an ideal way to challenge a terrier’s mind. Use positive reinforcement, paired with training treats, to teach new tricks or reinforce behaviours.
We recommend mixing in agility work too — jumping over small obstacles, entering tunnels, or weaving between poles. Not only does this give your terrier physical stimulation, it’s also a great bonding activity.
5. Calming Essentials For Wind-Down Time
With all that energy, wind-down time matters just as much. Consider introducing calming essentials like LickiMats, calming chews, or soothing sprays. These are great tools for helping your high-energy pup relax in the evening — especially after a big play session or during car rides or noisy events.
If your terrier struggles with staying calm, browse our selection of dog anxiety and calming care products for gentle, pet-safe solutions.
Bringing It All Together: A Happier, Healthier Terrier
Terriers thrive when they have a job to do, and enrichment gives them just that — a pawfect outlet for their natural drive, smarts, and stamina. From puzzle toys to games and calming routines, small daily changes make a big difference in their energy levels and happiness. At Petdirect, we’re here to help you support your pup with tailored picks, expert advice, and everyday Pet Perks savings just for pet parents like you.
Ready to enrich your terrier’s world? Explore our full range of pet toys and pet health supplements today — because a happy terrier is a tired terrier.