Top Dog Enrichment Essentials for Working Breeds: Keep Active Dogs Happy and Healthy
If you share your life with a working breed dog, you already know they’re more than just canine companions — they’re intelligent, active go-getters with energy to burn. Whether you live with a Border Collie, German Shepherd, or Australian Kelpie, keeping their body and brain busy is essential. At Petdirect, We Get Pet — and that means understanding the unique enrichment needs of working breed dogs. From toys that challenge their smarts to chews that calm their instincts, let’s explore the best enrichment must-haves to keep them healthy, happy, and out of mischief.
Why Enrichment Matters For Working Dogs
Working breeds were developed to herd, guard, or assist humans — they thrive on purpose. Without enough mental and physical outlets, they may redirect their energy into less desirable behaviours like digging, barking, or chewing the furniture.
In New Zealand, many of these breeds live in suburban households rather than on farms. That means it’s up to us to provide daily enrichment through toys, activities, and even mealtime sessions designed to engage their instincts.
Interactive Toys For Mental Stimulation
Working breed dogs are brainy pups that love a challenge. Puzzle toys are perfect for serving up a helping of mental exercise. Products like the interactive dog toy range are clever choices that work their minds, help prevent boredom, and promote problem-solving.
Look for treat-dispensing puzzle toys from brands like KONG or Nina Ottosson — you can even switch up the treats inside to keep things fresh. Want to double the fun? Use them during mealtime for slow-feeding benefits too.
Chews And Enrichment For Natural Instincts
Many working dogs find comfort and stimulation in chewing — it’s an instinctual behaviour that helps release energy and relieve stress. Supplying a rotation of safe, long-lasting chews and natural treats keeps this behaviour appropriately directed.
Think deer antlers, natural marrow bones, or tough chew toys from durable favourites like Nylabone or Benebone. Bonus tip: chewing is also brilliant for dental health and can reduce anxiety for dogs who struggle with too much downtime.
Active Play: Tug, Fetch, And Outdoor Fun
For dogs with strong herding or guarding instincts, daily physical play is a non-negotiable. Engage their athletic side with intense games of tug or fetch using fetch toys, ropes, and balls — perfect for satisfying chase and grab drives common in working breeds.
High-energy toys from brands like Chuckit! and Outward Hound are made to withstand rugged activity. Whether it's a field, the beach, or your own backyard, daily active play helps keep frustration and unwanted behaviour at bay.
Smart Feeding Strategies
Mealtime is another opportunity to engage your dog’s brain. Instead of a standard bowl, try using slow feeders, smart bowls, or LickiMats — they require your dog to work for their kibble, turning a simple meal into a mini brain workout.
Need an upgrade to your dog’s diet? Working breeds benefit from nutrient-dense, high-protein foods to fuel their active lives. Explore quality New Zealand-made options like ZIWI, K9 Natural, or Animals Like Us for peak performance and wellbeing.
Calming Tools For Overstimulated Dogs
Yes, even high-drive dogs need some downtime. After all the fun, it’s important to support rest and regulation. If your working breed has trouble switching off, calming enrichment tools like calming chews and sprays, or a snug Thundershirt can help them settle quietly at home.
Look to designate a calming, cosy space — perhaps with fluffy dog bedding and their favourite soft toy — so they have a safe retreat if things feel too stimulating.
Make Enrichment Easy With Petdirect
At Petdirect, we’re here to help you bring out the best in your working breed. With everything from dog toys to dog health supplements, and an easy Autodeliver service, keeping your high-energy dog happy has never been easier. You’ll also earn rewards through our Pet Perks loyalty programme and even collect Airpoints — a win-win for you and your pup!
Ready to level up your enrichment setup? Browse our top-rated picks and discover what our happy dog parents are loving.
Final Thoughts
Working breeds are truly one-of-a-kind — energetic, clever, and full of heart. With the right enrichment tools and activities, you can help your dog thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. From puzzle toys to smart feeders and calming spaces, there’s something for every hardworking pup at Petdirect.
We Get Pet — and we’ve got everything you need to support your high-drive dog’s happiest (and healthiest) life. Start exploring our enrichment essentials today!