How can enriching your dog’s life actually make your life better? In the Season 1 finale, Tori Mistick pulls together the biggest lessons from her deep dive into dog enrichment and reveals the surprising, science-backed ways these activities boost your happiness, focus, motivation, and overall well-being.

You’ll learn why variety, novelty, shared activities, and even tiny moments of connection with your dog can transform the way you move through your day. This episode is your reminder that enrichment isn’t just something you give your dog, it’s something that gives back to you.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

02:27 Why variety and novelty matter in dog enrichment

04:27 The magic of giving your dog choice and control

06:23 Activities to do together

10:10 Research: how three minutes with your dog boosts your brain and mood

13:53 The science of taking a break: why short, joyful pauses help you thrive

17:03 Tiny enrichment breaks to make your workday better

18:30 The Blue Zones, social enrichment, and longevity

20:54 Building community and friendships through dog enrichment

21:58 The real truth: grow, connect, and enrich together

This is the final episode of Season 1 of Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being part of this journey. If you’ve loved the show, please spread the word to a dog parent or a friend who’s curious about the science behind the magic of dogs—and don’t forget to leave a review!

MORE FOR YOU & YOUR DOG:

Mental Enrichment Activity Pack → https://wearwagrepeat.com/dog-enrichment-mental-activity-pack/

Show notes, links, and study citations: http://toriknowsdogs.com/podcast

Want closed captions or to watch me and Burt in action?

Watch all episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ToriMistick

GET IN TOUCH:

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tmistick

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wearwagrepeat

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tmistick/

Be sure to follow so you and your pup won’t miss what’s next! 🐾💛

How do you help your dog stay sharp, confident, and comfortable as they age? In this practical science-backed episode, certified canine enrichment expert Tori Mistick breaks down the power of physical enrichment. Learn how simple movement, textures, routines, and touch can keep your dog’s brain and body feeling young.

You’ll learn why light, varied movement (not intense workouts!) is linked to a 33% lower risk of canine cognitive decline, why doing the same sidewalk loop daily can actually increase injury risk, and how terrain walks, DIY obstacle courses, and even a nightly massage can support healthier aging for your dog.

Tori shares real research in human-speak, stories from life with her senior Labrador Burt, and easy ideas you can try this week even if you’re stuck indoors due to weather!

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

02:05 What physical enrichment actually is (it’s not about wearing your dog out)

03:01 The 11,000-dog study: light movement lowers dementia risk by 33%

05:16 Terrain walks: how texture and variety keep your dog’s brain young

08:31 Why repetitive walks increase injury risk (according to canine sports medicine)

09:10 DIY “surface circus” ideas for indoor enrichment

10:15 The surprising science behind canine massage and touch

13:08 Recap: the 3 pillars of physical enrichment

14:44 Listener Q&A: calming a wild pup stuck inside during bad weather

16:12 Indoor enrichment activities, balance work, and relaxing music

18:36 Product Spotlight: two treat-dispensing toys perfect for mealtime movement

PRODUCTS + RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Hide & Scent Scent Work Kit → https://www.hideandscentpets.com/ohpsyw 15% off with code: ENRICHMENTWITHTORI

Caitlin’s Canine Fitness YouTube Playlist → https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwtmSP2gftSplgaBFviywMbSwPie4tPNF&si=9kGWGnuwOK8jSWhs

Outward Hound Food-Dispensing Ball → https://amzn.to/4pABGnM

Snowman-Style Treat Ball → https://amzn.to/3JXmAcN

Thanks for listening!

Ultimate Enrichment Guide + The Mental Enrichment Activity Pack → https://wearwagrepeat.com/dog-enrichment-podcast/

Read the show notes for full links, product recs, and citations to all the studies mentioned in this episode.

There are 10 episodes in season 1 of this limited series podcast. Hit FOLLOW so you and your pup never miss the latest enrichment ideas!

COME SAY HI!

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/tmistick

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/WearWagRepeat/

Pinterest → https://www.pinterest.com/tmistick/

If you loved this episode, please subscribe and leave a review 💛 Your feedback helps other devoted dog parents discover the joy of enrichment.

*This may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. When you shop with my links I may earn a small commission.

Why does socializing matter so much for your dog’s health, happiness, and longevity? And how can you give your pup enriching social experiences without dealing with dog park drama?

In this episode, canine enrichment expert Tori Mistick unpacks what social enrichment really means (hint: it doesn't take place in the dog park!).

You’ll learn why quality relationships with people and pups help dogs live longer, how social ties reduce anxiety and fear, and simple ways to boost your dog’s confidence at any age. Tori breaks down the latest research in human-speak, sharing stories from her own dogs Burt and Lucy, and giving you easy ideas to try this week—no dog park required.

WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:

01:14 Why social enrichment matters for dogs of all ages
03:02 Stories from raising puppies, rescues, and therapy dogs
05:01 The science: socialization, confidence, and longevity
10:18 Blue Zones & the Dog Aging Project (and what it means for your dog!)
13:00 How social ties fight cognitive decline in senior dogs
14:06 The truth about dog parks (and what to do instead)
17:23 Safer, smarter alternatives for social enrichment
19:39 Four easy ways to boost your dog’s social life this week
21:03 Listener Q&A: Introducing a new dog to a senior pup
23:20 Product Spotlight: Treats + gear for social outings (linked in my Amazon shop!)

PRODUCTS + RESOURCES IN THIS EPISODE:

Treat Pouch and Healthy Treats in my Amazon Shop → https://www.amazon.com/shop/wearwagrepeat

Thanks for listening!

There are 10 episodes in this limited series. Make sure you hit FOLLOW so your pup doesn’t miss out on all the enrichment fun!

Read the show notes for links to my favorite enrichment products, science studies mentioned, and a free guide just for dog parents: http://toriknowsdogs.com/podcast

Prefer video or closed captions? Watch all episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ToriMistick

COME SAY HI!

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tmistick

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wearwagrepeat

TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@wearwagrepeat

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tmistick/

MORE DOG ENRICHMENT RESOURCES:

MENTAL ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY PACK: 10 step-by-step brain games you can start today → http://toriknowsdogs.com/podcast

Love the show? Please leave a review! It helps more dog parents discover easy, joyful ways to make every day special for their pup.