12 enrichment games to level up your dog's toys

Take a look inside your dog’s toy basket. How many of those toys are actually being used to their full potential?

A ball gets thrown, a rope gets tugged, a toy gets chewed, or some treats are stuffed into it, and that’s usually the extent of it. But with a little creativity, those same toys can offer so much more.

With the right approach, even the simplest toy can become a powerful tool for building your dog’s impulse control, problem-solving skills, confidence, and connection with you. By adding purpose into play, you can challenge your dog’s body and mind, encourage better habits, and still have plenty of fun along the way.

And the best part? It doesn’t take hours of training. Just a few well-designed, interactive games can make all the difference. 

To celebrate the launch of Non-stop dogwear’s first-ever toy collection, we teamed up with Top Dog Akademiet - six-time Norwegian champions in obedience - to put the toys to the test. With over 28 years of experience, Aina Fatland Røine and Line Fatland Frøystad have created 12 fun and practical games that add purpose, mental stimulation, and enrichment into everyday play.

Made from a durable, dog-safe blend of natural rubber and bamboo fiber, these toys are built and designed for interactive play, mental stimulation, and long-lasting enrichment, keeping your dog engaged, challenged, and happy.

Ready to level up your dog’s toys? Let’s play.

Dog throw toy

Fill it | Chew it | Fetch it

The Dog throw toy is as functional as it is tough. Its hollow core makes it perfect for feeding, chewing, and tossing.

1. Treat search

Fill it with food or snacks and let your dog figure out how to get it out.

Tip: Freeze it to make the game last longer and help calm your dog.

Benefits: Activates your dog’s brain while promoting calm, focused problem-solving.

Bonus: Very useful for home-alone training, give it before leaving to keep your dog busy. 

2. Chew training with bone

Insert a chew stick or dental treat to create a longer, more involved chew experience.

Benefits: Turns passive chewing into an active, mentally stimulating activity.

3. Retrieve and Return

Use it for fetch, and teach your dog to return the toy to your hand.

Benefits: Combines movement with cooperation. A great way to build engagement and retrieving skills.

Dog Flying Disc

Chase | Control | Focus

Flexible and easy to grip, the Dog flying disc is gentle on teeth but strong enough for serious play, perfect for both beginners and experienced players.

1. Simple Fetch

Start with low, short-distance throws. Let your dog gain confidence catching it mid-air.

Benefits: A perfect introduction to disc play.

2. Target training

Teach your dog to touch the disc with their nose or paw, either on the ground or in your hand.

Benefits: Builds focus and body control while strengthening cooperation.

3. Controlled “Catch”

Ask your dog to wait for your “Go” cue. Toss the disc, then release your dog to catch it.

Benefits: Adds structure to excitement. Increases impulse control and self-restraint.

Dog Ball

Think | Wait | Engage

A durable, high-density ball with a good bounce and grip. 

1. Self-control and focus

Ask your dog to stay. Throw the ball and wait for your dog to offer eye contact before releasing them.

Benefits: Teaches your dog to check in with you, even when highly excited, and build impulse control and focus.

Level up: Increase difficulty by playing with the distance to the ball, adding distractions, or extending the waiting time before release.

2. Impulse Stop

Throw the ball and let your dog go for it. Interrupt mid-chase with a “wait”  or “stop” command. When your dog stops, release them to fetch it as a reward.

Benefits: Trains impulse control and obedience in a high-energy situation.

Level up: Increase difficulty by adding distance and distractions.

3. Focus and “Stay”

Place the ball on the ground. Ask for contact. Only release when your dog gives contact.

Benefits: Reinforces your role as guide and reward-giver, not just the object of play. Trains focus under high expectations.

Level up: Increase difficulty by tossing the toy instead of placing it on the ground.

Dog ball on rope

Search | Run | Tug

With a rope handle and a rugged ball, this toy offers the best of both worlds: control for you, drive and resistance for your dog. Perfect for speed, recall, and tug-based games.

 

1. Ball search

Throw or hide the toy in tall grass or forested areas. Let your dog use their nose to find it.

Benefits: Natural nose work is fun and challenges the brain and tires your dog out fast.

2. Long Throw and Recall

Use the rope for long throws. Send your dog, then call them back on the return.

Benefits: Combines high-speed movement with structured training.

3. Tug With Boundaries

Engage in tug with clear start/stop cues like “take it” and “drop it.”

Benefits: Encourages self-control and builds a playful, respectful relationship between you and your dog.

 

Every dog is different… and that’s exactly the point. At Top Dog Akademiet, one of our dogs loves chasing the Dog ball at full speed, while the other prefers quietly working out treat puzzles with the Dog throw toy.

They remind us that play is much more than speed. It’s about mastery, developing skills, cooperation, working together, and pure joy—having fun!

Which toy and game will your dog love most?

Explore the toy collection

Follow Top Dog Akademiet @topdogakademiet