In this episode of Tails & Tones, host Mariska Nell and Tori Mistick of Wear Wag Repeat explore how daily enrichment transforms your dog’s emotional health and confidence. Learn simple, practical ways to enrich your dog’s day, strengthen your bond, and bring more joy to both of your lives.

Guest Bio:

Tori Mistick is a dog mom, blogger, podcast host, and the founder of Wear Wag Repeat. With over a decade of experience creating content for pet lovers, Tori helps pet parents enrich their dogs’ lives and supports “petpreneurs” in growing their businesses online. She’s also a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician and recently launched her limited-series podcast Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick, which dives deep into the science and joy of helping dogs live their best lives.

Takeaways:

• Enrichment is connection, not distraction. It’s about understanding your dog’s emotions, not just keeping them busy.
• Small choices build confidence. Let your dog pick between treats, directions on a walk, or how they’d like to spend time with you.
• Balance is key. Mix active enrichment (sniff walks, games) with calm bonding (gentle petting, sound baths).
• DIY can be powerful. Muffin tins, towel burritos, and busy boxes make enrichment easy and low-cost.
• Presence matters most. True enrichment starts when we slow down and meet our dogs where they are.

Relevant links mentioned in the episode:

Tori's Website Wear Wag Repeat, Wear Wag Repeat Podcast

Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick Podcast

Mental Enrichment Activity Pack ($19)

Instagram: @wearwagrepeat @tmistick

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode:

[00:00]-Intro: What true enrichment means

[01:44] - Meet Tori Mistick & her canine journey

[05:03] - Redefining enrichment beyond puzzles

[08:13] - Building your dog’s confidence through small choices

[10:30] - Trick training as a confidence booster

[13:59] - Enrichment for puppies, adults & seniors

[17:15] - Burt’s story: From anxiety to confidence

[21:14] - Enrichment as therapy for anxious dogs

[23:44] - Using music and calm environments for recovery

[25:06] - Meeting emotional needs & avoiding overstimulation

[27:47] - Enrichment for busy pet parents

[31:37] - 3 Low-cost DIY enrichment ideas

[34:01] - The one toy worth splurging on

[35:07] - Tori’s biggest enrichment advice for pet parents

[36:29] - One small action to help your dog feel seen

[37:23] - The Mental Enrichment Activity Pack

[38:22] - Where to find Tori?

[39:23] - Outro: Turning love into enrichment