Pets feel better when they can do natural behaviors: sniffing, exploring, chewing, working for food, playing, and resting without constant stress. When those behaviors are blocked—especially with social and space restriction—dogs can show signs linked to chronic stress such as more vocalizing, repetitive behaviors, and other distress signals. That basic welfare idea is why “environmental enrichment” exists: it adds safe, meaningful stimulation that gives animals choices and outlets for normal behavior.

Studies in dogs show enrichment can change behavior in helpful ways. A pilot study in assistance-dog training settings found that several enrichment activities increased relaxation behaviors and reduced alert and stress behaviors, with conspecific play and a “playhouse” style activity producing the biggest overall improvements. In that same study, food-based enrichment (interactive toy, stuffed food toy) produced less behavior change than social/play-style options, suggesting that not all enrichment types have equal impact.

In kennelled laboratory dogs, a stuffed feeding toy (Kong-style) increased appetitive feeding behavior and activity and was linked to lower barking frequency in the short term. Shelter research also supports enrichment: a 2025 study found food enrichment increased foraging and activity, while olfactory enrichment (lavender oil) reduced some arousal-related behaviors like jumping and vocalizing, and both were reported as safe and easy to implement.

So where do pet cameras fit? The strongest evidence base is still for “direct enrichment,” not remote gadgets. A scoping review of remote human–dog communication tech shows the field is growing but also highlights limitations in methods and outcomes, meaning broad claims should be cautious. Practically, cameras can help owners monitor patterns (pacing, barking, long inactive periods), and interactive features can provide short bursts of engagement—especially for food-motivated pets. But a camera cannot replace real exercise, training, or social needs.

The best approach is matching the tool to the problem: boredom responds well to puzzle feeding, sniff-work, and rotation of chew/forage toys; anxiety often needs a routine, gradual alone-time training, and careful use of remote voice (some dogs may find it confusing if the owner never “arrives”).

On “IQ”: enrichment can support cognitive engagement and behavioral flexibility, but pet “IQ improvement” is not a standard proven outcome in these studies. What is supported is better welfare-related behavior—more appropriate activity, more relaxation, and fewer stress-linked behaviors—when enrichment is well-chosen and consistent.