08/13/2024
One of the most prevalent causes of undesirable behaviour in our dogs is a lack of mental stimulation. We all understand the importance of regular walks for the body, but as thinking beings, our dogs need to exercise their brains as well! Not only does the experience build confidence from overcoming challenges, enrichment activities let them be a DOG - something sorely lacking in our modern world. Enrichment activities need not be expensive or time consuming. With a little effort & creative thinking, we can provide enjoyable experiences for our dogs.
Feeding time is one of the easiest sources of enrichment. As most of my clients know, I strongly advocate feeding from Kong toys, starting easy with dry kibble, then adding challenge with binding agents (mildly sticky stuff) like sugar free pumpkin pie filling (ED Smith's filling is just pumpkin), plain, unsweetened yogurt, leftover gravy, a bit of canned dog food, or soaking the kibble in water to make it mushy. Empty paper product tubes make great little 'burritos' (mind your dog doesn't consume the shredded cardboard), and a few empty facial tissue boxes can make a great opportunity to shred something (looking at you, Terriers!). Even something as quick & easy as scattering a handful of breakfast in the grass can have a dramatic impact on behaviour when done regularly.
Turn your daily walks into 'sniffaris'. Walk for TIME instead of distance! If Fido wants to spend 7 minutes sniffing that bush or clump of grass, LET THEM!! Dogs experience the world primarily by scent, and checking 'p*e mail' at the fire hydrant is an important part of that. It's not about the miles. I've had several clients over the years remark that just slowing down & smelling the roses has improved not only undesirable pulling, but has resulted in a calmer dog overall. Nose takes up some 60% of brain capacity, so turning the sniffer on can be EXHAUSTING. One study suggests 15 minutes of sniffing novel scents can tire a dog as much as 30 minutes of plain walking. It's HUGE! Plus, it's free, clean, and it's part of something we're doing anyway.
Name a few toys, then play 'toy search', play hide-n-seek with your dog, play tug, play fetch (safely - limit the time), INTERACT with them! They're social animals, after all, and need connection with their humans! Even things like quiet snuggle time on the couch or sitting together on the deck watching birds fly by can provide that little extra something for our dogs.
WE chose THEM. WE decided to bring them into our lives. We owe it to them to make that life worthwhile. They're not a trinket or piece of furniture, they're living beings with minds & feelings. Connect. Enrich. Enjoy.
Enrichment creates an environment that is varied and stimulating for your pet. Try these fun and engaging activities that will allow your dog to explore their own home in a new and exciting way! Blowing Bubbles Everyone loves bubbles! Bubbles … →
