08/10/2024
This post is simply not true, worse than that it’s completely misleading as all of these actions are stress inducing for a dog if not managed in the right way.
ESSENTIAL ENRICHMENT
Imagine being kept in the same space each and every day. You know every blade of grass, every scent, every brick, every piece of fence. You have no books to read, no TV to watch, no one to talk to, no interaction with the outside world and absolutely nothing to do.
Would this situation begin to affect your behaviour and influence your emotional, mental or physical state? What about our dogs?
Many dogs live in this type of environment and yet we wonder why they develop behaviour problems, bark excessively, destroy the garden, become over excited, over aroused or maybe just shut down or sleep all day having completely lost interest in the world.
Many behaviour problems are caused by boredom, a lack of mental and physical stimulation or being confined to the same space every day.
Providing enrichment for dogs is so important for their wellbeing and really doesn’t require that much effort from us.
There are so many simple ways to provide enrichment. An online search for DIY enrichment ideas will provide lots of ideas.
Older dogs may enjoy a ride in the car, sitting at a window watching the world go by, bringing the outside in – sticks, cones, grass etc. from different areas placed in a box for them to rummage through and smell, dinner in the park, or even just playing some doggie music will make a difference.
“Chronic inescapable boredom can be extremely aversive, and under-stimulation can harm neural, cognitive and behavioral flexibility.” - A biological perspective on animal boredom and suggestions for its scientific investigation by Charlotte Burn - The Royal Veterinary College
Here are some links for enrichment ideas -
Enrichment ideas by Laura Gendron
https://missbehaviortraining.com/blog/diyenrichment
DIY boredom busting toys by Luke Balsam
https://wunderdogmagazine.com/care/awesome-diy-dog-toys-our-dog-trainer-made-some-boredom-busting-toys-and-you-can-too/
Link to a free introduction on ACE free work by Sarah Fisher -
https://animalcentrededucation.teachable.com/p/watch-this-space
