Your dogs meal time is such an easy opportunity for you to meet their natural needs. Be that sniffing, licking, searching, digging etc!
When introducing enrichment that your dog hasn’t done before we don’t want to over phase them. Here are 3 common mistakes I see when starting off bringing enrichment activities:
1. “It’s not worked, they aren’t interested” Giving your dog an enrichment activity they’ve never done before means they might not jump at it straight away. But this doesn’t mean they won’t get into it and certainly shouldn’t mean you don’t offer it to them again! Keep offering it, their curiosity will come around!
2. Leaving them to do it alone. Sometimes giving your dog a new activity to do, and leaving them to figure it out themselves, can be quite intimidating. It’s also an opportunity for you to build your relationship with them, show them the activity is fun and encourage them to get involved!
3. Making activities too difficult too quickly. Remember if they aren’t used to enrichment activities, giving them the hardest form is likely to just put them off! Start off with the easiest activities! In the video you can see Ruby is having her breakfast in a towel rolled up. I’ve never done this with her, so it wouldn’t be fair to roll it and knot it up straight away. That would likely cause her to give up! So I did the easiest level to help her succeed!
#thecaninecoach #helpingyouhelpyourdog #dogtraining #canineenrichment #sniffing #doglovers #positivereinforcement #meetingyourdogsneeds #fun #dogtrainer #dogenrichmentactivities #dogsofinstagram
It’s been a hot couple of days! Heat can be very dangerous for our dogs so it’s important to keep off those concrete paths and find shaded woodland areas! If that’s not possible for you, you’ll be better off staying at home and spending some 1-1 time with your dog!
Carry water, find those ponds for your pup to dive into, and watch them for any signs of getting too hot! Many dogs become lethargic and tired in the heat and will tell you when they’ve had enough! There are plenty of alternatives you can do at home with them to keep them mentally stimulated and cool 👌🏼
#thecaninecoach #helpingyouhelpyourdog #dogtraining #dogtraineradvice #heat #hotdogs #doglovers #dogs #canineenrichment #mentalenrichment #mentalenrichmentfordogs #keepcool #positivereinforcement #dogtraineruk #doghealthcare #dogadvice #canine
How great is Rosie here?
I have been working with Rosie for a few months now. She has some nervous tendencies which she displays through barking. Generally the sight of other dogs, and unfamiliar people can worry her. But look how great she is doing here whilst a family play in the park?! Yes she’s looking but she is also disengaging and engaging with me. She could choose to bark but of her own decision making she doesn’t, which I reinforce by telling her she’s a good girl and a small food reward.
Notice also how I don’t panic about the lead getting caught under her. It’s not bothering her, so there is no need for me to add in physical manipulation to rectify its position. If I had it could increase her stress levels which may tip her over to bark.
More on lead handling skills to come!
Distance, calmness, and positivity 👌🏼
#thecaninecoach #dogtraining #doglovers #forcefree #positivereinforcement #helpingyouhelpyourdog #dogtrainer #cockerspaniel
