06/07/2025
No walk? No problem!
Oscar and Rosie having a "foraged dinner" the other evening - the wagging tails and focus show how much fun they are having, just from me lobbing some biscuits, veggies and a couple of meat-smeared lickimats in the garden (using our daughter's old folding playpen to make sure they are separated and each get the appropriate amount).
Like many domesticated or captive animals, dogs are "contrafreeloaders" meaning they actually derive more reward from having to work for their food than if it's just given to them freely. Just as in zoo/safari park animals who are encouraged to 'work' for food that's been hidden in logs, trees or dragged behind trucks by the keepers, this kind of natural-behaviour-encouraging "enrichment" is immensely beneficial for mental and even physical wellbeing - not only does it relieve boredom but it increases physical activity to slow down the whole eating process (which is great for reducing the risk of Bloat in dogs - it took the Bassets around 15 minutes to complete their dinners compared to the 30 seconds it usually takes them to eat it a so-called "slow feeder" bowl). And, depending on how creative you feel, can encourage problem-solving which can be excellent for building confidence in more anxious dogs over time, helping in reducing many unwanted behaviours such as reactivity and separation anxiety.
So, with the weather set to hot up again this week, meaning it may not be possible for you to get out with your dog, remember that with just a tiny amount of additional effort you absolutely CAN keep even the highest-energy dog engaged and happy in the home... which is healthier for both them and you when the mercury rises 😊❤🐾
