Sunday morning food scatter.
Always be careful when doing this activity in a multiple dog household.
There should be no resource guarding behavior (fighting over food).
For our dogs the small kibble is not something to fight over so it is safe.
Even when the food is finished, they still keep looking if everything is really gone.
This behavior (the seeking system) releases dopamine that makes them feel happy.
Some as for our kids, the anticipation of getting Christmas presents often gives more happiness than after the actual present is received (and quickly put aside)
The seeking system in a dog's brain is a core emotion that drives exploration and the discovery of new things. It's a multi-purpose system that helps dogs find resources.
How it works:
The seeking system is activated when a dog anticipates a reward.
The neurotransmitter dopamine is released when a dog experiences a positive stimulus or unexpected reward.
This release of dopamine creates a feeling of pleasure in the dog.
How to engage the seeking system:
Scatter-feeding: Toss kibble on the lawn for your dog to find.
Retrieval games: Encourage your dog to find and bring back toys or lost keys.
Problem-solving exercises: Challenge your dog with games that require them to solve problems.
Scent work: Take advantage of your dog's superior sense of smell.
New experiences: Expose your dog to new smells, places, and people.
Why it's important:
The seeking system helps dogs feel good.
It's important to engage the seeking system to prevent behavioral issues.
Mental stimulation is just as important for dogs as it is for humans.
Update on Habibi.
For some months we worked on this little man's confidence, on routines and creating a safe environment for him. And in preparing him as much as possible for travelling, to The Netherlands, for now. .
How lovely to see how a change in environment really helped this boy.
A more controlled environment and more chances to avoid situations that still trigger his anxiety make it possible to increase exciting situations step by step so he can stay under threshold and be set up for success.
A relaxed long leash walk in the meadows, meeting "well behaved" friends in a controlled way, the start of more social interaction.
This boy is one lucky pooch!
I wish him and his pawrents a lovely life, wherever they'll end up.
Who says cats are not into enrichment?
Rima hunting for bite size cut meat. The true lion emerges ๐๐๐ฆ
