Enrichment Matters

09/14/2025

One concept in enrichment provision is “dosage:” how much enrichment is provided at one time. Often, people think of enrichment as providing one or two toys or novel foods in a feeder toy, or a treat scatter, etc. This video and written description provides a great example of changing an environment with what might be considered a large dosage of enrichment: an entire dump truck of dirt for dachshunds to dig in. They also added features that would attract birds and squirrels for the dogs to “hunt.”

Be generous: think dump trucks of dirt rather than a dig pit. Think about features in the entire environment of the animals that would facilitate natural behaviors beyond scavenging for food.

08/17/2025

08/07/2025

Featuring trainers, researchers, and behavior analysts using real-world strategies grounded in ABA.

07/31/2025

Do reptiles feel emotions like optimism or anxiety? According to a groundbreaking new study - yes. And the findings are reshaping what we thought we knew about reptile consciousness.

In the experiment, scientists used a cognitive bias test - typically used with humans and mammals - on red-footed tortoises. Those living in enriched, stimulating environments were more likely to interpret ambiguous situations in an optimistic light, a classic marker of a positive emotional state. Even more intriguing, these same tortoises showed less anxiety when faced with mild stress, suggesting their emotional states were not just momentary but enduring.

This marks the first strong evidence that reptiles, like birds and mammals, can experience lasting moods. Since reptiles branched off from birds and mammals over 300 million years ago, the findings suggest that the roots of emotion may run far deeper in evolutionary history than previously believed.

The implications are significant. As reptiles become more common in homes, zoos, and research settings, acknowledging their emotional lives could revolutionize how we treat and care for them. It forces us to expand our definition of sentience - and reconsider who we believe is capable of truly feeling.

07/08/2025

07/02/2025

06/26/2025

06/06/2025

There are so many definitions of enrichment. Rather like the one used by NOAA here as it's accessible and covers the gamut of what enrichment is.

05/16/2025

Changing up enclosures can stimulate behavior. What behavior would you like to encourage in individuals of what species?

05/15/2025

04/08/2025

03/09/2025

Really creative thinking and doing on this one. Could be good with rats!