11/11/2024
I do this all the time with my own four dogs!
SCATTER FEEDING - DID YOU KNOW?
What is scatter feeding? It's the scattering of food an any surface - grass, floors, decks, patios, stones, snuffle mats, in boxes, etc. - so that your dog or cat can search, forage or hunt for their food.
Did you know that MOST dogs love love love scatter feeding as it's internally rewarding to them? It switches on their 'hunting' genes and makes the whole process of foraging for food more exciting...
Did you know the food bowls are a popular thing because of GUARDIAN preferences and convenience? Also, lots of money to be made from different types and colours of food bowls...
Did you know that the best slow feeder you can find is the one outside your door? Also very inexpensive...
Did you know that scatter feeding can improve a lot of emotional and hence behaviour issues.
Did you know that scatter feeding and the subsequent foraging for food fills your dog's brain with positive neurochemicals which help with any stress, frustration, anxiety, boredom, food guarding, fear or low confidence.?
Did you know that most pet dogs never get to engage in a natural activity like scatter feeding while living in captivity because the guardians do not like it, as THEY think that scatter feeding is a weird idea irrespective of what the dog likes?
Did you know that the pros outweigh the cons? A dog's life in captivity is filled with risk everyday irrespective of how they eat. This method does not 'teach' them to sniff for or look for risky things like bird or fox p**p. Eating from a bowl does not teach them to be any less of a dog. Newsflash - irrespective of any eating method, they will sniff, lick and chew things that displease their guardians. After all they are dogs doing what comes naturally. You certainly cannot manage or stalk their every move 24/7...
When a behaviourist suggests scatter feeding, it's because it's based on years of studying the brain and understanding how to create positive emotions by the manipulation of key neurochemical and neurophysiological processes, so that there is a gradual change to more positive behaviours...
Emotions inform behaviour.
Change or improve the emotions and you will notice a change in behaviours.
Scatter feeding is not about throwing food on the floor. It did not take me and others like me years to learn to throw food on the floor. So trust that maybe sometimes, just sometimes, we may know what we are talking aboutđ
Don't like the idea? Use a Snuffle Mat. Use boxes to hide their food around the house. Use food dispensers. Try something. Shake up the status quo. Enrich their mundane lives somehow!
Try it. What do you have to lose? Some outdated views and beliefs maybe with respect to what makes your dog happy...?
