Canine Enrichment Ideas

27/06/2024

Crate training your dog is essential, if you plan on using one.. You can't just put a dog in a crate and expect it to be ok. Dogs should NEVER be left to cry it out or be forced to just get used to it!!

A crate should NEVER be used as a place of punishment.. it should be a safe, comfortable area, where your dog can relax.

CRATE TRAINING TAKES TIME! We have a crate training guide, in the GUIDE SECTION of our main group Canine Enrichment Ideas, which will help.

Please make sure you crate your dog, in one of a suitable size. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, lay down and stretch out comfortably.

If your dog is destructive in the crate or damages the crate itself, it is NOT your dog being naughty or difficult.. there will be an underlying issue, that you must address.. including, the dog is too hot or too cold, the dog has anxiety related issues, the dog is stressed or bored, etc. You need to find out what the reason is and make appropriate changes. Set up a camera, so that you can see your dog for yourself.. your dog may be reacting in the crate to something like the doorbell, going off, so something as simple as switching the chime off, while the dog is home alone, may stop any unwanted crate behaviour.. If it's not something you can change easily on your own, you should also seek help from a reward based/force free trainer and/or behaviourist, who can best advise you on your individual dog's needs.

There are some dogs who can't and never will cope, with being crated, so please keep your dog safe, by choosing an appropriate alternative.

Some people use different options to crates, including.. purpose built kennels, dog runs, dog pens, gated off areas, dog rooms, secure gardens with shelters, 2 crates which have been doubled up to make one long one, crates with dog pens attached and dog doors, so the dog can have access to both the house and garden. These all allow dogs to have more freedom and space, while still being secure and safe.

Crating for long periods of time, isn't ideal, but sometimes there are no other options. Prior to crating, exercise your dog.. a good walk would be ideal and some play time.. this will help relax your dog and encourage sleep. If you can get someone to come in, even for just 5 minutes, to let your dog out to the toilet, it would make it easier for your dog and lessen the chance of urinary tract infections or accidents in the crate/pen itself.

Please make sure that your dog has access to clean, fresh water AT ALL TIMES, unless your dog's vet has specified otherwise, for medical reasons, including prior to surgical procedures, which usually requires complete fasting of both food and drink. It is the law in most countries, so this is not just for ethical reasons, but it is also a legal requirement in dog ownership.

Please ensure that any enrichment activities that you leave with your dog are suitable and safe. All dogs have different needs and requirements, so get to know your dog, before leaving anything with them.

Remove your dog's collar while they are crated. There is a high risk of strangulation if left on, if the collar gets caught up on the crate.

Not everyone crates their dogs and that's PERFECTLY OKAY.. there are a lot of dogs who do well, just pottering about the house or lazing about on the sofa or in bed.

Below are examples of different types of dog accommodation.. from crates to outdoor areas.. if your dog has to be crated for a longer period of time and you are concerned about your dog becoming bored or stressed in a normal crate or you would like your dog to have more freedom, while staying safe, perhaps one of these will give you ideas , which you may not have previously considered.

These pics are taken from our group and were posted by our members. x

16/06/2024

Part 2

ADVICE FOR FIREWORKS DAY/NIGHT..

🔴 Give your dog a longer walk, at an earlier time than normal and let your dog out to the toilet, before the fireworks begin!!

🔴 KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEAD while outdoors.. EVEN IN THE GARDEN!! If an unplanned for firework goes off, it could cause your dog to take off in a panic and even escape from your "secure" garden and the last thing you want, is your dog running about in a blind panic, around your neighbourhood. You also don't want your dog associating your garden or walking area with anything scary or negative, as that can impact your dog for a very long time.

🔴 Close all doors, windows, curtains and blinds, as this helps to stop visible flashes of light and reduces noise levels.

🔴 Turn on your television and radio, to help mask the sound of the fireworks.

🔴 Provide your dog with a safe area inside your home, away from external walls and windows. Some people who crate their dogs, find a duvet/quilt over the top of the crate, helps to reduce the noise impact. DO NOT lock your dog in the crate, keep the door open!! Restricting your dog to an area he doesn't find comfortable, will just add negativity towards that area, and increase your dogs fear and stress levels, so if he is not happy where you think he should be, let him choose his own spot!

🔴 Provide your dog with some enrichment, be that something he can chew or lick eg, meaty bones/lickmat or a puzzle to keep him mentally distracted and always make sure your dog has access to clean, fresh water.

🔴 If your dog has been prescribed medication from your vet, use it as directed, so that it can take effect, before the fireworks begin.

🔴 If your dog uses non veterinary prescribed help, including pheromone collars, plug-ins, supplements, ear defenders, thunder shirts or wraps, then follow the manufacturers recommendations.

🔴🔴 Do not give supplements alongside prescribed medication from the vet, unless the vet gives you the go-ahead, just in case of possible contraindications. 🔴🔴

🔴 When the fireworks are over and you want to let your dog out to the toilet before bed time, be aware that your dog may be too afraid to go out, so please DON'T force your dog into a situation he feels uncomfortable in. Its easier to clean up a wee accident indoors, than having a stressed and traumatised dog.

🔴 If nothing above works, then reach out to Behavioural Trainer, who uses reward based, positive reinforcement and fear/force free training techniques, for help and advice.

Part 1- https://www.facebook.com/share/p/V3qJb1mNn2mekrtb/?mibextid=qi2Omg

Canine Enrichment Ideas

15/06/2024

Part 1..

If you have a dog who is afraid of fireworks or your dog will be experiencing his/her first firework event, you need to be prepared well in advance. This is not something that can be done in one day, but the earlier you start, the better the chance of success.

DESENSITIZATION..

Various websites and apps have video and sound recordings, which include fireworks and thunder.

Start the desensitization, by playing the recording at the lowest level on your mobile phone, television or speaker.

Your dog needs to learn that loud noises mean something pawsitive and that they are not something to be feared, so some of the many ideas here on Canine Enrichment Ideas, including stuffed trachea, lick-mats etc, along with other high value treats eg chicken/cheese/liver cake, will be ideal.
If your dog is not food orientated, using his/her favourite toy or buying a new fun toy, will also work.

Reward your dog immediately after each loud noise. Your dog MUST hear the noise first, then be rewarded or otherwise the dog may associate the scary noise and treats in a negative way, rather than the scary noise meaning something yummy or fun.

TAKE YOUR TIME..This process could take weeks or months and is obviously dog dependent!! Increase the level of the sounds gradually and also vary the noise levels as you progress. DON'T RUSH THIS.. you don't want your dog to have a setback, because you have been impatient.

If your dog shows any signs of stress or being uncomfortable at any stage, take a step back and reduce the volume.

** Stress signs can include, but are not limited to.. lip licking, tail between the legs, shivering/shaking, drooling, panting, trying to hide, growling, barking, vomiting, pacing, collapse, etc. **

Don't be afraid to comfort your dog.. just like when we feel fear, it helps with the calming process to be reassured and comforted.

Try not to stress.. your dog will pick up on it, which will only add to their anxiety!

You need to be consistent with this training, in order for it to work.. The longer you do it, the quicker and easier it will become to be, just another background noise to your dog. 🐾🐾

Part 2 -
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/eFm5tZDnnQodZaE5/?mibextid=qi2Omg

16/09/2023

If your dog is an XL Bully or even a Bully-X, with a lot of similar features to an XL Bully, you will have a lot of concerns about the recent decision to ban the breed, here in the UK.

My advice to you is..

** Make an appointment with your dogs vet and get them neutered as soon as you can. In accordance with DEFRA legislation, used with other banned breeds, for your dog to have any chance of being exempt, (which can only be approved by the courts) they MUST be neutered. If your dogs are not neutered and they are seized, you will NOT get your dogs back until they've been done, so it would be better having them neutered by your own vet, rather than your dog being held indefinitely, in police approved kennels, until they have been!

** Also make sure that your dog is microchipped and that all of your details are up-to-date!

** Get your dog muzzle trained!! There are several great muzzle groups here on Facebook, including Force-Free Muzzle Training, that will advise you on the best muzzle for your dog and how to train your dog to wear it. Please don't just use any muzzle or just shove a muzzle on and think the dog will 'get used to it'.. they won't! Muzzles that are too big or small or made from the wrong materials, can cause a lot of issues and you also want the muzzle to be a pleasant experience for your dog. Understand that dogs who fall into the category of banned breeds, must wear their muzzle at all times, while out in public. Muzzle training and use, will prove to the authorities that you are a responsible owner!

** Training.. If your dog has any training/behavioral issues, please seek advice and help from qualified trainers who use reward based teaching methods now!! This includes any lead walking issues.. your dog will have to wear a lead in public at ALL times!! Having a reactive dog or one with 'issues', will not help your dogs case, when you have to go to court to have your dog made "exempt" and as an owner, it is the responsible and ethical thing to do, no matter what the breed!
There are a lot of trainers currently offering free help and advice online, please make sure before taking there advice, that you check their qualifications and feedback given by clients and that they are not advising using outdated/aversive/punishment based techniques and training tools.

** Insurance! Get your dogs insured.. dogs that are labeled with a banned breed title, must be insured, with a policy that also covers public liability.

If the police come for your dog, please DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING!! They may try to convince you into signing documents, to say you understand why they are taking your dog. Don’t do it!! You can potentially be signing, for them to put your dog to sleep.

Dogs who fit the category of a banned breed are usually done so by means of measurements and characteristics. You may be able to stop your dog going into kennels, through the Interim Exemption Scheme, where you can keep your dog at home, under certain conditions, until the court date for exemption. The scheme applies to dogs suspected of being a prohibited type, under Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. It allows the chief of police, for the area in which the dog was seized, if satisfied that the dog does not constitute a danger to public safety, to release and return the dog home, pending their court hearing.

Failure to comply with any of the government's legislations, whether you agree with them or not, will endanger your dogs life!

Wishing all our Bully owners and pups all the very best. xx

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/643611?fbclid=IwAR1VjAnsDIbwWi2FX8cUpaIQt8dvBKMD9i7amIcJFAlRh5abxdE-9tdisRM

https://fb.watch/n59XeMKPmp/

https://www.facebook.com/SaveOurSeizedDogs

23/01/2023

🎉 We have now reached 300,000+ group members!! 🎉

Hello to ALL our members and a huge thank you from the Admin Team.. Jane, Kristina, Zoë-Louise and myself.. for joining our group.❤

I can't believe how much the group has grown, since I started it in 2019.. and back then I was worried I'd never get to 50 members 😂 it never even crossed my mind, that there would be as many as there are today!! 😊

Please don't be shy in posting!!!
Pop up a post to say hello and introduce us to your pups, share pics and videos of your dogs playing with his/her favourite toys or enjoying one of many enrichment activities, including puzzle games and sniffaris. 🐾🐾

Don't be afraid to ask questions or give advice.. Your posts will maybe encourage others to do something new with their pups, but please stick to the rules of the group!! They are there to help keep the group running smoothly and to keep you and your dogs safe. You will find the rules in the Feature Section at the top of the page and also in Guide 1 of the Guide Section.

There have been lots of brilliant, informative and entertaining posts, since the group first started and it's lovely to see so many of you taking time out and coming together to help other members and that's what makes this group so great, it's all of you!! 😁

Right I'll end here for now.. Don't forget to invite any of your doggy owner friends and family members, who will benefit from the group knowledge too. ❤

Ali xx

08/05/2022

Today's frozen treats. Quick to make and perfect for a cool and tasty snack, when it's sunny outside.

Have you got any pup treat recipes and ideas you'd like to share or would you like a new treat recipe to make for your dog? If the answer is yes, then click on the link below and join our group!

Canine Enrichment Ideas

22/02/2022

🔴 COMPETITION 🔴

Our friends at Buddy and Lola UK, are having a wee competition, to win over £150 worth of their veterinary approved supplements.. which include a daily probiotic and joint supplement. For your chance to win, head on over to their page, using the link below and like their page and like the competition post..its as simple as that!! xx

🎉 COMPETITION TIME 🎉

To celebrate welcoming everyone to our brand new page, we’d like to give ONE lucky follower the chance to WIN this Ultimate Bundle worth £150+ to support your dog’s health & wellbeing from head to tail…

To ENTER, simply:

👍 Like our Page
👍 Like this Post

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Competition closes on Monday 28th February by 8pm and the winner will be chosen at random from the entries. This competition is no way sponsored by or affiliated with Facebook.

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⭐️ The WINNER will receive these Vet Approved Supplements: ⭐️

* 1 x Daily Probiotic Powder (150g)
* 1 x Daily Probiotic Chews (60 chews)
* 1 x Daily Joint Supplement (150g)
* 1 x Salmon Oil - for Skin & Coat (500ml)
* 1 x Super Tummy Instant - Digestion Relief (100ml)
* 1 x £20 Amazon Gift Voucher

09/08/2021

28/05/2021

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPbZvtOndX2/?utm_medium=copy_link

06/05/2021

Canine Enrichment Ideas...

A group for everyone to learn and share Enrichment Ideas for their dogs.

We all know dogs love a good walk and how important physical exercise is to the health and wellbeing of our furry kids, but we must not forget that it's not just their bodies that need exercising, it's their minds too!!

Dogs are very intelligent animals and it is very important that we provide them with plenty of mental stimulation to exercise their brains. Without this they can become "bored" very quickly and that's when a wide range of behavioural problems can start to appear!!

Canine Enrichment involves encouraging your dog to solve problems, learn new skills and enjoy time with you or on their own, whether it's inside your home, out in the garden or out on a walk.

Please join our group, by clicking on the page links and post your Canine Enrichment Ideas..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2326424080971527/