05/12/2023
🐾NEED SOME ENRICHMENT IDEAS FOR YOUR FUR KIDS??💡
Did you know...?
Enrichment is essential for the physical and mental health of dogs and allows them to engage in natural behaviours (e.g., smelling things, playing, digging, running, exploring, and interacting socially).
Enrichment has been shown to have wide-ranging benefits for dogs including promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, improving resilience, strengthening bonds with their people, and preventing and treating undesirable behaviours (e.g., excessive barking) and problem behaviours (e.g., fear aggression)
Below are some examples of easy and affordable enrichment activities provided by Pet Professional Guild Australia.
1. TREASURE HUNT
Treasure hunt is an excellent activity for dogs, cats, and other pets that enjoy hunting and foraging. The activity involves hiding food or toys in a designated area, such as a digging pit or scattered around the house or yard, for the pet to search and find. This activity encourages natural instincts to hunt and forage, providing mental stimulation and physical exercise.
2. SCENT GAMES AND EXPLORATION WALKS
Scent games and exploration walks are ideal activities for pets that have a keen sense of smell. These activities involve using a pet's sense of smell to search for hidden items or follow a scent trail. It can be done indoors or outdoors and provides mental stimulation and exercise. Exploration walks allow pets to experience new smells and sights, which can also provide mental stimulation.
3. PUZZLE TOYS
Puzzle toys, Kongs, Lickimats, etc. are toys that are designed to hold food or treats, which the pet has to work to extract. Lickimat can have a calming effect on pets, as the repetitive licking action can release endorphins that promote relaxation and reduce stress. Puzzle toys are an excellent way to keep pets mentally stimulated, and they also provide a way for them to release energy.
4. NATURAL CHEWS
Natural chews, such as bully sticks and meaty non weight bearing raw bones, are a great way to provide pets with a long-lasting treat that also promotes dental health. These chews are made from natural ingredients and are a healthier alternative to processed treats. They provide pets with an outlet for chewing and also help promote healthy teeth and gums. Make sure to supervise your pet during this activity.
5. CALM MASSAGE AND GROOMING
Calm massage and grooming are activities that can help reduce stress and anxiety in pets. These activities provide relaxation and stress relief, and they can also help strengthen the bond between pet and owner.
6. SWIMMING AND CHASING
Swimming and chasing provide physical exercise and mental stimulation, and they are excellent activities for pets that have a lot of energy. You can use long rope toys or flirt pole to satisfy the need for chasing in your pet, make sure to allow them to win and catch the toy.
7. SHREDDING CARDBOARD BOXES
Shredding cardboard boxes and other safe objects can provide pets with a fun and engaging activity. This activity provides mental stimulation and can be a fun way for pets to release excess energy. Providing safe objects, such as cardboard boxes, empty toilet paper rolls or paper bags, can help prevent pets from destroying household items. (Please make sure to remove any tape and labels from the boxes before giving them to your pet, you could put some food in the boxes to promote problem solving and appropriate shredding.)
8. LISTENING TO CALMING MUSIC OR NATURE'S SOUNDS
Playing calm music or just simply listening to nature's sounds can help reduce stress and anxiety in pets. It can also provide a relaxing atmosphere for pets to nap or rest in. This activity is especially useful for pets that are anxious or nervous, as it can help promote a sense of calm.
9. SOCIAL INTERACTIONS AND PLAY
When it comes to social interactions and play as an enrichment activity, it's important to remember that it should be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of each animal. While some animals may find socialisation with other animals to be enriching, others may prefer solitary activities. Therefore, it's important to observe your pet's behaviour and adjust accordingly to ensure they are enjoying the social interactions.
10. TACTILE STIMULATION
Tactile stimulation involves providing pets with different textures and surfaces to explore. This can include surfaces such as carpet, grass, sand, and rocks. This activity provides pets with a sensory experience and can help stimulate their minds.
11. ROTATING TOYS
Rotating toys involves periodically swapping out toys to keep them fresh and interesting for pets. This activity can help prevent boredom and provide mental stimulation, as pets explore and interact with new toys.