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What is Enrichment?
Enrichment is a trendy and often thrown about word, but what does it really mean??
Enrichment is to provide species specific appropriate challenges, opportunities and stimulation.
Why is this important?
Dogs rely on routine to provide them with reassurance and calmness, so your enrichment should not be random acts.
Every day you should include:
· Calming dog music like RelaxMyDog or Through a Dog’s Ear
· Rotate your dog’s toys by keeping them in a non-accessible location so that old becomes new and exciting again
· Physical activity like a sniffari walk, practice loose leash walking, OR dog parkour, agility or training games (if your dog is over 1.5 years old to protect growth plates)
· Ditch the Bowl (mentioned below)
According to The Shape of Enrichment there are five categories of enrichment;
ENRICHMENT SHOULD NEVER BE FRUSTRATING OR FEARFUL
If enrichment is frustrating or fearful then that is the opposite of what it should be as these emotions increase stress AND do not decrease stress, which is the goal of enrichment.
For safety reasons there should not be any staples, tape, safety hazards of any kind or unclean boxes or items used.
Always supervise your dog during enrichment sessions. If your dog tries to ingest other items, always have reward stations nearby so you can use the cue Trade or Drop It to get it out of your dog’s mouth.
ENRICHMENT STEPS
DITCH THE BOWL
When you have a young puppy, a high-energy dog or need to work from home, every moment is a moment to reinforce and every meal is an opportunity for mental and physical stimulation.
DIY DOG SCAVENGER HUNT
A scavenger hunt can be done both indoors and outdoors. It is an especially fun game for rainy days. Always keep it simple the first few times so your dog learns and is not overwhelmed. Once you have everything together, put everything into a basket, so it is simple for you to disperse the items around inside or outside for the hunt.
More advanced hunts can be outside.
If inside, have 1 person walk your dog and then another person create the hunt or keep your dog occupied in a room via training or perhaps outside in the yard!
Always be careful to not let your dog get frustrated
Beginner: create a scavenger hunt trail
Intermediate: create a wider distanced trail with boxes or treat filled toys in different situations but very easy to find and not very highly elevated.
Advanced: put boxes into boxes and all items are multi-layered
Supplies
· Toilet paper
· Toilet paper rolls
· Paper
· Paper towels/toilet paper
· Cardboard boxes of various sizes
· Paper cups
· Paper bowls
· Snuffle mat
· Dog’s own toys
· A KONG
· A dog tunnel
· Towel
Steps
Choose how you’d like to view this guide’s video.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this website and community is based on the research, expertise, and views of each respective author. Information here is not intended to replace your one-on-one relationship with your veterinarian, but as a sharing of information and knowledge to help arm dog parents to make more informed choices. We encourage you to make health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with your vet. In cases of distress, medical issues, or emergency, always consult your veterinarian.