Enrichment For Dogs – what is it?
The term “enrichment” has become a popular catch cry, and used in all sorts of applications – but, what does it actually mean? “Enrichment” is simply encouraging species-specific behaviours – (while hopefully decreasing the unwanted behaviours) creating good welfare and a well balanced animal – both physically and mentally.
This can be broken down into 2 different categories – Environmental Enrichment and Behavioural Enrichment.
So, firstly we would look at a species – lets use dogs as an example – and try and think of all a dogs natural behaviours – being predators they like to run, have a good view over their area, dig, bark, sniff, chew, roll, scratch, chase and the list goes on – watch your dog and see what else you can come up with! All dogs – as individuals and as breeds are different and will have favoured activities – for example, some love water – and some hate it!
Environmental Enrichment – More Permanent
Environmental enrichment is more permanent – things that you can provide in their backyard that doesn’t necessarily change – like comfortable sleeping spaces (often overlooked), different types of plants to sniff, the substrate (grass, gravel, concrete) if the dog likes digging – providing an area where they can dig – either a portion of the garden set aside for them – or a kids sandpit (like the clam shells you can buy in the supermarket) shade, warm areas, cool areas, good clean water sources.
Again a kids clam shell filled with water can be a good option during summer and “furniture” like a kennel, some dogs like to be up high and survey their surroundings – so a bench or table that is “theirs” obviously keep it well away from fencing, so it doesn’t help escape routes.
Fencing too, can become part of the equation, if it can be done safely, giving dogs a little window to see out can also go a long way into decreasing boredom and anxiety. Permanent “toys” like a bungee with a ball can also fall under the category. Basically – its all about providing some variety and giving the dogs lots of choice!
Behavioural Enrichment
Behavioural Enrichment can be broken down into 4 categories – sensory (smells) food orientated (lick matts) cognitive (puzzle feeders, training) and physical (running, chasing) and there is lots of overlap in these categories – “sniffing” is both sensory and cognitive, but it is useful to think of all 4 categories – because the “food related” ones can become over used.
They do tend to be more toy and activity related – items that you can easily add for novelty, chew toys, balls (of all the different shapes and types!) and have them on a bit of a rotation – a novelty isn’t a novelty anymore after a week or so. I’d also include activities, like taking them for walks (allowing lots of time to sniff) and adventures, allowing space to run and play.
There’s also a huge variety of dog training options – Scent detection, Trick, Dancing with Dogs, Obedience, Agility, Herding, Hoopers – lots of fun to be had – while keeping your dogs (and yours!) brain active!
Remember This
A couple of last points to remember when considering enrichment – is to make sure it is balanced – most seem to get stuck on “food based” or “physical” (lots of running and high energy) but its also very important to make sure there are low impact, low energy and cognitive options – as these are just as important.
And, most importantly –safety is an important consideration, for example, if your dog is a toy destroyer – don’t give them cheap supermarket toys that they can rip apart and ingest – a cheap toy can lead to an expensive vet bill (and not to mention stress for all concerned!)
Some essential oils can be toxic – and if you are using peanut butter, make sure it does not contain Xylitol.
If in doubt ask your vet/trainer/behaviourist for advice. Have fun with your dogs – Run, Play, Explore – and then Sleep!