Enrichment 101

What is enrichment?

Enrichment improves and enhances your dog's mental state using a range of activities designed to challenge and exercise their brains. These activities encourage your dog to problem solve, learn new skills and become more confident.

Why is enrichment important?

The key to a happy and healthy dog is allowing them to engage in their innate behaviors, such as playing, chasing, smelling, chewing and scavenging. Allowing your dog to engage in these behaviors results in physical, emotional and mental satisfaction. Enrichment will also keep boredom at bay, discouraging your dog from engaging in undesirable behaviors. Enrichment is just as essential to animal welfare as proper nutrition and veterinary care!

When should I provide enrichment?

Every day! That doesn’t mean you have to spend all day, every day, finding ways to entertain your dog, but you should incorporate different types of enrichment into their lives on a regular basis. One of the easiest ways to provide enrichment is at meal time and during walks. Keep reading for some great tips on adding enrichment to your dog’s daily life!

How do I get started?

1. SNIFFY WALKS vs REGULAR WALKS

Your dog’s walk is the only time of day he or she gets to explore new things! Allow your dog to take in the smells, rather than hurrying them along. If your dog’s walk is your exercise, too, mix it up with regular walking and sniff breaks.

2. SCENT GAMES

Hide treats (or meals) throughout the house, and then send your dog to find them. For dogs who love fetch, you can hide toys from time to time instead of throwing them. Make it easy, at first, gradually making it more difficult. Signing up for a scent class at your local training facility is also another great way to allow your dog to tap into one of their five senses!

3. SCAVENGING FUN

Did you know that dogs are scavengers by nature? That means that they normally would spend most of their energy looking for small bits of food. By giving them opportunities to scavenge, you keep them busy and burn energy at the same time. 

Snuffle mats are a great way to tap into your dog’s foraging instincts. In a pinch, an easy scent game is to scatter your dog’s dry food over a wide area, like the patio, yard, or living room.

4. FOOD & PUZZLE TOYS

The easiest way to provide daily enrichment is to replace your dog’s food bowl with interactive food or puzzle toys. Your dog will exercise their brain while working to get each piece of food! Some are easier (and more rewarding) than others, so try a few different kinds to see which holds your dog’s attention. Always make sure to keep an eye on your dog when using them so your dog doesn’t chew through the toy to get the food and be sure to throw out damaged toys!

Check out the Boredom Busters series on our YouTube channel for food games you can play with household items!

5. TRAINING

Positive reinforcement training provides loads of mental stimulation and your dog will enjoy the interaction with you. Bonus: your dog will be tired and better behaved! Short training sessions of 15 minutes or less – or even three 5-minute sessions are beneficial.

Tip: Mix up obedience skills with tricks, this will keep your dog more engaged and eager to work!

Interested in trick training but don’t know where to get started? Join our tricks group on Facebook!

6. EXERCISE

Exercise should be provided through a variety of activities. A combination of walks with you, off leash play (when possible), and fetch (if that’s their thing) is ideal. Healthy exercise allows your dog to set the pace and take breaks as often as needed. Never push your dog to the point of exhaustion!

Keep the following tips in mind when exercising your dog:

• Even though dogs are natural athletes, they still need to work up to walking or running long distances, just like people. If they stop, they have a reason, don’t force them.

• If your dog has an orthopedic condition that causes pain, talk to their vet about appropriate forms of exercise.

• Dogs under 18 months old should not run, bike, or engage in other high-impact activities until they have been cleared by a vet to prevent the risk of long-term injury.

7. REST

Even the most high-energy breeds need to rest. Sleep-deprivation can result in irritability and reactivity, just like us! Your dog needs around 12 hours of rest per day (more for senior dogs). Dogs that stay in the yard all day or “patrol” from front windows and gates often suffer from sleep deprivation, as they are constantly alerted to people passing by. Give your dog a quiet rest area during the day where they can’t see the sidewalk or street. If your dog struggles with settling, teach your dog to relax with Karen Overall’s Relaxation Protocol! 

If your dog goes to daycare every day, consider giving them a “day off” in the middle of the week, if possible. If they need a midday break, consider a pet-sitter who can stop by, but keep activity limited.

Enrichment in the form of games, chew toys and activities have not only proven to lower stress in dogs but also encourages them to learn more efficiently. So don’t delay, start enriching today!