You want your dog to be happy and healthy, yes? Regular enrichment opportunities go a long way in ensuring your dog is happy and healthy. Studies have shown that dog enrichment which provides physical and mental stimulation, can lower stress levels, prevent boredom, and reduce unwanted behaviors.
Some interactive activities fill a void for dogs alone at home during the day. Most of us think first of dog puzzles, but dog enrichment isn't limited only to food. There are five types of dog enrichment that work separately and together to improve behavioral health and the overall quality of your companion's life:
1. Nutritional
2. Occupational
3. Social
4. Sensory
5. Physical
Read on as we explore each of these in greater detail.
Nutritional Enrichment
Nutritional enrichment engages your dog's natural scavenging and foraging instincts to search for and earn yummy rewards. A dog can practice nutritional enrichment through puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and ‘sniffaris’.
Puzzle toys work so well because they combine the reward of food with physical and mental stimulation, which can decrease unwanted behaviors. Start with easy puzzles and increase puzzle difficulty as your dog becomes more proficient. According to Ohio State University’s Veterinary Medical Center, “Studies have shown that puzzle toys increase exercise and reduce barking.”
There are lots of options for nutritional enrichment. Try some of these!
* Dog puzzles
* Snuffle mats
* Hide treats around the house
* Sprinkle kibble in a rolled-up towel, toilet paper roll, or cardboard boxes
* Putting treats in a muffin tin covered by tennis balls
* Stuffable dog toys/treat-dispensing toys
If your dog isn’t highly food-motivated, use extra-high-value treats such as plain chicken or cheddar cheese. If you use peanut butter, be sure it has no xylitol! Experiment a bit, and you will find something your dog can't resist.
2. Occupational Enrichment
We are talking dogs with jobs! Meaningful (to them) work makes them content, relaxed, and less reactive. Researchers at Purdue University explain that occupational enrichment “… helps keep dogs mentally stimulated, which combats boredom while also allowing them to release excess energy.”
Occupational enrichment activities include:
* Training your dog ... to do anything!
* Participating in any dog sport...scent work, agility, obedience, rally, etc.
* Playing frisbee or fetch
* Dig pits
Canine "job-related" enrichment makes your dog utilize cognitive thinking and problem-solving skills to accomplish a task. I believe it to be the ultimate enrichment as it gives dogs a total mental workout and creates an incredible bond with your dog!
3. Social Enrichment
You have likely heard that socialization is one of the most important things you should do with new puppies. Social enrichment doesn't end with puppyhood; include this in your adult dog's activities. A few activities to consider include contact with adults, children, cats, new objects, locations, and other SAFE dogs (note: Not a dog park). Adding variety will expose your dog to new people, places, and situations where they can learn and grow.
When exposed to these experiences, dogs are less likely to become fearful, aggressive, or overstimulated later in life.
Social enrichment activities can include:
* Supervised playgroups
* Daily walks
* A visit to a bar, pub, or cafe
* A trip to the pet shop
Almost any activity exposing your dog to other dogs, individuals, and groups of people in different controlled environments qualifies as social enrichment.
4. Sensory Enrichment
Sight, sound, and smell are the primary pathways dogs receive enrichment. Engaging these senses is very beneficial for anxious or stressed dogs.
Here are some excellent examples of sensory enrichment:
* Looking out the window
* People watching
* Playing soothing music
* Calming scents (essential oils)
* Nosework/scent games with dog treats
A dog’s sense of smell is incredible! Scents like ginger, coconut, valerian, and vanilla were found to have a calming effect on shelter dogs in one study. Researchers Dr. Tamara Montrose and John Binks exposed dogs to fabric cloths scented with ginger, coconut, vanilla, and valerian. After exposure, those dogs barked less, were less anxious, and slept more.
5. Physical Enrichment
Last but not least: play! Play fetch, take a long walk, have a rousing game of tug o' war, or run in a field. Be sure to consistently rotate exciting toys to provide your canine companion with sufficient physical stimulation to stay in good shape.
Take a class at High IQ K9 Sports Center and your dog gets all five types of canine enrichment every session! Our curriculum and training environment are designed to work your dog's mind and body using games, toys, and motion.