Dog Enrichment: Tips & Tricks
You may have heard the term ‘enrichment’ in passing - but what does it really mean?
Enrichment is anything that mentally stimulates your dog, and allows them to engage in their natural behaviors. Think sniffing, licking, chewing, digging, chasing, and so on.
Read on for some DIY enrichment activity ideas that are fun for both human and floof….
Tip 1:
Enrichment Activity Ideas
Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat (or ‘sniff mat’) is an easily-refillable enrichment toy. These will generally keep a pup entertained for some time, and are low-effort on your part - simply sprinkle in some treats and hand it to your pup!
Egg Carton Treats
An egg carton filled with treats is a quick (and free!) activity that works the brain, while providing outlets for the behaviors of chewing and shredding. Simply place a treat in each of the dozen holes in an empty egg carton - then close it up and let them shred!
*Note: Observe your dog closely, and end the activity if they begin to consume the cardboard.
Blanket Twist Puzzle
This one is another quick DIY activity, requiring just an old blanket/towel and some treats. Lay a blanket flat on the floor, and sprinkle a handful of treats or kibble over it. Now, placing your fingers in the center, rotate your hand until the whole blanket has bunched up into a spiral. The treats will become lost in the folds, creating a perfect sniffing/foraging activity.
Tip 2: Enrichment in Day-To-Day Life
Let Them Sniff!
Dogs observe the world through their noses, making sniffing a natural (and calming!) behavior for them. Letting your pup sniff on walks is an excellent way to stimulate their minds.
Free Time Outdoors
Giving your pup time to ‘be a dog’, whether off leash or on a long leash, is an important part of a healthy routine. After being given time to run and play, dogs will have an easier time settling down or working on more structured exercises.
Training!
A good training session is one of the most effective forms of enrichment. Building new tricks or obedience behaviors together not only works your pup’s brain, but also strengthens your bond while reinforcing good behavior!
Need some enrichment inspiration for your dog’s daily life? Contact a trainer!
Thought of the month
How Does Enrichment Affect Behavior?
As trainers, we are always looking at things from a behavioral perspective - these recommendations are no exception! Enrichment exercises have been shown to reduce many common problem behaviors, including furniture chewing and leash-pulling.
Dogs are natural hunters and scavengers, living in a society that doesn’t require them to carry out these activities. Enrichment is how we simulate these instinctual behaviors for our pups. When we do not provide our dogs with enrichment, they will often find ways to enrich themselves (eg. chewing your table leg 🐶).