ENRICHMENT

What is Enrichment?

"Enrichment" means anything that engages a dog's mind or body and encourages natural behaviors. Enrichment can be toys, activities, or environments - anything that provides mental and physical stimulation. When a dog is properly enriched, they are better at focusing, listening, and relaxing.

There are many kinds of enrichment.
You may have to experiment to find what your dog likes best.
Successful enrichment should provide entertainment, but not frustration.
If your dog is losing interest, you may need to try a different form of enrichment, or switch out an element of your current setup.

Resources

Places on the web to get enrichment ideas, learn, ask questions, solicit feedback

Canine Enrichment Facebook Group

Dog Enrichment Explained (it's more than just food puzzles!)

Why Exercising Dogs Is Overrated

"Get A Calm Dog" Episode 215

How to Provide Enrichment to an Anxious Dog (ft. Rachelle Heyveld)

Aired May 10, 2022 | Found wherever you get your podcasts

Ideas From Our Followers

Submitted by real dog guardians with real dogs

Treats, Toys, Gadgets

Flirt pole
Frozen lick mat/Westpaw toppler/Kong
Treat dispensing toy
Snuffle mat/Scatter feeding
Puzzle toy
Kiddie Pool
Treats rolled up in a towel
Homemade snuffle/puzzle box
- Use recycled materials like newspaper, cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, etc.

Automatic Feeder
Natural chew, like a Beef Hide chip
Safe destruction of an item
- Cardboard
- Head of iceberg lettuce
- Plush toy
  - Remember to safely remove any choking/obstruction risks, e.g. stuffing, squeakers!

Activities

Slow sniff decompression walk ("sniffari")
Drive with the windows down
Indoor fetch
Going up & down stairs

Agility
Nose work ("Hide and Find")
Push-ups ("Sit" and "Down")
Trick training

PG PUP