Unlocking the Joy of Canine Enrichment: Simple Ways to Enhance Your Dog’s Life
When someone says "Canine Enrichment" what comes to mind?
Our social media feeds are often flooded with images of beautiful, themed, food-filled toys that wouldn’t be out of place in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Then when the hashtag #enrichment accompanies these posts, it’s easy to start thinking that if we’re not offering these gourmet experiences to our dogs, then we’re not really "doing enrichment." But let’s take a moment to rethink that..
So, what does "enrichment" actually mean?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, it’s the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something. For our dogs, enrichment is about providing mental and physical stimulation to improve their lives.
Yes of course this can include food filled enrichment toys but please, if you don't have the time or inclination to create a masterpiece then please then don't let it put you off using one, your dog will still enjoy the process of figuring out how to access the goodies hidden inside.
But food based enrichment is just one of countless ways we can enrich our dog’s life. Training games, interactive playtime with you, scent work, agility, training puzzle games the list is endless.
Why is canine enrichment important?
Don’t we all want our dogs to live happy, fulfilled lives? I know I do!
Enrichment (improving or enhancing ) not only makes tour dog's life happier, but it also prevents boredom.
It has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, whilst promoting better overall health. It can also help dogs to relax and feel more comfortable in their environment.
Puzzle Toys that dispense a treat are great - but what if your dog is overweight.
The reward for solving the problem doesn’t always have to be a treat; it could be playing another game with you. Imagine your dog having the fun of opening a box, rooting around in scrunched up paper only to find a tug toy inside—now it’s time for a fun game of tug!
Do I need to buy expensive toys and equipment for my dog?
Teaching your dog new tricks or showing them different ways to use furniture or equipment you already have around the house or using their toys they already own differently can be lots of fun and enriching.
I recently visited Joe Nutkins at her fabulous training facility in Essex to explore other ways we can enrich our dogs’ lives at home.
Everyday items can be enriching.
We started with a simple hoop, something many of us might have bought to help us get fit and lose some pounds but might be now hidden in the back of the shed!
Jo used the hoop as a place marker, rewarding her dogs for entering it. Next, she encouraged her dogs to enter the hoop and offer a behaviour, such as lying down, which earned them a reward of chopped sausage.
She then progressed to holding the hoop up and having the dogs jump through it.
If you’re wondering if this is enrichment, I can confirm that the three dogs and two humans involved were thoroughly enriched by the experience we all had fun !
Jo then showed me an aerobic step, which, if you haven’t used in years and is keeping company with the hoola hoop in the shed, might be time to dust off.
Incorporating the step into your dog’s enrichment can be fantastic for their spatial awareness and body awareness, which can reduce anxiety when out and about. Jo demonstrated how asking her dog to pivot on the step was not only mentally stimulating for him but also a lot of fun plus gave a gentle workout for specific muscle groups.
Finally, Joe took an old box and filled it with colourful ball pit balls—the kind you find in children’s play centre. She hid various toys among the balls for her dogs to find, making it a fun and stimulating activity.
Keep an eye open on Facebook Market Place and other free listing sites for items that you could use with your dog.
Around the field and indoor space, there were many pieces of equipment that Joe uses during her classes. Some specialty items such as giant footballs for Treibball (push ball), hoops for hoopers, ramps and boxes for parkour, and jumps and tunnels for agility.
But as Joe showed and explained everyday items can be turned into enriching activities
Keep an eye open on Facebook Market Place or at boots sales and other free listing sites for items that you could use with your dog.
Need some more inspiration?
Follow Joe on Instagram @cassntay or visit her website to learn more about her classes and events
Finally,
If you’re ever in doubt about your ability to create an enrichment activity for your dog, just ask yourself this:
Will this activity, game, or interaction improve the quality of my dog’s life or the value of our relationship? If the answer is yes, you’re doing enrichment right.
