Intro
So you've read our blog about the amazing benefits that enrichment can provide. Or have heard about enrichment and want to know where to start? Well then this is the blog post for you!
If you would like to read about the benefits of enrichment take a look at our blog post "What Is Enrichment."
Enrichment can be broken down into 5 main categories. Below are some suggestions of activities you can try for each one. When you are first starting out with enrichment it's important to try out a range of activities, this means you can truly find what your dog loves. For example, our spaniel loves scent work, so I incorporate this in to a lot of activities.
The 5 Categories are:
Visual/Hearing
Taste
Touch
Scent
Brain
Visual/Hearing
This is a category that is often taken for granted. Something that your dog experiences everyday, but can often be harnessed to provide even more stimulation. Some activity suggestions are:
Dog Tv - On YouTube search Dog Tv and pop it on for your dog to watch. Perfect if you need some time to work and don't have lots of time to interact.
Watching the outside world - Have you ever noticed your dog trying to look out of the window? Maybe climbing on the sofa or trying to tiptoe to reach to view out? Try giving them a space where they can easily see out. Maybe bird feeders to encourage wildlife (At a height to ensure you aren't putting them at risk).
Radio - If there are loud noises outside and your dog is being reactive. Try blocking some of it out with the radio. Classical music has been proven to calm our canine friends down.
A 2002 study conducted by animal behaviorist Dr. Deborah Wells confirmed the relaxing effect on dogs of classical music. In this study, the dogs spent more time resting and being quiet, and less time standing when exposed to classical music compared to heavy metal music, pop music, or conversation.
Taste
This is probably the most common type of enrichment that people know about. Think KONG®, West Paw®, SodaPup® etc.
Use a Stuffable toy and pop your dogs daily food allowance in it. For an extra challenge you can freeze it. For extra interest pop a tasty topper on it! Think dog treats, dog safe peanut butter, dog safe baby food etc.
We stock a range of toys on our website and often suggest recipes on our social media channels!
Touch
This one can often be confused with Taste, but there is one main difference. Touch is all about the sensation. Some of my favourite activities are:
Lick Mats - These textured mats or bowls are perfect for feeding your dogs meal or as a treat.
Varied Eating Station - Where does your dog have their dinner? Always on the same hard flooring in the kitchen? Why not mix it up and feed them outside on the grass?
Walking - Varying your dogs walks can provide huge benefits. How many different terrains can you think of? Beach, Fields, Pavement etc.
Scent
"A dog's sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times better than that of a human."
Scent is the most powerful sense for our canine friends. Therefore it has a big impact on the enrichment in our dogs lives. Some activities to try are:
Sniffari walks - allow your dog to sniff and explore their surroundings whilst on a walk. Let them lead the walk.
Chief post checker - an easy activity is to allow your pup to sniff any parcels or letters that you receive.
Snuffle Mats - These are a great tool that you can hide treats in and allow your dog to sniff them out.
Natures snuffle Mat - Scatter some treats outside in grass and get your dog to search for them.
Brain
This category is covered with a lot of the above activities, however there is something to be said for training and bond building activities. Some suggestions may be teaching your dog a new trick, or using the time it takes for the kettle to boil to practice a dance routine with your dog. Another example is puzzle toys, be sure to cycle your toys so that your dog doesn't get too used to one activity.
Summary
So there you have it! the above activities are just the start. There so many different types of enrichment that can help you and your dog lead a happier more fulfilled life. I'd love to hear if you try our suggestions, be sure to tag us on socials so we can share with others.
