Enrichment
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What
Enrichment can be defined as the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something. (Oxford Languages)
When discussing enriching activities with your dog, we usually mean improving or introducing certain activities, areas or objects to satisfy your dog's physical, mental and emotional needs. In their book Canine Enrichment for the Real World, Allie Bender and Emily Strong define Enrichment as "learning what our dogs' needs are and then structuring an environment for them that allows them, as much as feasible, to meet them."
Why
Enrichment can increase well-being and lead to a measurable decrease in certain problem behaviours.
How
The simple answer to this question is to see what your dog likes to do and give them a safe alternative for that behaviour.
For example:
If your dog likes to dig- Give them a sandpit filled with toys and buried treasures to dig in.
If your dog likes to sniff - Take them on walks in new and exciting places, Scatter feed and teach them Scentwork.
If your dog likes to rip things apart - Make them a Busy Box and use old towels rolled up and filled with treats.
If your dog likes to counter surf - Feed them in a puzzle toy and hide some Cardboard rolls filled with treats for them to find.
Enrichment doesnt need to be expensive. Here are some great DIY enrichment ideas.
Types of enrichment
Food Enrichment:
It is one of the most commonly used types of dog enrichment.
Using meal times and food rations to train, play, and interact with your dogs is a great way to build engagement in the food and the training.
Scatter feeding: Best to use along with the Go Sniff to add a verbal cue that you can use later. You can use Snuffle Mats, puzzle bowls and even your backyard.
Feeding devices like Kongs, Wobblers, Food dispensing Toys
Puzzle Feeders are an excellent tool for those super-intelligent dogs that like to get into mischief. Nina Ottosson puzzle toys are a great, durable option with four different difficulty levels.
Here is an excellent Video by Ian from Simpawtico Dog Training with more details and great tips and resources.
Here are some great food enrichment toys you can buy
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