What Is Enrichment?
Canine enrichment can help with a wide variety of behavioral issues including destruction, barking, escaping, anxiety, arousal, hyperactivity, obsessive/compulsive behaviors, and depression. There are five pillars of dog enrichment that work separately and together to improve behavioral health and overall quality of life:
Social
Contact with other species like humans, objects, as well as other dogs. It exposes dogs to new people, places, and situations where they can learn and grow. Dogs are less likely to become fearful, aggressive, or overstimulated when meeting dogs or people.
Nutritional
Encouraging natural feeding behaviors can help make food become more exciting and stimulating for your dog. By requiring them to work for their food, you slow down eating, enhancing digestion, and promoting a healthier relationship with their meals.
Occupational
challenges your dogs brain and body by giving them a job decreasing undesirable behaviors caused by boredom. It encourages mental and physical stimulation while also allowing them to release excess energy.
Sensory
Engaging your dog’s senses; sight, sound, taste, touchand especially smell plays a vital role in canine enrichment. Stimulating these senses can be particularly beneficial for anxious or stressed dogs, helping to sooth them while also promoting consistency in training.
Physical
It provides essential exercise, helping to maintain a healthy weight and improve your dog’s overall physical condition. It helps build muscle strength and improves cardiovascular fitness while encouraging natural instincts such as running, jumping, and playing. It reduces boredom and alleviates anxiety by offering an outlet for energy.