Understanding Dog Enrichment
As owners we strive to provide the best care and love for our canine companions. Besides providing correct nutrition and exercises needs, dog enrichment plays a crucial role in enhancing our dogs mental, physical and emotional well-being.
Dog enrichment refers to the practice of incorporating a mixture of stimulating activities, interactive toys and experiences into our dogs daily routine. It looks to mimic mental and physical experiences they would have in the wild, such as sniffing, digging, hunting or herding that we cant allow our dogs to do out in the wild but can mimic in an appropriate, fun way. The goal of this is to keep them mentally stimulated, physically engaged and their tails wagging!
In this blog we look at the numerous benefits providing enrichment can offer our dogs.
For more information on the types of enrichment we can provide for our dogs check out our other blog pages
The Benefits of Enrichment for our Dogs
Physical and Health Benefits
Improved Physical Fitness - Dog enrichment activities can encourage physical exercise which help to maintain a healthy weight and good muscle mass. For dogs prone to obesity or joint issues exercise may be an essential part of their day.
Enhanced Motor Skills - By incorporating certain body work training into their day we can help dogs with their proprioception (an understanding of where their body parts are in relation to things around them) and coordination. Many dog puzzle toys such as interactive feeders required dogs to use their paws and mouth to carefully get food out, improving their fine motor skills.
Joint Health - Regular physical activity can help prevent muscle stiffness and keep healthy muscle mass and ideal body weight to prevent excess strain on joints. Many natural dog chews we can give our dog are a great source of omega 3s which can help joint health
Coat Health - Many natural dog chews such as Antlers and Yak Chews are a natural source of Omega 3 fatty acids which are important for a shiny, healthy coat. Some chews also contain biotin which is essential for hair growth.
Dental Hygiene - The act of chewing natural dog chews or durable toys helps keep teeth, gums and tongue clean by removing tartar and plaque. Chewing also stimulates saliva production which naturally cleans teeth and freshens breath.
Here at Pup and Puzzle we have a range of long lasting natural treats, perfect for a good long chewing session.
Mental Stimulation
Preventing boredom - Dogs that experience boredom often resort to undesirable or destructive behaviours such as chewing or digging. Enrichment activities can keep their mind occupied and reduce or prevent these undesirable behaviours.
Reduce stress and anxiety - Enrichment activities such as lick mats, snuffle mats and long lasting chews can help alleviate anxiety as the process of licking and chewing releases endorphins.
Cognitive development - Puzzle toys, training exercises and interactive dog toys challenge dogs to problem solve, keeping their brains sharp and active.
Check out Pup and Puzzles range of dog puzzle feeders, lick mats , snuffle mats and interactive toys.
Behavioural Benefits
Reduce problem behaviours - Dogs engaged in regular enrichment activities are less likely to exhibit problem behaviours, such as barking, digging or chewing. This could be because having all their enrichment needs met, they are likely to be less stressed and more likely to be ready for a good nap.
Bond Strengthening - By working with you during training sessions, playtime or other activities you help strengthen the bond between you.
Confidence - Dogs that are involved in a full range of enrichment activities (especially if these were introduced when they were puppies) are often more independent and confident.
Ability to settle - By engaging your dogs and getting them to use their body and their brain we can create a situation where your dog will be ready for a good sleep, and dogs need plenty of sleep! For dogs that struggle to settle lick mats and chews which help calm dogs down can help aid in creating a routine where they understand that a chew means they go to their bed and after they've finished its time to settle down.
Social Benefits
Socialisation - Enrichment activities that encourage positive socialisation such as doggie play dates can help improve a dog's ability to interact with other dogs and people.
Ability to disengage - enrichment that encourages dogs to see, hear and smell things going on around them but not personally interact is just as essential a part of socialising as play dates. It teaches a dog to ignore distractions, not to fixate and to be able to walk away, deciding that the distraction is not their business. This is especially important to teach when they are young to prevent future problems.
Reduced aggression - correct socialisation and engaging in group activities can help to prevent aggression from becoming an issue.
Don't forget that dogs do need to sleep too! Keep your enrichment sessions nice and short and spread throughout the day. An enrichment session can be much more tiring than a walk for your dog and they'll probably be ready for a good sleep afterwards.
Its important to make sure your pup is getting enough sleep and if they're struggling to settle down and you feel like you're having to entertain them all day long then rather than adding in more and more exciting enrichment activities, instead incorporate sessions teaching your dog to be calm and to settle as its an important skill for them to learn.
A tired dog is a good dog, but an overtired dog is often a naughty, noisy dog!
Dog enrichment is an important aspect to keeping your dog healthy and happy. There are so many types of enrichment available so there will be plenty to suit your dog whether they're old and less mobile or a young pup with a lot of energy.
Here are a few additional tips for providing enrichment for your pup.
Start nice and easy if they're new to it. You don't want them getting frustrated and giving up. However once they've got the hang of it don't forget to keep making it a bit more challenging to keep them engaged.
Variety is the spice of life! - Don't keep doing the same enrichment activity over and over. What was initially new and exciting can quickly become predictable and boring. Keep things fresh and interesting by rotating through activities and adding new ones in.
Make it fun - These activities should be fun for both of you! If they're not enjoying the activity that's fine. Try something different instead.
With a little planning and effort you can provide your dog with the enrichment they need and see the benefits with them living a happy, healthy and fulfilling life with you.
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