Dogs

What is canine enrichment and why is it important?

Enrichment is about providing outlets for mental and physical stimulation in ways that allow animals to express their natural, species-typical behaviors. The main goal of enrichment is improving an animal’s quality of life, making it very similar to hobbies for humans. Think of some hobbies that people engage in, such as reading, running, and cooking. Now, think about why we enjoy those hobbies – for fun, to relieve stress, to exercise our bodies, to challenge our minds, and socialize with friends. A life without hobbies would quickly lead to boredom, frustration, and depression. Having “hobbies” is just as important, enriching, and beneficial for dogs.

Historically, different dog breeds were bred for specific jobs, like herding or hunting. While most pet dogs today still possess the genetic drive and stamina needed to perform the jobs they were originally bred for, they often lack productive outlets in our modern world. All dogs, no matter their breed, have behavioral needs they inherited from their wolf ancestors, such as the need to chew or sniff.

Additionally, enrichment provides appropriate outlets for otherwise “inappropriate” behaviors. Dogs without hobbies are much more likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors (e.g. jumping, barking, destroying items, digging, etc.) because they are trying to find an outlet for their energy or anxiety. Enrichment is providing your dog with a bully stick to fulfill that need in a way that doesn’t involve chewing on a show or table leg. Enrichment helps us find solutions to meet the needs of our dogs, leading to a richer life for them and less stress for us.

When it comes to enrichment, here are some big-picture concepts to keep in mind:

  • Some boredom is okay. Giving your dog ample opportunities for enrichment is important for their well-being, but this doesn’t mean they need to be entertained and occupied at every moment. Getting enough rest and learning to relax is also essential!
  • Variety is beneficial. As humans, we often choose a few hobbies and rotate them – otherwise, we risk our favorite pastimes becoming boring. The same goes for our dogs; a variety of favorite mental and physical outlets keeps them engaged and challenged. Trying something brand-new, every once in a while, is fun too!
  • Trial and error are normal. Your pet is unique and may not like the same things as other dogs. Don’t be afraid to experiment and customize enrichment for your pet and their individual needs. For example, perhaps trying a different food is key to your dog loving their enrichment activity or making a new activity easier before they figure it out on their own. Enjoy the process of discovering what your dog loves and what motivates them.
  • Trade-offs are expected. Sometimes enrichment activities can take extra time, require financial investment, or create a mess to clean up. While this may feel like a burden, keep in mind that receiving enrichment might be your dog’s favorite part of the day! By embracing the process, we create opportunities to bond with our dogs and share in their joy.
  • Safety is the priority. Always supervise your dog during enrichment activities to reduce the associated risks, especially when the activities are new and you’re not sure how your dog will respond. If you live in a multi-animal home, be aware of potential resource guarding that can occur over new, exciting activities or items. Separating your animals while giving them enrichment keeps everyone happy and safe.

Sniffing

Sniffing is the main way dogs gather and interpret information about the world around them, making it a very mentally stimulating activity.
Sniffing releases dopamine in a dog’s brain – this helps to reduce their anxiety and promote relaxation.
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Chewing

Dogs are hard-wired to chew. It’s an instinctual and repetitive behavior that releases endorphins and tires them out, leading to calmer, happier dogs.
Chewing helps exercise jaw muscles, acts as a “toothbrush” to scrape away plaque and tartar buildup, and increases saliva production to help flush away stinky bacteria.
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Licking

Licking is a soothing, repetitive activity that releases endorphins, helping dogs feel calmer and happier. Since dogs expend time and energy licking, this activity can also reduce boredom.

Licking something that’s high value during potentially stressful situations (e.g. baths, nail trims, veterinary visits, storms, interactions with strangers, etc.) can help dogs form a positive association between enrichment items and experience.

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Puzzles

Puzzle toys engage dogs mentally by giving them a chance to problem solve, which reduces boredom and anxiety, and tires them out. To prevent frustration, make sure to choose a puzzle that is the right level of difficulty for your dog.
Puzzle toys also help a dog tap into their foraging instincts, which releases endorphins and improves digestion by slowing down the eating process.

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Play

Play strengthens the bond between dogs and people, resulting in improved trust and communication. It can also help build their confidence and social skills.
Playing is a great outlet for your dog to stay physically healthy and release any mental stress or frustration they may be experiencing.
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Shredding

Shredding is a normal, healthy, and instinctual behavior for dogs – think of their wild counterparts dissecting a meal after hunting!
Shredding helps dogs relieve excess energy and keeps them mentally stimulated by giving them a fun task to focus on.
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Digging

Digging is an entertaining activity that helps dogs relieve stress and anxiety through mental and physical stimulation.
Digging is an instinctual behavior that dogs use when hunting prey animals who live underground, storing leftover food for later, or regulating their body temperature.
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Experiences

An important part of enrichment is novelty! Exposing your dog to new things can be a great way to provide variation from their normal routine and engage them mentally and physically (as long as they are not showing signs of stress).
These experiences can also serve as a bonding opportunity for you and your dog, increasing trust and communication.
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