What Does “More Enrichment" Really Mean For Our Dogs?

You’ve surely heard about enrichment if you have a dog! Lately, everyone in the dog world throws it around and tells you “Oh just do more enrichment!” or “You need to give your dog more enrichment!”. But what does “more enrichment” really mean for our dogs?

WHAT IS NORMAL AND ENRICHING FOR DOGS?

Often people think of enrichment as what toys their dog has or their favorite bones. We so often hear statements like “Well they have a lot of toys, why are they still doing this behavior or that naughty habit?” A favorite toy and/or bone can definitely be good options for some dogs, but it’s important to know that enrichment is and should be SO much more than that! We want to look at the bigger picture and their overall well-being, quality of life, and ensure that we’re meeting their physical, mental, and emotional needs. We want to create an environment and routine that allows them to regularly and safely meet those needs by expressing species typical behaviors. 

In order to provide that for our dogs, we have to understand what is normal for our dogs as a species. We have to let our dogs be dogs!

So what are some of those species typical behaviors and needs? 

• Sniffing and foraging

• Chewing and shredding

• Licking

• Engaging in natural movement (this is why you’ll never see us teaching a “heel”...a separate post coming on this and why we LOVE long lines!)

• Social interactions and play

• Rest 

• Having variety and choices

When we’re looking at providing our dogs a great routine full of enriching activities, the goal is to ensure that what we’re offering and providing them are things the dog actually enjoys - not just what WE think they’ll enjoy or should do. Remember - it’s not just about giving them that one toy or one bone. Look at the bigger picture! And every dog has unique needs and preferences so it’s important that we pay attention to the dog in front of us.

DETERMINING EXACTLY WHAT AND WHEN TO OFFER MORE ENRICHMENT TO YOUR DOG

When we’re working with any case, whether it’s puppies or higher level behavior cases or anything in between, one of the first things we talk to clients about is whether and how we’re meeting the dogs’ needs.

Some questions we may ask to get an idea of each individual dog’s needs:

• What does the dog’s daily routine typically look like? 

• What activities does the dog seem to really enjoy?

• What activities do y’all enjoy doing together?

• What are the dog’s social preferences?

These are just a few of the things we ask and review to get a better understanding of the pup, their environment, and their potential needs. Age can be another factor as we know those needs are typically much higher during puppyhood and adolescence. Breed can be a factor as well although we still want to look at the individual dog. We take all of this into consideration so we can best assess how we can provide truly engaging activities to help meet the needs of the dog in front of us. And this can vary greatly with each individual dog!  

CASE STUDY: ENRICHING MY DOGS

Just because two pups may look similar or be a similar age does not mean their needs are the same or that they’ll enjoy the same things. Look at my two late girls, Gemma and Deli, for example! Two adorable squatty pitties, about the same age, but with VERY different preferences and needs. And because of that, their typical days varied greatly to ensure they were happy and healthy!  

Gemma wanted to do ALL the things. Deli preferred lounging on the couch. Gemma was incredibly healthy and active. Deli had a number of medical needs. Gemma loved dogs and humans. Deli was much more selective with dogs and preferred calm adults. 

These differences are totally normal. And both of their preferences and needs were completely valid! It was on me to ensure I was not only setting them up successfully, but providing each of them a variety of choices and outlets that they would each enjoy and find enriching.

WHAT “MORE ENRICHMENT” LOOKED LIKE FOR MY DOG GEMMA

Gemma’s days were typically filled with outdoor activities like long walks, swimming, or play time with known dog friends, and a wide variety of inside activities including toys, lickable, chewable, and shredding options. We also included fun tricks and training games. And lots of comfy, cozy rest too, on a variety of beds and surfaces inside and out in the yard. Again, Gemma loved to do ALL the things, was always up for an adventure, and truly enjoyed the company of humans and dogs. 

WHAT “MORE ENRICHMENT” LOOKED LIKE FOR MY DOG DELI

Deli’s days looked a good bit different! She enjoyed a casual stroll but then absolutely loved lounging on the couch (hence her “Couch Bear” nickname!). Being in the company of her trusted humans and Gemma was also high on her priority list so she got lots of shared time and snuggles on the couch. She enjoyed some chews and all the snacks - but preferred they be hand delivered to her on the couch. She thought puzzles were just a silly waste of time and left those to her sister!

Two very different pups! And it would’ve been unfair of me to expect the same active, outgoing lifestyle for Deli as Gemma enjoyed. And Gemma would have definitely been unfulfilled just lounging on the couch most of the day. It was such a joy learning about both of their preferences and figuring out how I could provide them with the best, most enriching life for each of them. 

ENRICHING YOUR DOG MEANS GIVING THEM CUSTOMIZED VARIETY

If you’re wanting to ensure you are providing your dog with plenty of varied enrichment, take a look at their daily routine, and ask yourself these questions:

• Where and how might you do things a little differently?

• How can you provide them more options, variety, and choices?

Take note of the things your dog really enjoys and add in more of that. Really pay attention to your dog and their needs! It’s a wonderful way to not only help prevent certain behavioral issues, but to ensure they are happy and healthy, and to continue to build a wonderful relationship and life together!

And if you’re interested in learning even more about enrichment, I highly recommend reading Canine Enrichment for the Real World by Allie Bender and Emily Strong. It’s an incredible read that dives into this topic in much greater detail. It will help provide you an even better understanding of our dogs and how to provide them the most enriching life possible! 

You can also contact me for a consultation at any time and we can work on building a customized enrichment plan for your dog so that you are both happier and more enriched!