Recommended Items & Enrichment
Below are some of the items we regularly use and recommend.
While there are links to each item below, many of these can be found at discount stores like Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, and Home Goods so keep an eye out there for great deals!
When looking for walking equipment, we want to fit each dog individually and ensure we’re using items that are not restrictive in order to reduce any pain or discomfort. Some of the things to look for in fit:
- The dog’s front legs and shoulder blades should be able to move freely
- The harness is loose enough that 2-3 fingers can fit under each strap
- The belly strap sits well behind the armpit and allows for a leash back clip that is away from the shoulder blades
Below are some of our favorites:
Harnesses
Blue-9 Harness
Hurtta Harness
RuffWear Harness
Our dogs should be allowed to sniff, explore, and move freely and naturally - these are basic needs! Utilizing a longer leash (managing the length for safety depending on the environment of course) is one easy way for us to provide this to our dogs. Let them sniff y’all! Some favorites below:
Leashes
Off Road K9 Long Lines
High Tail Hikes Long Lines
Chewables
Chewing is a very natural and instinctual behavior for dogs. We want to be sure they have a variety of choices and appropriate outlets for this. Thankfully, there are a wide variety of both edible and non-edible options we can provide our dogs.
For edible options, I typically recommend looking for one ingredient or limited ingredient options like the below.
Remember, each pup is unique and will have preferences - they may love all or just some of these.
See what your pup enjoys and provide them options!
Licking is another very normal dog behavior and can be soothing/calming for dogs. Lickable options are great for when we want to transition to a more stationary, calm activity while still providing our pup with a species appropriate outlet.
You can use anything spreadable your dog likes: peanut butter (make sure it does not contain Xylitol which is toxic to dogs),
canned dog food, plain yogurt, pureed fruits and veggies and top or mix in treats or other toppers. See what your pup enjoys!
These are great to prep ahead of time and have in the fridge/freezer as an easy go-to option.
Lickables
Movement and Foraging Based Puzzle Toys
Foraging (the act of working to find and obtain food) is not only enjoyable for dogs but it is an innate desire and need.
The below items are fun and engaging ways to provide them a variety of outlets to meet this need.
These can be filled with different treat options or even with some of your dog’s mealtime food. Keep in mind these activities should be fun for your dog - we don’t want them getting frustrated so we may have to help show/guide them to help show them how the toys work or provide easier options or modifications depending on your pup and their preferences.
There are also a lot of homemade options as well - lay out a towel, scatter treats, and twist/roll it up (similar to a snuffle mat); make a snuffle box using an old cardboard box filled with shredded paper and treats scattered in; or use the paper towel roll and drop treats in and twist the ends closed and let your dog sniff and shred to get the treats!
They may also enjoy some more than others and that’s okay too - see what they like and utilize the items they enjoy!
Treat Options
When looking for treat options, you want to consider what your dog likes! They all have unique preferences so we want to do a little trial and error to find what is motivating for them. I recommend looking for the meaty, cheesy options! There are tons of options at pet stores, with some of our favorites listed below, but we can also use things like cheese sticks, plain chicken, deli meats, or whatever else your pup may be motivated by! Depending on your training, a variety of options from lower to higher value can be helpful.
To Learn More On Enrichment…
If you like to geek out like we do, the below book is a wonderful read on what “enrichment” really means.
“It’s not enough to give animals things to do. It’s not enough to create an environment that looks good to us. It is our responsibility to make sure that all of an animal’s needs are being met…enrichment is learning what our dogs’ needs are and then structuring an environment for them that allows them, as much as is feasible, to meet those needs.”
