How Enrichment can help your reactive dog 

In this post, we’ll be talking about enrichment. What it is, how to do it and why it’s so important. Last week we started talking about how we can help your reactive dog and the importance of the metaphorical stress bucket (missed it? Have a read here). We discussed how reducing your dogs exposure to their triggers (ie other dogs) is a useful short term strategy in helping them learn to cope with other dogs in the long term. So how do you make sure your dog is still getting the mental and physical stimulation they need if they are getting less walks? Enter, enrichment!

What is Enrichment and why is it important?

Canine enrichment is any activity that gets a dog engaging in their natural instincts and behaviour. These could include sniffing, digging, destroying and dissecting stuff, tugging, licking, chasing, chewing, swimming/paddling and more. 

Providing opportunities for your dog to engage in their natural doggy behaviour has a number of benefits, including:

• Providing the mental and physical stimulation that may be lacking if you have reduced walks whilst working through reactivity.
• Meeting their basic needs- dogs need to sniff and chew especially to feel satisfied and be able to relax. A number of behaviour problems can arise when a dog isn’t given time to engage in their natural behaviours.
• Preventing boredom and subsequent undesirable behaviours leading from that. Your dog is less likely to chew your sofa if they have suitable things to chew on. 
• Fun! For you and your dog. Playing tug with your dog or seeing them dig on the beach is just great fun all round. 
• Building their confidence and problem solving skills. 
• Sniffing, chewing and licking are all activities that can help to empty your dogs stress bucket.

How to add enrichment into your dog’s life

Consider your dog’s breed, age and what they already enjoy doing. All dogs use their noses to investigate the world around them and love to sniff. However, dogs that were bred to use their nose (Beagles etc) are more likely to enjoy scent work games than a short nosed breed like the Pug or Bulldog. You’ll want to provide toys and games for your dog that are appropriate for their skill level and confidence too. If you’ve got a really nervous new rescue, opt for games they can easily succeed with, such as simply scattering food on the floor. Once they can do that easily and are clearly enjoying themselves, you could try scattering the food in the grass or in a snuffle mat to increase the challenge. If your dog is giving up, it’s too hard and is likely more frustrating for them than it is enriching. 

Terriers (Jack Russell, Westie etc) were bred for ratting so games that mimic chasing critters are likely to be a hit with them. Herding breeds (Collie, Portuguese Water Dog etc) were bred to be very perceptive of movement so Flyball or games with Sheep balls can be great fun for them. Gundogs (Spaniels, Labradors etc) were bred to retrieve, so usually love games that allow them to seek out an object and bring it back. Research your dog’s breed and see what they were bred to do- engaging your dog in an activity they were originally bred for is likely to be very satisfying and fulfilling for them.

Ditch the bowl

One way you can add enrichment to your dog’s life is by giving them their meals as part of an activity instead of from a bowl. You could try splitting dry food across a number of puzzles or tossing one piece at a time and letting them chase it. With wet or raw food, you could try dividing it across a number of plastic tubs and then keep your dog inside whilst you hide it around the garden. Then let them out to sniff out their food- this is a personal favourite of our Duke! You could also look at starting a new training class or club if that’s going to be a suitable environment for them (give us a message if you are looking for clubs and classes local to Folkestone). You can buy toys or games to give your dog and you can DIY a lot of fun activities for them to do at home too.  Check out the Canine Enrichment book by Shay Kelly for a wealth of ideas. 

Buy or DIY?

You can of course buy toys, games and equipment to give your dog, we have posts here about our favourite toys for puppies and adult dogs some of our favourites include;

• Kong Classic 
• Zogoflex Toppl (a great alternative to the Kong Classic for short nosed breeds)
• Snuffle mat
• Nina Ottoson Puzzles
• Lickimat   
• Sand and Water Play Pits (another big hit with Duke!)

Many of these toys are also available in local pet shops too. If you’re in Folkestone, check out Not for Humans Pet Boutique on the Old High Street and Best Buddies on Horn Street (always good to support local small businesses!) However, you can also DIY a lot of fun activities for them to do at home too.  Get resourceful! Your recycling bin is often a great place to find stuff your dog can shred and destroy, like brown paper, toilet roll tubes and cardboard boxes. Old towels and sheets are great- scatter a handful of dry treats then roll the towel into a log. You can tie the towel into a knot for extra challenge. For more enrichment inspiration, check out the Canine Enrichment book by Shay Kelly for a wealth of ideas. 

What next?

• Looking for more help with your reactive dog? Contact us to arrange in person or online training.
• Read more blog posts here.
• Perfect Recall: Teaching your dog to come back when called every time. Our guide is free to download when you join our email list- sign up here.