Life without enrichment… boo!
Imagine if this was your life: Every morning, someone throws cold cereal in a bowl for you to eat. Then they take you on a march around the block, where you are not allowed to enjoy it, just walk. Then they throw you in the bathroom for a few minutes to get ready, drive you to work, tie you to your computer and leave, come back and drive you home, throw some more cold cereal your way, and then send you directly to bed.
Umm, that’s not very fun. That sounds pretty awful. Though the tied to my computer part sounds a little too familiar… But sometimes this can be what our dogs’ lives look like.
Enrichment is your job, so get to work!
It is is our job to make sure that the life we give our dogs is more than this. Life is something to be lived, experienced, and enjoyed. There are so many different ways to do this, and in general, those extras that make life super fun for our dogs are referred to as dog enrichment or canine enrichment.
Here’s some examples:
- feeding your dog somewhere besides a bowl (sprinkle it in the yard, use a snuffle mat, use a slow feeder or Kong, use their kibble for training rewards, or use a puzzle toy)
- turn walks into training and enrichment time by working on skills and encouraging your dog to sniff around and otherwise interact with and enjoy their environment
- put together some DIY treat dispensers to encourage your dog to problem solve to find their treats
- teach your dog a fun trick – heavy emphasis on the FUN part
- play with your dog – try a tug toy or a flirt pole
- snuggle with your dog, if they enjoy it
- have a play date with one of your dog’s favorite buddies
- talk to your dog
- start a dog sport class with your dog (there are a ton of options, but nosework and agility are always favorites)
If you are struggling to find ways to provide enrichment for your pup, there are a ton of resources available. I have a Pinterest board with ideas that I will be continuing to update over time, there is a great group on Facebook, or send me an email if you need some help!
Everyone needs enrichment in their lives, not just the dogs
The fact that dogs need enrichment isn’t that surprising, really. We need it. We need to learn new things, challenge ourselves, find ways to enjoy the moment, and interact with our loved ones. We have friends and hobbies to enrich and expand our lives. I think most of us know how hard and boring life can be when we neglect those parts of our life. The same goes for our dogs. Keep ’em busy and happy and enjoying life!