Enrichment: Are you meeting all of your dogs needs? How can you make your dogs life more enriching?

 

Enrichment: Are you meeting all of your dogs needs? How can you make your dogs life more enriching?

What is Enrichment?

Enrichment is anything that gives your dog a chance to use their brain, body, or senses in a natural and fulfilling way. It allows an outlet for their natural behaviours, if we don't provide his they will find a their own outlets and this may not be so desirable for us. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviours, barking, chewing and frustrations

Enrichment helps prevent boredom and problem behaviors, and contributes to calmer, more content dogs and therefore a better relationship for you both.

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The 5 Main Types of Enrichment

To keep things simple and effective, I like to break enrichment into five key categories. A good weekly routine will touch on most (or all) of these

Scent Work / Nose Games

Dogs experience the world through smell. Letting them sniff is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress.

• Scatter feeding in the grass

• 'Find it' games by saying "find it", scattering the food and then making it more difficult by hiding for in different places and get your dog searching.

• Playing 'which one' game, where you hide treats under 1 or 3 cups and let your dog choose which one has the treats.

• Allowing free time on your dogs walks where you let them take the lead and sniff wherever they want. This may be in long grass, wooded areas or other spaces available near you.

Best for calming to bring down excitement levels or over arousal after being worried.

Mental Stimulation
Problem-solving and decision-making wear dogs out in the best way.

• Puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and treat-dispensing toys

• Short training sessions using positive reinforcement

• Learning new tricks or behaviors

Best to burn excess energy and really tire your dog.

Physical Exercise
Beyond basic walks, dogs need opportunities to run, play, and move freely.

• Fetch, tug, flirt poles

• Off-lead time (in safe areas) to allow them some no pressure free time.

• Sports such as agility

• Swimming

Best to allowing your dog to express natural behaviours. Tailor this to your dogs specific breed, for example if they bred to chase use flirt poles, games of fetch or lure coursing to give an outlet for this to prevent chasing squirrels or cats!

Chewing & Licking
These natural behaviors help dogs self-soothe and regulate emotions.

• Chews like coffee or olive wood, natural chews or rope toys

• Lick mats or stuffed Kongs

• Frozen treats such as frozen carrots or try dipping a rope toy in water and freezing. Dogs often like to chew things they can actually chew their teeth into, this provides an appropriate outlet for that (rather than skin or clothing!).

Best for teething and mouthing and to reduce over arousal

Social Interaction & Novelty
New sights, smells, or safe social interactions provide healthy stimulation.

• Exploring new routes on walks

• Meeting friendly dogs or people (if your dog enjoys that!)

• Interactive play and gentle handling

Best for building confidence. remember to watch out for your dogs body language when introducing something new or meeting s stranger. If they are backing away or look worried allow them the space to move away freely. Take your time with this and allow your dog to lead the way.

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How Much is “Enough”?

Every dog is different. A young working breed may need several structured enrichment activities per day. A senior or low-energy dog may thrive with just a few well-chosen options.

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

A little bit of variety every day is better than one big effort once a week.

Mix it up. Rotate puzzle toys. Switch up your walk routine. Offer something to chew after a busy day.

Consider the situation and what you want from the enrichment session. If you want to help calm your dog choose things that involve licking, sniffing and chewing as this helps to relax your dog. Perhaps, your dog gets excited when visitors come or they see another dog on the walk, get them sniffing instead.

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Want Help Creating an Enrichment Plan?

At Lead the Way Dog Training, I help you build real-life routines that fit your dog’s needs and your lifestyle. Whether you're dealing with behavior challenges or just want to give your dog a more fulfilling day-to-day life, enrichment plays a big role in the solution.

📩 Reach out today by emailing enquiries@lead-the-way-dog-training.com or visit Positive Dog Training in Lancashire and Greater Manchester to learn more.