Enrichment is the world. Think about your life and what you generally spend time doing. It is only now that we are all confined to barracks that we have some concept of the world from our dogs’ perspective.
They probably wouldn’t choose to live the kind of lives that we have but they do have very basic needs that we humans need to make sure are fulfilled in order for them to remain healthy and happy. These basic needs are dictated by the canine ethogram. These basic (inelastic needs) include eating, sleeping, toileting, play, body care, group behaviours including communication and staying safe. These are essential in order for them to live their lives without distress and discomfort.
Enrichment should be part of a dog’s world. Enrichment is not just about providing four walls because however luxurious the accommodation is any home has the potential to be a cage.
This is why we need to understand what enrichment is for our dogs and how to provide it.
YOUR DOGS SENSE
It is a very good idea at this point to think a little bit about our dogs’ senses because without a basic knowledge it is difficult to understand why dogs react as they do to certain situations. We can then avoid asking them to do things that they find uncomfortable or which cause stress or overstimulation.
They have approximately 18 muscles in each ear, vision based on muted colours and a nose so sensitive that it has the ability to pick up scents in water at depths of 50 metres deep. Our dog’s senses are very powerful.
STIMULATION
Mental and environmental stimulation is just as important for dogs as it is for zoo animals, and there are still many people with dogs that think problems primarily stem from their dogs not getting enough exercise. Walks are important, without doubt, but we need to think about how we are walking and what we provide for our dogs on a walk. Constant fast activities cause escalating stress levels and can lead to behaviour problems. This also includes playing ball games and tug or taking your dog out for long runs
If on returning home your dog is unable to settle, it is easy to interpret that he is being under exercised, but in actual fact this is often due to overstimulation. It is far better to combine exercises that involve the brain as it uses a lot of energy, and if dogs are given the right kind of activities this will help to produce a calmer dog.
Conversely a dog that raid bins and climbs on worktops may not just be opportunist but may also bored.
WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES WILL HELP A DOG RELAX?
The brain is an energy guzzler, a human brain uses 25% of the body’s oxygen and also many available calories, as the energy requirements of the brain are impressive. It uses up proportionately more energy than the rest of our body; this is why we get so tired when learning something new. How often have you felt not only physically but mentally tired because you have been to a new place or learnt a new task? Getting your dog to use his very efficient senses and brain have identical results.
A few simple exercises will help develop your dog’s abilities whether this is nosework or encouraging your dog to develop better balance and strength through using simple exercises.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT!
When you are working with your dog on mental stimulation use the following rules
Take time to teach your dog.
Teach your dog new activities and skills in small bite sized pieces, and remember they are should be fun for your dog.
Rule 2
Don’t use lots of commands; let him learn at his own pace.
Don’t use too many commands, and show your dog to play each game. Commands should be kept to a minimum. The more commands you use the harder it becomes for your dog. Don’t be afraid to let your dog take “time out”, this is an important concept when teaching dogs new skills. If your dog gazes into the distance, sits down or just fiddles about he may be overwhelmed so give him a break, he most definitely is not being obstinate, difficult or stupid.
Rule 3
Make sure your dog is enjoying the game
Look for calming signals and signs of stress. An escalation of calming signals means that your dog needs “time out”. Things to look for include yawning, lip licking, panting, restlessness, play bows or loss of concentration.
Rule 4
5 minute rule
No one activity should last too long, give your dog a break before he becomes distracted and tired, this means no more than 5 minutes at a time. You can always pick things up after a few minutes break.
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
Pretty much anything can be used but do collect and keep the following and use good quality treats
– Cardboard boxes, used takeaway coffee cups, paper bags of all shapes and sizes, egg boxes, old towels, clothes, and loo roll tubes are all really useful. Old paper and material that can be scrunched up is also good, this can include newspaper, paper that is left over from your fish and chips (a particular favourite for many dogs) paper that your printer has spat out, or paper that is contained in boxes, even the paper that has been laid over boxes of chocolate can be used. Large containers, small containers.
(including ones that contained yoghurt, margarine or deserts) and small buckets or trugs, are also useful.
– Snuffle mats and all the variations are a good investment. These can be bought from many places on the internet. You can also buy specialised dog enrichment toys that dispense food but they are nowhere near as good as the free things that are listed in the first paragraph.
– Some treats that your dog enjoys. If your dog is new to finding and searching for treats you might want to use really tasty food and treats depending on what are/ is your dogs’ favourite. Suggestions are cheese, including cream cheese, sausages, chicken, black pudding (often a favourite with many dogs) sardines (good for laying trails) even peanut butter; but make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol. The more expensive brands are best as they generally only contain peanuts, there are also “dog friendly” brands sold in pet shops. Good quality dog treats can be bought from many places too. You can actually make your own treats too you will find some recipes at the end of this book.
While you are thinking about good treats for your dog it is also a good idea to source good natural dog chews – These do NOT include Dentastix which have no nutritional or intrinsic value. Rawhide of any kind contains chemicals and undergoes a very disturbing manufacturing process. Please never give your dogs this.
Please head to Chews section for more information and links.
Written by Pennie Clayton, Patron and Dog Behaviourist of Horse and Hound School