The #EnrichmentChallenge—Whats Enrichment?

Let’s talk about this fancy word all the cool dog owners are talking about—Enrichment. This type of activity can singlehandedly change your dog's life and the relationship with your dog for the better. So many of the greats out there (Ian Dunbar, Sophia Yin, Karen Pryor, Pat Miller, and my own teacher Deb Winkler just to name a few) are preaching enrichment and how to institute it into your dog's daily life.

Enrichment is a way of providing mental stimulation for your dog by way of games, puzzles, and tasks. Our dogs are smarter than we give them credit for. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “a tired dog is a happy dog,” but tiring them out with just physical exercise isn’t the only way to do it.

Giving them unique toys and exercises utilizes their natural instincts to scavenge and challenges their problem solving skills in an excellent way to create a tired, happy, and calm dog.

Just a few of Zoe's enrichment toys.

Enrichment also helps lessen the symptoms associated with common dog problems like separation anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders, overstimulation (for example: barking, peeing, or jumping when visitors come into the home), and fearful behaviors. And to top it all off, it’s easy to do, takes very little time to implement, and has good results initially, and great results over time.

Think of it this way: You have some free time everyday to do what you want. So you choose your favorite activity. Mine is crafting. I love making things with my hands because its very different from my usual reading, writing, and exercising with the dogs.

Crafting is my form of “enrichment” for me because it improves my day by challenging my brain, fine motor skills, and artistry. It’s an amusing and interesting way to spend my time; not to mention, it also makes me happy. I already get my exercise, but I wouldn’t be as content if all I did was run with the dogs. Sure, I’d be tired, but only running would become boring day after day.

Enrichment is a lot like giving your dog a new hobby. So how do we introduce enrichment into our dog's life? You can start by using the month of April to embark on a #enrichmentchallenge with your dog and include your dog friends in the challenge. Keep your ears perked and paws at the ready!

Are you up for the challenge of creating a happier, calmer dog?

The month of April is going to be dedicated to Enrichment and there will be posts each week with new ways to enrich your dog's life with awesome hobbies, games, and toys. Are you up for the challenge of creating a happier, calmer dog?

#enrichment #training #health