What is enrichment, and why is it important?
Enrichment provides engagement with their natural behaviors and habits such as chewing, sniffing, and exploring. Enrichment helps keep your dog happy and healthy, both physically and mentally, by allowing them to engage in activities that stimulate both mind and body.
Puzzle feeders/snuffle mats – Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats are a fun way for your dog to use their nose to explore. There are lots of different feeders and mats you can buy, or make your own by rolling up treats or dry food in a towel for them to unroll and find the goodies. You can also make the towel harder by tying knots throughout. Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats can be used for a fun game with treats, or try giving your dog their full meal in one to keep them thinking! Puzzle feeders come in various difficulties; there are easy options, intermediate, and difficult, so there’s something for every pup! Providing different obstacles and textures for your dog to work through, like a snuffle mat, will keep them occupied and thinking hard.
Long-lasting treats and chews – Frozen whole carrots or celery sticks are a great, low-calorie, and longer-lasting treat for your dog to enjoy. KONG toys (try a KONG Extreme for your super chewer!) and Pupsicle toys are good options for long-lasting chews. These are great to use when crate training or when you need them to be occupied for a little while. Only give long-lasting treats to your pup when they can be supervised. Keep in mind that when choosing a toy, please keep in mind that you should be able to indent it with your fingernail; if it is too hard for your nail, it is too hard for your dog!
New walks/hikes – Taking your dog on different routes while walking, or going to different hiking trails, is a great way to keep them active both physically and mentally. New walks and trails mean new sights, smells, and sounds. New areas are also a perfect place to practice training and commands to keep your pup focused on the task at hand.
Scent games – Try hiding treats around your house and/or yard for your dog to sniff and find. You can use low-calorie training treats, like Zuke’s, and Vital Essentials freeze-dried treats, or you can even use your dog’s kibble to help spread out their meals. This gets your dog physically and mentally moving to find all the goodies!