What is enrichment, and why is it important?
Enrichment is crucial for the development of a happy and healthy puppy. It provides engagement with their natural behaviors and habits such as chewing, sniffing, and exploring. Enrichment helps keep your puppy happy and healthy, both physically and mentally, by allowing them to engage in activities that stimulate both mind and body.
Touching paws, legs, ears, etc. – Gently touching/petting/playing with your puppy’s paws and other body parts will help them become accustomed to and remain calm during the sensation of being touched. This is particularly helpful during veterinary visits, grooming sessions, at-home care, and other similar situations.
Introducing new sights, smells, sounds, and people – Gradually introducing new sights, smells, sounds, and people to your puppy will help desensitize them to the world, and is crucial in their socialization process. Use treats and praise when something new is introduced to create a positive experience for your puppy. Find a low-calorie training treat that your puppy loves to take on adventures with you to help create positive reinforcement when in new places. Some great options include Zuke’s, Vital Essentials freeze-dried treats, or you can even use your puppy’s kibble to help spread out their meals.
*If you plan to take your puppy to new places, please consult with your veterinarian beforehand to ensure your puppy is fully vaccinated to safely take in public areas.*
Puzzle feeders/snuffle mats – Puzzle feeders and snuffle mats are a fun way for your puppy to learn how 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 your puppy 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 puppy their full meal in one to keep them thinking! Puzzle feeders come in various difficulties; there are easy options, intermediate, and difficult, so there are options for every pup! Providing different obstacles and textures for your puppy to work through, like a snuffle mat, will keep them occupied and thinking hard.
Teething toys – Teething toys are a great way to help your puppy safely satisfy their need to chew while they are teething. Some options are Kong teething sticks, soft textured Nylabones, or frozen carrots/celery sticks are a great low-calorie teething treat. 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 pup! Teething toys/long-lasting treats are great to use when crate training, or when you need your pup to be occupied for a little while. Only give teething toys and long-lasting treats to your pup when they can be supervised.
