07/12/2024
Enrichment doesn’t have to last 20 minutes to help improve the quality of any dog’s life.
Just because an activity keeps a dog busy for a long time doesn't mean it's enriching if it doesn't meet their needs.
Enrichment is about providing experiences that engage a dog's senses, stimulate their mind, and provide opportunities to express their species-typical behaviors in ways that improve their welfare and well-being.
Keeping the dog busy for a long time can make them feel frustrated or overstimulated, negating the positive effects of enrichment.
If you truly want your dog to feel calm and relaxed after an activity, you need to observe how they respond afterward.
If they're sleepy or chilling, it means their needs have been met. If they're still energetic and bouncing off the walls, then the activity by itself has not met all of that dog's needs, and it's a signal to find out what you can change about their environment and routine to help them complete their stress response cycle.
To learn more about enrichment, check out our following resources:
🐾 Canine Enrichment For The Real World Book & Workbook by Allie Bender and Emily Strong
🐾 Enrichment For The Real World Podcast available on major listening platforms
🐾 Our Weekly Blog here: https://petharmonytraining.com/blog/