Lewis and Bark Kennels Enrichment
What is enrichment for K9's.
Enrichment is essential for the physical and mental health of all dogs and allows them to engage in natural behaviours (e.g., smelling things, playing, digging, running, exploring, and interacting socially). It allows dogs to do the things that are inherent to being a dog. This can also be referred to as their telos, or in other words, the essential functions that constitute what it means to be a dog.
Enrichment has been shown to have wide-ranging benefits for dogs including promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, improving resilience, strengthening bonds with their people, and preventing and treating undesirable behaviours (e.g., excessive barking) and problem behaviours (e.g., fear aggression)
Types of Enrichment
Cognitive/behavioural enrichment
Cognitive/behavioural enrichment
Cognitive/behavioural enrichment
Cognitive enrichment (e.g., training, problem-solving tasks, memory tasks) involves mental stimulation. This type of enrichment can help dogs feel calmer and less stressed, and can improve overall behaviour. Cognitive enrichment can also slow age-related cognitive decline in dogs.
Environmental enrichment
Cognitive/behavioural enrichment
Cognitive/behavioural enrichment
Environmental enrichment involves exposing an animal to environmental complexity (e.g., toys, walks, trips to the park). This type of enrichment can increase activity levels, encourage exploratory behaviour, and reduce undesirable and problem behaviours[
Feeding enrichment
Cognitive/behavioural enrichment
Dogs are less likely to get bored with activities that involve chewing or feeding (e.g., puzzle feeders or toys filed with food). Contrary to assumptions that feeding enrichment may reduce dogs’ drive to perform at work and training, feeding enrichment may enhance learning.
Musical enrichment
Some research indicates that dogs respond well to classical music (e.g. less excessive barking, more time spent resting)[
Scent enrichment
Exposing dogs to novel scents (e.g., via snuffle mats, scented toys) has been shown to increase dogs’ level of engagement, reduce stress related behaviours, and increase time spent resting.
Social enrichment
Domestic dogs are social animals who need social interaction. Social enrichment can involve interactions with other dogs, people, and/or other animals.