This is a really fulfilling way for your dog to use natural behaviours like sniffing, digging, seeking, licking and chewing. It's a wonderful activity that you can do daily or if you need to skip a walk or two.
You can hide some treats in a snuffle mat, find things on walks for them to sniff of hide treats in tree trunks, feed them some of their daily food allowance from a Toppl or Kong, a ball pit with treats and toys in, an area to dig in the garden, something yummy to chew at the end of the day (also helps keep teeth clean), puzzle toys, exploring any deliveries to the house, old jean pockets, old ruck sack to explore with favourite things inside, empty the stuffing from a toy roll up a piece of fabric with treats in and pop it in the toy for them to discovery.
I like free work which is where I hide around 20 treats in and around stuff in the garden or indoors if the weather isn't great.
I have boxes, baskets, old containers, items of clothing, rolled up towels, piles of leaves or twigs, the items are all safe and my dog just takes his time to rummage through finding the hidden treats. The enrichment choices are endless and the rewards for your dog are immense.
Enrichment is a great way to keep your dog's brain busy if you can't fit in a walk, if it's raining, if they are in recovery or just for fun. I try to do one form of enrichment everyday with my dog and have figured out the things he loves most. He loves food and he loves sniffing so snuffling is very rewarding for him.
If your dog prefers toys so hunting out there favourite one in the garden or around the house can be just as rewarding and add a game a tuggie with you once found which can help to make you fun a rewarding to be around, this will help to improve your bond which will help with other behaviours.
I always set my dog up for success in everything we do so it doesn't get frustrating and he ends up with the reward, if he is struggling I help him out.
Simple things like taking them to a friends garden or a pet shop can also be forms of enrichment as new environments can provide fun and stimulation.
Next time your doing the recycling think about the potential for that Amazon box. egg carton, plastic bottle etc.
Think about the breed you have and what they were bred to do. Be able to use predisposed behaviours is extremely important to wellbeing. So hunting breeds need to hunt so seeking a toy and being able to use this innate skill can be really enriching.
All sorts of things can provide enrichment to get your dog's brain working and keep them stimulated.
It's a great fun so think outside the box and enrich your dog's life.
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