Winter Blues Got You and Your Pet?
Barnaby looking forlorn. Not because of the weather…this photoshoot was not his jam!
It’s gotten cold outside! While our pups may have fur coats, motivating ourselves to bundle up and take Fido out for a walk or visit to the dog park may feel less appealing these days. Especially when it’s so nice and warm inside…. Winter weather tends to coincide with cold and flu season, so when we’re sick, getting outside with our pooches can be even harder. The holidays can feel hectic, throwing our schedules out of whack, and our hound’s daily routines are often a casualty of the holidaze.
Even when the weather is warm, some of us may have other challenges taking our canine companion out for more than a quick potty break. Injury, pain, chronic illness, or other responsibilities at home or work, can consume our time and energy. Sometimes, behavioral issues can restrict our freedom with where we take our doggos. Hello reactive rover!
If any of the above applies to you now or in the future, it’s a good idea to be prepared with alternatives. This is where canine enrichment comes in handy.
What is canine enrichment? It’s any activity or element we add to our dog’s environment that provides opportunities for mental and physical stimulation, particularly in ways that engage their senses and encourages natural behaviors. There are two categories of enrichment: active and passive.
Active enrichment allows the dog to perform a variety of behaviors including ones that he likes to do and/or would offer up instinctively. Tactile, olfactory (scent), cognitive, food-based, and social are types of active enrichment. Some examples are below; see if you can guess what types they are. Answers at the end of the post. (Hint: some will count as multiple categories as they often combine with each other.)
If your dog loves to dig, let her dig! Give her a “legal” pot of dirt or a small sandbox on your patio with items hidden inside that she can dig to her heart's content.
Does your doggo woof down his wet food? Feed him with a lickimat to slow him down and give him some enrichment at the same time!
Is your mutt part bloodhound? Let her sniff your shoes when you come back home from being out in the world.
Invite your pup’s bestie - human or canine - over for a play date. Let them hang out and cuddle while you chat with the human bestie, or the bestie’s human….
Have a canine whiz? Teach him a new trick or skill and reward him with his favorite treat when he gets it right.
All active enrichment should be customized to what your dog likes to do; not every pup will enjoy the same activities.
Passive enrichment does not require any interaction on Fido’s part. It is simply present in the environment and engages the canine senses. A few examples:
Taking your pooch for a car ride, if enjoyable, allows your pup to see, smell, and hear different things than at home.
Turning on soothing classical music in the background when you are home or while you’re away.
Allowing your dog to observe the world through a window with a view to the wildlife.
In other words, there are multiple ways to exercise our pup’s minds and bodies without taking them outside for the obligatory walk or visit to the dog park. The best enrichment for your doggo will depend on your pooch’s inclinations and is only limited by your imagination and dedication.
*Answers to Active Enrichment Examples Above
1. Tactile 2. Tactile & Food based 3. Olfactory 4. Social & Tactile 5.Cognitive & Food-based
