What is “Enrichment”?
As someone who provides assistance through unwanted behaviors, I broach the subject of enrichment with virtually every pet parent I encounter. Excessive barking, digging, and destructive behavior could all be attributed to a lack of enrichment.
So what is “enrichment”?
According to Merriam-Webster, to enrich means “to make rich or richer especially by the addition or increase of some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient.” But you’re probably wondering exactly how to do that for your dog in such a way that it helps eliminate, or at least minimize, certain challenges you’re having because she’s bored.
Many different activities can serve as enrichment. All you need to do is provide a way to stimulate your pup’s brain and create a fun and active world for her to enjoy. This doesn’t mean you have to go buy every puzzle game or treat dispenser at your local pet supply store, or walk her six miles a day. I mean you could, but it’s not necessary. It can be as simple as taking her on a sniff walk (I like to refer to those as “sniff-aris”) and simply letting her explore with her senses. You could scatter-feed her meals instead of using a bowl. She could help you break down those cardboard boxes from all of those online orders you’ve been making over the past several months. The possibilities are endless, and all of them help her work off that energy in a productive way! On this page, I will be sharing with you my own ideas, stories from pet parents about things they’ve tried, and various other activities I find among my resources.
