Did you know that ….
Some of the dog behaviors humans consider nuisances are actually natural dog behaviors?
Yes! And even though we may like to remove those behaviors from the dog, we may do them a better service if we either redirect or harness the potential by providing a safe outlet for these behaviors.
Here are examples of natural dog behaviors:
- Sniffing
- Barking
- Digging
- Foraging
- Scavenging
- Chewing
- Jumping
- Biting
- Chasing
The best way to allow these behaviors to strive in an appropriate way that will benefits both species is by providing species appropriate enrichment programs.
What is enrichment?
Enrichment is a set of activities that are centered on a species core natural needs or naturals behaviors.
I love to mentally challenge dogs. Whereas physical exercise takes the edge off and provides good muscle conditioning and allows them to exercise some of the natural behaviors, mental exercising provides a way to fulfill the remainder of behaviors that physical exercise does not. Just like in humans, exercising does not fulfill all our needs and we will look for a book, a puzzle, or a mystery movie to exercise the brain cells.
Some of my favorite mental stimulation activities for my dogs include:
- Stuffed Kong Toys
- Snuffle Mats
- Puzzle Toys (Nina Ottosson and Trixie dog toys are my favs)
- Licking Mats
- Chew toys
- Teaching new tricks
- Sniff walks (on a long leash if the area is safe)
- Scatter feeding in the house or in the yard
Always supervise your dog while he/she is performing any mental stimulation exercises. Also keep in mind the age and breed of the dog when choosing activities. As they are interacting with you and engaging in the activity watch the body language. If they are becoming stressed out you may need to lower the difficulty. Likewise, if they are getting bored you need to up the game! Whatever activities you’re working with your dog ensure they are activities he/she will be able to succeed in.