Through a clear understanding of what enrichment truly is, and how to implement it thoughtfully, you’ll not only help prevent unwanted behaviours but also create a stronger, more rewarding relationship with your dog.

See the World Through
Your Dog's Eyes

Three simple questions that can change the way you think about enrichment.

Enrichment is sometimes thought of as giving a dog something to do, like a puzzle toy, a game, or an activity to keep them busy.

But meaningful enrichment begins somewhere else.

It begins with noticing your dog.

What do they enjoy? What interests them? What would they choose if given the opportunity?

The answers can tell us a great deal about what makes life interesting and fulfilling from a dog’s point of view.

DOES YOUR DOG GET TO BE A DOG?

Our dogs live in a world designed largely around us.

We decide when they eat, where they walk, when they go outside, what they can investigate and when it’s time to move along.

But dogs experience the world differently than we do.

Sniffing, exploring, searching, chewing, digging, playing, moving and investigating are more than ways to pass the time. They are natural behaviours that allow dogs to interact with their environment in ways that are meaningful to them.

Enrichment gives us an opportunity to ask:

Am I only giving my dog things to do or am I also giving them opportunities to do things that matter to them?

Sometimes seeing enrichment differently starts with simply letting a dog be a dog.

WHAT DOES YOUR DOG LOVE TO DO?

There is no single enrichment activity that every dog will enjoy.

One dog may happily spend ten minutes investigating an interesting scent while another would rather search for something, carry something, play with you or simply watch the world go by.

Age, breed tendencies, personality, past experiences and individual preferences can all influence what a dog finds rewarding.

That means one of the most useful enrichment skills isn't knowing more activities.

It's learning to notice what your own dog enjoys.

Watch what captures their attention.
Notice what they return to.
Pay attention to the activities that leave them interested, engaged and satisfied.

Your dog's preferences are information and listening to them can help you create enrichment that is meaningful for the dog standing in front of you.

HOW MANY CHOICES DID YOUR DOG MAKE TODAY?

It's an unusual question, isn't it?

Think about an average day from your dog's perspective.

Someone else may decide when to wake up, when to eat, where to walk, how quickly to walk, when to stop sniffing, when to play and when an activity is finished.

Of course, boundaries and routines are an important part of living safely together. But within those boundaries, there can also be opportunities for choice.

Which direction would you like to explore?Would you like to keep sniffing?
Which toy interests you?
Would you rather participate or move away?

Small, appropriate choices can give dogs greater control over their experiences and they can help us become better observers of what our dogs are communicating.

Sometimes enrichment isn't about adding more to a dog's life.

It's about giving them a little more say in it.

START WITH CURIOSITY

You don't need to completely change your dog's routine to begin thinking differently about enrichment.

For the next few days, simply watch.

What does your dog seek out?
What makes them curious?
What do they choose when choice is available?
What seems to leave them genuinely satisfied?

You may begin noticing things you hadn't noticed before.

And that's really where enrichment starts:

not with what we think a dog should enjoy, but with becoming curious about the dog in front of us.

Canine Enrichment will help you understand your dog's mental, emotional, physical and social needs and discover thoughtful ways to support their wellbeing through everyday life.

Good Dog Academy
Stay curious. Keep seeing the world through their eyes.