Is your dog bored or getting into trouble? It’s likely that his level of enrichment is too low. Lack of enrichment is a common denominator that I find when called upon for Behavior Consulting. Whether I’m consulting on jumping, chewing, barking or other destructive behaviors, the underlying issue is boredom. Once I get my clients to increase their dog’s daily enrichment activities, the problem behaviors quickly disappear.
Interactive games and feeders engage the dogs mentally and physically because they stimulate a hunter-gatherer drive. Dog’s evolved from ancestors that spent the day searching for food. The dog’s find this type of activity equally challenging and fulfilling. Interactive toys can be used to support a healthy, active lifestyle and is a good solution to prevent boredom. If the winter months slow you down from physical outside activity with your dog, consider getting some interactive games.
The #1 item that I recommend to most folks experiencing problem behaviors is a Kong Wobbler that they feed their dogs from twice daily. Not only does it slow down the eating and reduce the chances of bloat, it engages the dog’s cognitive brain function. The mental stimulation and the physical activity of working for food enriches the dog’s day. It’s a well-known fact that tired dogs have fewer behavioral issues. We also know that mental stimulation counts for at least as much as physical stimulation. Puzzle games and feeder toys are excellent mechanisms of enrichment.
Throughout all my years of training dogs, I have found that mental exercise can tire out a dog quicker than physical exercise. I often ask my clients what do you think your house would look like if you left two 6 yr old kids at home for 8 hours without supervision? The answer is a nightmare! Imagine crayon color walls & furniture, the refrigerator door open, food everywhere, and all your stuff in disarray. For some reason though, we expect to come home and find our house spotless if we leave 2 dogs alone all day that haven’t had any enriching activities.
If you can start off the dog’s day by feeding him out of an interactive feeder that takes him over 20 minutes to eat and leave him a couple of indestructible, puzzle games around, you’ll come home to a contented dog that likely didn’t destroy your stuff. Of course, try to get some physical exercise in there as well. Thing of your dog as your “health partner” for walks, hikes, runs, snowshoes, etc. If you can do something physical with your dog too, you’ll likely have a tired partner that sleeps most of the day while you work. Working on your dog’s obedience and manners in a Group Class or through Private Training will also add enrichment and bonding time with you!
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| Laura Bussing, CPDT-KA Certified Professional Dog Trainer Over 30 years experience Head Trainer @ Gone to the Dogs |
