Physical enrichment for dogs
Active dogs that are denied an enriched environment to live in will often find a way to amuse themselves with destructive behaviour. Or they may escape to find a more interesting location to occupy their time—as can be seen in this photo.
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Exercise for dogs is a form of enrichment. Taking dogs for a good, long walk is one form of exercise.
Where possible, walk the dog in a leash-free area. If you live on a property you can walk the dogs off leash, and for every kilometre that you walk, the dog(s) would cover about 5-10 at a run as the dog constantly runs ahead, and then returns to you. Most dogs being walked do not have this opportunity so they need a much longer walk than most owners realise.
Other enrichment strategies include:
· Throwing an object for them to chase: Many dogs love to chase and fetch a ball, a frisby or some other dog toy. If they are trained to bring it back to you, they can get a lot of exercise without the owner having to do very much. Some dogs even enjoy having to look for their toys––like hide and seek.
· Playing with another dog (or dogs): Younger dogs spend hours romping and playing together and can liven up the older ones. Dogs that live alone do not have this opportunity unless you have access to a compatible dog and can connect with it regularly to allow the dogs time to romp and play together.
· Swimming is another form of exercise that some dogs love: If you live near the sea or a river or lake, you may be able to take your dog swimming.
Behavioural enrichment can be achieved by:
· having an area, such as a sandpit, where the dog can be encouraged to dig––eg by hiding bones or toys in it
· providing squeaky toys that the dog can play with
· providing objects for chewing such as pigs’ ears, bones, rawhide chews and toys with food inside
· leaving a radio on so that there are sounds for the dog to hear
· scatter feeding one of its meals––usually the morning one
· giving them frozen ice blocks during the summer heat––freeze fruit, treats, or chicken wings for them.
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© NSW DET 2007