Enrichment

Aims and Objectives Understand how the types of enrichment How and why it enhances their life Practical application of enrichment The importance of choice Knowing that all dogs are individuals and there will be different motivating factors

How do we get from this

To this

Without spending too much

Types of Environmental Enrichment Discuss how these enrichment activities can help the dog show these normal behaviours like digging, chewing etc How they can be a discussion piece for adopters on doing these activities to channel these behaviours

Types of Social Enrichment Discuss how training and dog interacting with people and or other animals can be enriching. Training could be from recall work, to loose lead walking, to complex behaviours like scent work or agility

Know Your Species

Know your dogs ! This can be amended to your own dog. The benefit of us speaking about our own dog is that we know they have their own individual characters but also it helps us as trainers list the favourite things in the dogs lives should a consultation ever come up for them and a BMP needs to put into place Millie is the left dog Mavis is the right dog

Their favourite things Millie has some different things she likes to Mavis but of people didn’t know Mavis they would see she is Ball mad and we could be limited to give her that type of enrichment

What do we want when we are feeling sore or unwell?

Where do we start? What do we have that we can use? Which areas are suitable? What are the restrictions? This will be on a shelter by shelter basis and needs assessing before formulating a plan.

Types of Bedding

Find an area not being used

It could be inside or outside

See whats already there and then consider how it can be improved See whats already there and then consider how it can be improved. Remember enrichment is all about improving or making more valuable to the individual or group.

For those that like to use their nose

Sensory garden Dogs Trust Sensory Gardens

Some simple ideas to create areas to sniff and find treats

Branches simply tied on to a tree with holes cut out for the dog to find a tasty treat.

Food activity toys

Where can I start? Save your recycling, from carboard boxes, to newspapers, to plastic bottles, to mats and platforms or old car tyres Remove any dangerous items that dog could ingest like staples from newspapers, plastic bottle tops or broken items like splintered wood Involve volunteers in creating these items. Supervise the dog at all times and assess the individual and the equipment for staff and/or dog safety.

Chewing material

Snuffle Mats

Training

Why should we do it? Because it makes them happy!

It gives both dogs and people a place to play and learn together

Then you can show off to potential adopters

Improve Rehoming chances I taught this dog in Hong Kong SPCA to sit when anyone approached, previously jumping and barking through frustration was now a far more rehomable dog.

Agility on a budget

Having a place to get away from their kennel should be a priority if your dogs are likely to be with you long term. Giving them options will also help with their welfare.

Welfare and Quality of life in a shelter takes time, knowledge and the ability to see through the dogs eyes

So let move away from this To this