Why should I provide enrichment?
Due to this coronavirus covid-19, many of us are experiencing what it's like to be confined to our homes with limited access to the outdoors.
Most of us still have the luxury of entertaining ourselves through use of the internet, tv, and computer games. Others may prefer reading books, knitting, playing board games, baking, or some other hobby.
Our pets on the other hand, don't have those forms of entertainment, and often can't understand our own fascination with them. They rely on us to play, walk, and socialise with them.
When left to their own devices, they can become bored, frustrated, and destructive.
So what can we do to improve things?
Enrichment is not a new concept. In some ways we already provide things like shop-bought toys and chews without really understanding the benefit of them.
(Incidentally, you should always supervise the use of such items, to prevent the risk of ingestion or choking, should parts be chewed off that shouldn't be eaten).
We provide exercise in the form of walks on or off lead; some also participate in agility or specialised training.
But what about when we can't get outdoors?
Enrichment is all about encouraging natural behaviours to improve and maintain both physical and mental health. If we want calm, content, well-behaved animals we need to look at what sort of things they enjoy, and how they usually interact with the world around them.
Dogs have an amazing olfactory sense which we can utilise by providing activities which encourage their sense of smell to detect items. Providing challenging games and activities, stimulates the mind to become curious, and problem solve. It can also help with body awareness, manipulation skills, and confidence.
And it doesn't have to cost the earth either!
This is where your own creativity can flourish. Take a look at the things around your home; even items you would normally put out for recycling.
• sharp edges.
• small pieces your animal can swallow or choke on.
• what happens with the material if it rips or tears? What will the edges be like then? (Paper, for example can be sharp. So check your chosen materials for safety and suitability, and remove any tape from boxes.)
• Hygiene: can you clean it easily? But also: what type of detergent do you use? How many chemicals are in it? Or is it single use only?
• if you have more than one dog, spend some quality time and puzzle with one at a time. Remember that food and toys can be a trigger for a disagreement or even a fight
• with cats it depends on the individual cat. Sometimes it is ok to puzzle with several cats at the same time. Others prefer to have some quality time alone with you.
• never leave your dog alone with any homemade puzzle.
• if needed hold the puzzle in your hand or on the floor. Dogs get easily disturbed by moving puzzles. Cats might like movement.
You can also play games of hide and seek, using a favourite toy or person, or hide treats around the house. And if you're feeling really creative, try making a Snuffle mat.
Whatever you choose, have fun watching your pet and enjoy spending quality time with them.
Top tips
• When your animal is solving the puzzle don’t speak. It will disturb the concentration.
• This sounds weird, but also don’t praise your animal. The treat will do that job.
• Do not point out where the treat is. If there is frustration, go back to the point where your animal still was successful and end there. Always end on a positive note.
• If filling the puzzle is too much for your animal to wait for, give some treats on the floor away from the puzzle, that will give you time to fill the puzzle again.
• Every animal puzzles at their own level. It’s not a competition.
• For dogs 5 minutes of doing a puzzle takes approx. as much effort as a half hour walk
• The concentration span of a cat is about 2-3 minutes.
• If a cat doesn’t seem interested then try to throw the treat in the puzzle. Cats like to follow movement. (In general outdoor cats are less interested in puzzles than indoor cats).
• Do not make it too difficult. If your animal starts demolishing the puzzle most of the time, it is too difficult. Make your steps smaller. It is about enjoying the process together.
• Enough is enough. When your animal is tired or in any other way not interested, give a treat and end on a positive note. Never just take away the puzzle without giving a treat.
Most of us still have the luxury of entertaining ourselves through use of the internet, tv, and computer games. Others may prefer reading books, knitting, playing board games, baking, or some other hobby.
Our pets on the other hand, don't have those forms of entertainment, and often can't understand our own fascination with them. They rely on us to play, walk, and socialise with them.
When left to their own devices, they can become bored, frustrated, and destructive.
Enrichment is not a new concept. In some ways we already provide things like shop-bought toys and chews without really understanding the benefit of them.
We provide exercise in the form of walks on or off lead; some also participate in agility or specialised training.
But what about when we can't get outdoors?
Enrichment is all about encouraging natural behaviours to improve and maintain both physical and mental health. If we want calm, content, well-behaved animals we need to look at what sort of things they enjoy, and how they usually interact with the world around them.
Dogs have an amazing olfactory sense which we can utilise by providing activities which encourage their sense of smell to detect items. Providing challenging games and activities, stimulates the mind to become curious, and problem solve. It can also help with body awareness, manipulation skills, and confidence.
And it doesn't have to cost the earth either!
This is where your own creativity can flourish. Take a look at the things around your home; even items you would normally put out for recycling.
- An old tea towel or t-shirt can be folded or twisted, with treats hidden inside.
- A plastic basket or washing up bowl can be filled with leaves, small plush toys, or balls, with treats scattered within.
- A cardboard box, with scrunched up paper balls, or smaller boxes, can hide treats.
- Toilet roll tubes, with the ends pushed closed, can hold treats.
- A muffin tray with balls or small plush toys to hide treats, or turn the tray upside down to make a slow feeder.
- A soft drinks bottle, without lid, with treats inside, can make a slow dispenser.
• sharp edges.
• small pieces your animal can swallow or choke on.
• what happens with the material if it rips or tears? What will the edges be like then? (Paper, for example can be sharp. So check your chosen materials for safety and suitability, and remove any tape from boxes.)
• Hygiene: can you clean it easily? But also: what type of detergent do you use? How many chemicals are in it? Or is it single use only?
• if you have more than one dog, spend some quality time and puzzle with one at a time. Remember that food and toys can be a trigger for a disagreement or even a fight
• with cats it depends on the individual cat. Sometimes it is ok to puzzle with several cats at the same time. Others prefer to have some quality time alone with you.
• never leave your dog alone with any homemade puzzle.
• if needed hold the puzzle in your hand or on the floor. Dogs get easily disturbed by moving puzzles. Cats might like movement.
You can also play games of hide and seek, using a favourite toy or person, or hide treats around the house. And if you're feeling really creative, try making a Snuffle mat.
Whatever you choose, have fun watching your pet and enjoy spending quality time with them.
Top tips
• When your animal is solving the puzzle don’t speak. It will disturb the concentration.
• This sounds weird, but also don’t praise your animal. The treat will do that job.
• Do not point out where the treat is. If there is frustration, go back to the point where your animal still was successful and end there. Always end on a positive note.
• If filling the puzzle is too much for your animal to wait for, give some treats on the floor away from the puzzle, that will give you time to fill the puzzle again.
• Every animal puzzles at their own level. It’s not a competition.
• For dogs 5 minutes of doing a puzzle takes approx. as much effort as a half hour walk
• The concentration span of a cat is about 2-3 minutes.
• If a cat doesn’t seem interested then try to throw the treat in the puzzle. Cats like to follow movement. (In general outdoor cats are less interested in puzzles than indoor cats).
• Do not make it too difficult. If your animal starts demolishing the puzzle most of the time, it is too difficult. Make your steps smaller. It is about enjoying the process together.
• Enough is enough. When your animal is tired or in any other way not interested, give a treat and end on a positive note. Never just take away the puzzle without giving a treat.
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