[h=1]1// Create a Predictable Life[/h] Whereas we humans like to vary our routines, doing this can often cause anxiety or unease in many dogs. They like a schedule they can set their watches by so they understand when it is time to sleep, eat, play, train, and go outside. We know not every day can be the same for any family, but a basic schedule can go a long way in establishing a sense of security and trust with your dog.
[h=1]2// Schedule Time for Balance[/h] Make sure there is time in each day dedicated to social interaction and attention, as well as solo play or periods of inattention. Both of these are healthy for your dog in the right doses and, quite frankly, necessary for a balanced life. Best of all, both of these scenarios offer great opportunities to enrich your dog’s life and improve your relationship.
Examples of social interaction and attention include training, play dates with other dogs, brushing, hide and seek, and other games with you. Solo play or periods of inattention are a great time for thinking and problem solving toys, ie. a peanut-butter-filled Kong, or time for rest and sleep.
[h=1]3// Build Off Instincts[/h] When deciding what new activities you are going to try, your best bet is to build off of your dog’s natural instincts – both as a canine and as a breed. It is important to think of what your dog was born to do, no matter the make or model. This includes behaviors like hunting, thinking, and socializing.
By aligning enrichment not only with their general canine instincts, but also with their breed’s natural tendencies, it will help shape activities that are a good outlet for behaviors that are completely natural and, at the same time, unacceptable; think digging in the yard, chewing your shoes, alert barking or herding the neighbors’ children.
[h=1]4// Look to Mix It Up[/h] Although your dog’s routine should stay the same, the enrichment activities you choose should continue to offer variety and a constant challenge. Look for new ways to do current activities, new behaviors to teach, or harder games to play. For instance, using a puzzle feeder like the Rock N' Bowl*is a great step toward enriching your dog’s life, but to increase the benefits of the bowl, it should be rotated through your dog’s meals along with other puzzle feeders and food hunts.
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