Enrichment is a way of enhancing or improving something. So if we could ask your dog how could we enhance or improve their walk, what would they say?
One way might be by taking them on a sniffing safari - a Sniffari! Sniffing is hugely beneficial to dogs and is essential for their well being - it provides mental stimulation but is also a calming, self soothing behaviour that can reduce anxiety and stress. For dogs, their noses are their primary sense in how they explore the world and gather information on their environment - peemails can tell the gender, health and even mood of its sender!
Just allowing them the time to sniff at whatever they choose to sniff at is enriching to a dog. However we can also make it more challenging by hiding treats or their favourite toy on a fallen log or in long grass or a pile of leaves and then letting the dogs forage and hunt them out by using those noses. At home, treats can be hidden around the room or tucked inside a snuffle mat or even a cardboard box with shredded paper. Your dog will love the anticipation and excitement!
Experts suggest that just 20 minutes of sniffing is equivalent to an hours walk in terms of enrichment.
A walk is just one way of letting a dog express some of their natural behaviours - it’s their time, let’s do it their way!
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