Enrichment for dogs

Learn what enrichment is, how you can stop boredom in your dog and add activities to their lives.

Could it be that secretly you hate walking your dog because they are reactive and shout at everything and it is stressing you out! I know its hard to be honest with your dog walker about the things we don’t like about our pets because we don’t want them to think less of us, but we have all been there – Trust me! I could tell you some stories.

I often hear the same comments when I suggest crate training to new pet owners, “it’s cruel and it looks like a prison”. If used correctly a crate can become lovely and welcoming for a dog. A crate gives them a safe space that they can go to when they need to relax as well as keeping them safe at times.

Being able to get your dog to return to you is vital, after all it is a legal requirement that owners are in control of their dogs at all times. How do you do that? By calling or ‘recalling’ your dog. Your dog must understand that when you call its name, it must return to your side.

I know you may be saying to me “Isn’t it a bit early for thinking about fireworks?” Its never too early to start desensitisation.

What we can do is work on getting them used to the noises and trying to modify their reactions ready for the season and give them plenty of time to do it slowly.