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By definition, enrichment is adding to the value of something, like vitamin-enriched foods or nitrogen-enriched soil. From a behavioral viewpoint, aspects of enrichment should keep us emotionally healthy and mentally fit.
You may see the word enrichment used in various ways: environmental enrichment; behavioral enrichment; and life enrichment. If you were kept in a habitat that was perfectly managed with ideal temperatures, nutritious food, appropriate shelter and clothing, chances are that in a short period of time you would still become depressed, bored, and even anxious. Why? Even with what could appear to be all the necessities of life, much of what we humans find rewarding would still be missing. What could be done to make you happier? If a behaviorist implemented an enrichment program for you, it might include adding a person for company, allowing you to choose your food (and perhaps even giving you the opportunity to prepare it), the ability to choose your own clothing, and maybe giving you a television or a computer. These things would reduce your anxiety and depression and probably get rid of your boredom.
Today, in newer nursing homes, residents have the opportunity to watch TV in small family room-type settings, eat their meals in cozy dining rooms, bake cakes and cookies, plant gardens, maintain bird feeders and ponds, and in some situations there are community pets living in the nursing home. All of these enrich lives!
Zoos are also coming up to speed by providing natural habitats that allow opportunities for things like giving birds room to fly and monkeys places to climb, providing social interaction among animals of the same species, hunting for food and more. Even the river otters and beavers have currents in their artificial streams.
Dogs have become so much a part of our lives and have been domesticated for so many years, that we tend to forget they actually are captive animals, and our homes are artificial environments. A great many canine behavior problems can be traced to a lack of enrichment. Consequently, many behavior problems can be minimized and some completely resolved once a good enrichment program has been put into place. A perfect example of a behavior problem that can be helped by enrichment is separation anxiety. Dogs are meant to be part of a pack, and when living in nature, they would never ever be alone. Other common problems that could be reduced by a suitable enrichment program include excessive chewing and barking and other anxiety-based behaviors.
What type of enrichment can you provide your dog?
- In nature, dogs would spend much of their time foraging for food. You can easily simulate this at home by using treat-dispensing toys to feed your dog instead of feeding him/her from bowls. Stuffing Kongs with food, stuffing marrowbones with food, and using items like the Buster Cube are some easy ways to provide enrichment for your dog.
- Providing an area of your yard for your dog to dig also gives your dog the opportunity for your dog to engage in normal dog behavior. Consider burying something in that spot daily for the dog to dig up and enjoy. Rawhides, balls and squeaky toys are favorites. This can help put a stop to your dog’s digging in your flower beds!!
- If you only have one dog, find a suitable canine friend in the neighborhood and give them an hour to romp at least 3 times a week.
- Use a 10-12 foot leash to walk your dog, at the dog’s pace, in interesting places. This is a wonderful form of enrichment. Allow the dog to sniff things!! Even a 10 minute sniffing walk is meaningful to your dog. Several times a day for just 10 minutes each is even better!!
The more types of enrichment you provide for your dog, the less likely your dog will be to develop behavior problems or health problems that are related to stress, anxiety, and boredom. Just a few changes in your routine with your dog can make all the difference!!
Courtesy of:
Debbie Winkler, CPDT, CABC
President, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Director of Humane Domain
Sykesville, Maryland
410-549-1135
www.humanedomain.net
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