Enrichment doesn't have to be fancy and it doesn't have to be expensive or even very time-consuming - if you check out my YouTube channel, I have lots of ideas for routine household items that can engage your dog's natural behaviours and improve the bond between guardian and dog. It can really easily slot into your existing routine with your dog too! All canine guardians are in the position to provide enriching experiences for their dogs, they just need empowered to do so! It's my mission to raise awareness of canine wellbeing with as many guardians as possible, thereby deepening the human/dog connection, reducing challenging behaviours arising from unmet needs, and improving overall dog welfare.

Enrichment should not be seen as another "box to be ticked" as part of our role as guardians of these amazing animals. It should also be tailored to the individual dog's needs and preferences, as no two dogs are the same! One of my dogs is a big chewer and shredder and loves trying different chews (and ripping cuddly toys!) while the other loves to climb and walk along higher surfaces, so I provide outlets for both during our normal day-to-day activities. We should try to view our shared experience through the lens of enrichment and identify as many opportunities as possible to provide valuable experiences (valuable to the dog, not just us humans!) for our companion animals. We often say that dogs are part of our family, but ultimately it should be noted they are not free to make their own decisions as to how to meet their needs - they are captive animals with limited choice and agency. It is our responsibility to make their short time with us as engaging as possible and give them choice.

I truly believe that offering an enriched life with lots of choice to our dogs can transform the human / animal relationship. Having all their needs met or (preferably) exceeded including safety (which underpins everything else), foraging, emotional, social and physical can reduce "problematic behaviours" and leave your dog much more relaxed and able to cope with life's ups and downs.

I have two "sensitive" dogs and enrichment has been a fantastic way of supporting them through these sensitivities and helping them reset after a challenging moment. If you have sensitive dogs of your own or work with sensitive dogs, offering enrichment can make such a difference to how these dogs feel and respond to their environment, it really can have a huge impact. It can be transformative in the rescue environment as well, helping dogs adjust to kennel life as well as settling in to a new home.

As well as selling enrichment items, I also offer 1:1 sessions with dog guardians and their dogs to build custom enrichment programs tailored to a dog's needs, whether in-person in a client's home, or virtually.

Thank you so much for reading and I'm excited to share more knowledge with you and help you transform your relationship with your dog!