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Why enrichment matters

  • Stress reduction

    Enrichment can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Engaging activities and positive interactions release endorphins, reduce stress levels and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.

  • Mental stimulation

    Dogs, cats and other animals require mental and physical stimulation to maintain good health and well-being.

  • Reduce unwanted behaviors

    Boredom and frustration can lead to destructive behaviors. Enrichment activities can provide a healthy outlet for your pet to get out their energy.

Different types of enrichment for dogs

1. Work-to-eat toys and bowls: Work-to-eat toys and bowls are designed to require your dog to use their brain to access their food. Puzzle feeders, treat balls, and food-dispensing toys are all effective options.

2. Scent games: Hiding treats or toys for your dog to find using their sense of smell taps into their natural hunting instinct.

3. Training exercises: Teaching new cues and tricks, and practicing learned behaviors, engages your dog’s mind and helps you build a stronger bond.

4. Social interactions: If your dog is comfortable, schedule supervised playdates with 1-2 other dogs or interactions with other humans to improve your dog's social skills.

5. Tug-of-war and fetch:  Play games that allow your dog to release energy and engage in natural play behaviors. 

6. Off leash or long leash exploration:  Off-leash or long leash exploration is a good enrichment option because it allows your dog to sniff and explore their environment more freely.


Different types of enrichment for cats

1. Toys that encourage stalking and hunting: Toys that mimic the movements of prey, such as feather wand toys, plush mice, and kicker toys, can be great for encouraging stalking and hunting behaviors. Interactive toys that allow for chasing and pouncing, such as laser pointers, can also be very engaging for cats. Since cats are crepuscular, try to schedule playtime in the morning and evening when your cat is most active. 5-10 minutes per session is all it takes!

2. Work-to-eat toys: Work-to-eat toys are designed to require your cat to use their brain to access their food. Puzzle feeders, treat balls, and food-dispensing toys can all be effective options for providing mental stimulation and encouraging your cat to work for their food.

3. Vertical spaces: Cats are natural climbers, and providing vertical spaces for them to explore can be very enriching. Cat trees, shelves, and perches can all be great options for enabling cats to live vertically and engage in natural behaviors such as jumping and climbing.

4. Scratching posts: Providing appropriate scratching surfaces can help prevent unwanted scratching on furniture or other surfaces. Scratching posts or pads that allow your cat to stretch and exercise their claws can be effective options.