MOVING BEYOND JUST OBEDIENCE SERIES - "The Art of Training the Whole Dog... Enrichment has a Cost."

"Be careful of the monster you create because you have to live with them.”

I heard this quote at a conference a few years ago and it stuck with me.

Enrichment in dog training involves stimulating a dog's mind, senses, and physical abilities to enhance their overall well-being and impact behavior.

While enrichment undoubtedly has its advantages, it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. The “Moving Beyond Obedience” series discusses the key foundations of what me and many of my colleagues in the industry believe should be the focus when helping dogs learn to navigate in the world we have them in.

In this blog, I’ll discuss some of the pros and cons of enrichment and provide a better understanding and some things to think about as you try to provide the “BEST LIFE EVER” for your dog like we all want to do.

Let’s talk about the obvious “pros” when providing enriching activities in our dogs lives.

First, it improves learning and retention. Enrichment activities, such as puzzle toys and interactive games, engage a dog’s brain, making them more receptive to learning. The saying in Neuroscience “if it fires, it wires” when learning new tasks applies here as well. Dogs who are mentally stimulated appropriately are more likely to retain information leading to faster and more effective training outcomes.

Second, it enhances problem-solving skills. Many enrichment exercises often involve problem-solving tasks. We provide puzzles and wobblers which help dogs develop their cognitive abilities by figuring out how to achieve the end goal of getting the food. Working the canine brain muscle can translate into better decision-making during training sessions, allowing dogs to grasp new commands more quickly.

Also it can reduce boredom and behavioral problems. A huge benefit of enrichment in dog training is the reduction of boredom. Many of our dogs spend a considerable amount of time alone while we are at work or seeing to other things in our schedule. Boredom can lead to destructive behavior and various other problems. Enrichment activities reduces stress and anxiety by keeping dogs mentally engaged and physically active, preventing the development of undesirable behaviors.

Finally, it can strengthen the bond between you and your dog. It takes time to figure out who your dog really is and what activities they enjoy. That time is an investment that pays dividends on the bond you develop. Your dog learns to associate training sessions with positive experiences, making them more eager to participate and cooperate. Customizing enriching activities shows your dog that you understand them on a level deeper than just putting treat in a puzzle. Instead you are tying something they want to a behavior that is satisfying both physically and mentally giving them something to work for and a task to complete.

So, providing enrichment activities for your dog leads to all these amazing things but what could go wrong and why shouldn’t I spoil my dog?

Think of the world we live in. We are overstimulated with things we like… non stop. It’s actually become necessary to “cut down the noise” or to “quiet the mind” at times. We know mental stimulation is crucial, but overstimulation can be counterproductive. Introducing too many enrichment activities in a short span can overwhelm the dog, leading to confusion and stress. It’s essential to strike a balance and gradually introduce new activities as well as provide time for the dog to “quiet the mind” because if given the choice they won’t and we are seeing this become evident in the behavior issues we deal with regularly.

The average pet owner spends thousands of dollars on toys, puzzles, daycare, etc. Often it becomes a way to pacify a dog. We need the newest, high tech toy that has a camera and all of the other bells and whistles.

What does the dog need? Most dogs need something to solve and a little treat signifying a win. Use the money saved on training or experiences you can do together? A new leash or backpack for hiking, a frisbee to chase, etc.

Over reliance on enrichment activities can lead to a dog becoming dependent on these stimuli. This dependency can pose challenges when the dog is in an environment without enrichment, hindering their ability to calm themselves or regulate their own behavior. This is evident in humans with our addiction to the phones in our pockets. Try doing nothing for a period of time. For many it’s almost impossible.

Enrichment in our dogs' lives is something we should be committed to. It offers a myriad of benefits, enhancing a dog’s learning experience, mental acuity, and overall well-being. However, it’s crucial to approach enrichment with the question of how much is too much and consider both its advantages and challenges.

As stewards and caretakers we should invest time in understanding our dog’s individual needs, preferences, and limitations. A tailored approach to incorporating a variety of enriching activities, can create a positive and effective learning environment for dogs and impact behaviors greatly!

By recognizing the potential pitfalls, such as overstimulation and dependency, and addressing them with a measured approach, enrichment can be a powerful tool.

When applied mindfully, enrichment is a success multiplier by nurturing our dog’s intelligence, emotional well-being, and helping to develop a strong bond that plays a integral part in the art of training the whole dog.

Thank for taking the time to read this!