Enrichment for Dogs (Easy Dog Enrichment Ideas!) || THE KIND CANINE

[@TheKindCanine]

What enrichment ideas are you excited to try with your kind canine?

[@andrearevezzo4186]

I’m scared to let my girl off her leash when we go places :(

[@patriciav.6737]

@@andrearevezzo4186 use a big leash! we have a 15 meters and our dog feel so Free (:

[@brandoncompton7190]

Definitely getting a couple kongs tonight!

[@theBAMMfamily]

I am a first time dog guardian of a 3 month old puppy. I got him at 7 weeks, and I have just struggled so much with confidence. And I really am not sure if I'm doing enough, but this video made me cry because I've been doing most of these things. And I'm happy to see that my pup will probably be okay. Thank you. I really love your videos (recommended to me by a dog trainer I met with). I'm now learning about B.A.T. And who knows, maybe you've started me on the journey of becoming a dog trainer, at least for my pup.

[@kaylone.7366]

I'd like to try a lickimat and snuffle. I've had my dog for a week and I think he'd like those based on his behaviors so far

[@gregorykarpicus7833]

This was very informative! Breaking down why tiring a dog out with exercise is not enough for enrichment and clearly defining exhaustion verse fulfillment was great, totally changed my perspective! Thank you! I look forward to the next lesson! Also, 'water cookies' - thats funny!

[@TheKindCanine]

Thanks Gregory!

[@CP17787]

So I just got my first rescue dog. He's a 5 year old beagle (possibly mixed, we're not sure). He basically just inhales food from a bowl so instead we use an old shipping box and some brown packing paper crumpled up into loose balls, I put in a couple handfuls of food and he spends about 10 minutes finding all the pieces. He loves it and it's so funny to watch him because he gets so excited when I pick up that box now. And he searches it throughout the day to find stray pieces he missed at breakfast. We do this twice a day (so about 2.5 cups of kibble total for the day) I also have plans to make some toys for him in my shop. I'm a hobbyist woodworker and I've got a ton of scrap wood laying around that could be made into super fun enrichment toys. He is a very gentle chewer so I think wood toys would be safe for him, supervised of course and no stains or finishes other than shellac (shellac is non toxic, food, baby, and pet safe :) )

[@TheKindCanine]

That's so cool! I love this Colin!

[@marsanna]

This was really helpful, I just rescued a 10-month old mutt and he is super high energy. He LOVES to chew. He figured out how to unzip my couch cushions to get to the foam insert...too smart. I’m always looking for enrichment ideas!

[@TheKindCanine]

What a hooligan! Be sure to check out our two rescue dog videos! Hope that helps!

[@gojump7]

I adopted a 1 year old rescue the loves to rip my pillows, pull out the stuffing and chew on it like it's cotton candy. 😵 I have minimal furniture in my new place (so no new sofa yet) but I'm scared of how he will be when I get an unholstered sofa and chair.

[@NOWmaryme]

Water cookies sounds so fun. I’ve given my dogs ice in the past (which they loved), but calling them water cookies is an extra dose of fun ❄️

[@TheKindCanine]

Gotta be a little silly sometimes!

[@Narrendor]

this channel is giving me a lot of great ideas not only for me and my current pets, but giving me confidence in my future dog adoption plans - thank you!!

[@TheKindCanine]

You’re welcome! 🫶

[@nataliewidomski8230]

I love your videos , you are well spoken , clear concise and just plain friendly . I refer my clients to your LAT video often . Keep up the good work ❤

[@TheKindCanine]

Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙏 So glad you have found my content to be helpful!

[@belindam.austin3575]

Appreciated how you linked various activities to dogs' natural behaviors. That was very enlightening! Thanks!

[@TheKindCanine]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barbarazuazua3927]

LOL! Water cookies is so great! I just got me a rattie rescue and ice was on of my first tries at a fun thing for her- and she loves chasing ice across the floor. I love all of your ideas! She's a whiz at puzzles I purchased. Today I tried the knotted cloth thing. She loves it! But she destroyed the cloths on her evening meal. I supervised her but I think we need a less destructive thing. I'm going to try one of those rubbery, flip inside out to fill toys. I love the idea of filling up a bunch of toys and freezing for the week ahead. I don't have that many toys yet. I've been searching out good ones. There are so many dog toys that are just a waste of money for how long they can last AND the toll on the environment because of how long they must take to eventually break down. Learning with my dear new friend is really great. I think she's happy with me too. Keeping a look out for more good ideas.

[@billmack7015]

This video has an amazing amount of great information! Great job Erica!! Can't wait to see you and Eric.

[@TheKindCanine]

Thanks so much!!

[@ashleysmith4470]

This was such a kind and informative video

[@TheKindCanine]

So glad you enjoyed it :)

[@mandyruffatto8677]

What an amazing video!! Thank you so so much!

[@TheKindCanine]

You're welcome Mandy. Glad you liked it!

[@SuperTinkerbell1985]

I bought my dog a licky mat because of this video, he freakin looooooves it, he thinks it's the best thing ever

[@TheKindCanine]

Yay! That's awesome. I love to hear that! ...and it is the best thing ever. Your dog is right!

[@PrimalVideo]

Awesome video! Thanks for sharing 😀👍

[@TheKindCanine]

Thanks Justin! Thanks for watching!

[@karlielawless8134]

This was so helpful and motivated. You have such a nice vibe , thank you for sharing

[@TheKindCanine]

Aww Karlie, you're so sweet! 🥰 Thanks for the kind words!

[@coffeebeforemascara]

Snuffle mats are awesome. My dog thoroughly enjoys searching for the secret fits of kibble and treats throughout.

[@nitinadars9335]

Thank you very much mam. Very helpful.

[@infin1ty850]

I just got a Shepard mix last Sunday (Easter) and this was extemeley helpful. I've been trying to break him of his biting phase and I think some of these techniques will really help.

[@TheKindCanine]

Enrichment can be so helpful! Dogs need to do dog things, like shred, dig and chew! Enrichment can give them an appropriate outlet for doing those things!

[@tscott7483]

Cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheKindCanine]

Thanks for watching!

[@tammyhayes395]

Great for many new or even more experienced dog owners! I would like to see more detail somewhere on the licky mat as well as what you use around the house that people could use as enrichment items. That felt a little disappointing, as you didn't mention anything. But I did like how you presented the ideas! Thank you for putting this video out.

[@jimmybuffet4970]

AMEN! I definitely take my doggo on scent walks! She gets to smell whatever she wants as long as she's not pulling. :)

[@TheKindCanine]

So cool!

[@joannaquanttumphysics]

Thank you for the yak cheese puff idea!

[@TheKindCanine]

Hope you like it!

[@CamIsOnYouTube]

Great tips!

[@TheKindCanine]

Thanks Cam Bam!

[@DesertAdventuresinArizona]

This was AWESOME! Thanks from a busy Lab daddy!

[@TheKindCanine]

So glad it was helpful for you! ❤️ Labs do keep you busy, don’t they? 😜

[@joprkmn]

Your one of the Best I have Listened too !

[@TheKindCanine]

Oh wow, thank you Jo! That means the world to us!

[@revellmach3879]

Thank you so much for all these videos! Very very helpful!♡♡♡

[@lpsfankanr1]

Great video! It really helps understand out four-legged friends! ❤️

[@TheKindCanine]

I'm so glad! 'Putting some of these methods into practice can be a game changer at home!

[@coldteastudios]

Thanks for all your advice I have a German Shepard and he is hard work I am always looking for enrichment ideas. So thanks 🙂🐕

[@TheKindCanine]

You bet @Di. Happy to help!

[@internalcombustioN3d]

Thanks for this great video! So much fantastic information! Even experienced dog owners will benefit and learn a ton of good things that they can do with and for their dog. I can’t thank you enough! I’ve subscribed to your channel and look forward to more great content.

[@TheKindCanine]

Thanks Robert! Welcome in!

[@arrowvsobject]

Thank you!

[@TheKindCanine]

You bet!

[@CarolineMitchell]

Really useful tips here, thanks!

[@TheKindCanine]

Thanks for watching!

[@truanger16]

Thank you!!! I just adopted a young dog and these tips are great!!

[@theurbanhomesteader1936]

My Aussie is so nervous and has a hard time around people. Hoping we can build some confidence through the additional fun training idea. Love the video :)

[@radjet]

Great positive energy in this video, love the Intro! And the rest of the video was quite informative. Subscribed :)

[@TheKindCanine]

Thanks for the sub! Glad you learned something from it.

[@HipstyHeavener]

Great tips and very informative video! I will have to use these on my pug! ❤️

[@TheKindCanine]

Thank you! Let me know how they work out!

[@eugenediaz9987]

I really enjoy your videos and learned so much.

[@TheKindCanine]

I'm so glad! Thanks Eugene!

[@nothingbutcailee2287]

This was so extremely helpful! I'll definitely be looking to yoyr videos for help.i have been trying to better my relationship with my dogs and do some basic obedience training which is alot more difficult then I originally thought.

[@immimux]

I want to see more of your fantastic content!!!! ❤️🙏

[@TheKindCanine]

You got it! Thanks Salome!

[@lizvonwerder1161]

I was gifted a couple Lickimats and just tried them today. I used Peanut butter and Cottage cheese and froze it. They LOVED it. I have a 60, 35, and 7 pound dog and it kept them preoccupied for almost 30 blissful minutes lol. They aren't very sleep after lol they are currently wrestling, but it was so much fun! Excited to try these other ideas!

[@TheKindCanine]

Wow! What a crew you have there @Liz! So glad to hear that the Lickimats are working for you!

[@emilyclose5583]

We fold treats in a large towel and then knot it, our dog lovesss it

[@TheKindCanine]

Great idea!

[@awaitingSaint777]

I give my dogs water cookies with parsley inside. They like it. Never called it that before but it works. ❤️

[@juliebertagnayoga2003]

Great ideas! Well done, Erica!

[@TheKindCanine]

Thanks so much Julie! 😊

[@kathey1981]

Great tips! I just got a new dog and know he is bored. He is just under 2 years old. He was a stray then went to training with the inmate program. Unfortunately I haven't received any paperwork telling me what they taught him. So far I know that he learned sit, down and stay. He has a lot of energy and I don't have a fenced yard or know anywhere I can take him and trust him to just run and explore but one of my neighbors yards. I'm excited at what we will learn together and help him know he is loved.

[@TheKindCanine]

Sounds like you're on the right track Kathey!

[@tanyajordening]

Great idea! Thank you for all of these great things to enrich my new dogs life!!

[@TheKindCanine]

Happy to help! It can be fun to get creative here!

[@DemmyLost]

I bought my dog a licky mat because of this video, he freakin looooooves it, he thinks it's the best thing ever

[@joannaquanttumphysics]

Neurotic dogs might do badly with training, even with meds. My dog has an abusive past. If i try "sit", i can see the fear in his eyes. I don't put him through that. Hiding his favorite stuffed toy is fun :)

[@TheKindCanine]

Great solution!

[@cherylbeswick7327]

Great video 😊👍

[@TheKindCanine]

Thank you 👍

[@nyrhockeychick4life655]

Yes. He LOVES the flirt poles. I spend about $40 a week on them (they’re for cats); at a local petco. I wish I could off leash him. Too congested around here & I don’t trust his recall in his teenaged years. Thanks for the video. Will be following for sure ps. Omg you’re dogs are adorable ❤

[@TheKindCanine]

Check out the Sniffspot app for off leash opportunities in contained areas! :)

[@Puckle00]

Thanks for the tips! My dog loooooves marrow bones, but I always remove the marrow first (otherwise...hello loose poop) and then I stuff them with tuna and soft food. Pop them in the freezer and tadaa! Extra scrumptious stuffed kong.

[@TheKindCanine]

Haha - yes to the poop issues! I think that's a great substitute!

[@lynnlovessoil]

A treat hunt throughout the house or backyard is great too. Or use a bath towel and put their kibble throughout it and a few smelly treats or cheese. Then roll it up and the dog has to unroll it to get the food.

[@TheKindCanine]

Yes - these are all great ideas! :)

[@lovinlife5912]

These arent enrichment ideas these are calming ideas which r great. The enrichment I use is hiding his ball around the house for him to hunt out, we play pass the parcel put food or a ball in a box then put that box in a box etc then tape it shut they have to work out how to get it. Same with a towel put some treats in a towel roll it up and tie it in a knot. Sniffing for stuff should take at least 15 minutes. Teaching scentt hunting is easy and fun. Shaping and especially free shaping is a great enrichment for dogs, it's really mentally stimulating and wares the dig out. After all these u can use licki mats etc tho personally I would never use kongs or licki mats etc. Hope this is helpful ❤

[@TheKindCanine]

Enrichment is incorporating opportunities to engage in species appropriate behaviors into our dog’s lives. Licking, chewing, sniffing and foraging are all enrichment activities - as are all of the activities you outlined. It would be impossible for me to cover all potential enrichment activities in a KZbin video, and none of these ideas are inherently better than the other. We select activities that are well suited for the dog in front of us and that help them to feel behaviorally well - and fulfilled. 👍🏻

[@lucasgienow8613]

What is that huge dog bed thing at the end that looks like the best seat in the house!

[@TheKindCanine]

Haha! It’s a 7 foot long bean bag! 😂

[@LLewis-vu9qf]

I am a big proponent for the flirt pole. I have a little Pomeranian who likes to run. Unfortunately I am physically unable to run with him so he chases after the toy at the end of the pole and gets some much needed exercise.

[@TheKindCanine]

A great work around! It’s fun to get creative with meeting your dog’s needs!

[@sonjamarx385]

Great video, great explanation, great tips. I love that "a tired dog isn't necessary a content dog"! My dog needs mental stimulation. He is disabled (8 years old mixed breed Yorki from a Slovakian animal shelter, osteoarthritis in one front leg because of a broken joint that was left to "heal" by itself and resulted in a misaligned joint and eventually osteoarthritis). He would need long walks, playing ball outside, etc., but he can't. Walking is painful for him and unfortunately he doesn't tolerate the medication against the pain. He contracted pancreatitis twice after a drug prescribed by the vet. That's why he is currently only getting CBD oil and 2 homeopathic products (Zeel & Traumeel). It's better than nothing but doesn't do much for him. Of course, the poor dog is often bored during the day; he can't move a lot. I will try the suggestions from the video and hope that this will make life a little better for him. Thank you.

[@TheKindCanine]

Wow Sonja! Sounds like there's a lot of consider for this situation. With any dogs, there will always be times and situations when a dog can't get out to exercise. For example, here in Oregon, we have seasonal wildfires and weeks at a time when the air quality is hazardous with all our smoke. When that happens, our dogs don't get out and they get lots of enrichment games in the meantime! Of course, in your situation, it's more of a permanent "bed rest" type of situation. Enrichment can be a great starting point here, but also think about trick training. That can be great mental stimulation for your dog and it's a great relationship builder between the two of you. Give yourself permission to take it slow and learn what will work for you and your pup. Sounds like your doing a great job being thoughtful here already!

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

I work every day to stimulate my rescue Lab. We walk her a LOT. I also take her out into our condo's tennis court (with q 30 foot high fence) and throw the Kong ball and she retrieves it. She has learned to sit/stay with this game. My dog also want's to bite at shrubs and break off the branches and chew up sticks and knock them into me on our walks which is annoying and frustrating. I learned that IF I give her a Kong ball to carry her mouth and her brain is so busy that she does not grab the shrubs, twigs, sticks etc. When we had a family Christmas dinner recently and wanted a pleasant meal without fighting her. I had a large beef bone in the freezer and I put this in her crate along with her Himillayan bone chew and she was SO happy that she never whined once and we had a very pleasant dinner. With my last Lab I organized a "hide and find it game." I taught her to sit/wait and then I hid her toy. I would go and put her toy in a different room each time and then together we would go and look, smell and find it. She loved the "find it" game. You flirt toy is new to me. I plan to try this. Thank you!

[@TheKindCanine]

Flirt toys can be a blast. Take caution around big, excitable dogs though. Sometimes their enthusiasm can be a bit unwieldy!

[@sydneylynns]

Loling at water cookies. So ice cubes 🤣😂 but yes love all these ideas!!!! I have an 8 month old Aussie shep, she’s a handful. I’ve done all these ideas but I think I need to implement it into a routine! I also struggle with eating activities because her stomach is so sensitive to food that she can only have 1 kind of kibble and nothing else :( seems like her tummy is always upset.

[@TheKindCanine]

No - water cookies. It's a branding thing. 😂 Food can be a challenge sometimes! Glad you've found something works!

[@virginia4766]

Thanks For these! But my dog tried to eat/chew the snuffle mat as well as a licky mat. Any tips?

[@tiparelli]

We christened my dog's licky mat the chewy mat. It lasted about 3 minutes!

[@TheKindCanine]

That can definitely happen sometimes @Virginia. I would be supervising especially the first few times you give it to them. If they start chewing, just pick it up and let them move onto something else! After a few times, they should get the idea that this is not a chew toy!

[@GrimToad]

Great video. Just got a rescue and looking for ways to keep him occupied, he wants a lot of attention. One comment, ice is harder than enamel and chewing it can damage teeth. At least for humans, not sure if dogs have harder teeth

[@TheKindCanine]

A great point on the ice! Definitely not a regular thing - thanks for pointing that out!

[@angelicagarciasaavedra9515]

Thank you, I will try them all. Also, you didn't mention dog parks, is that not considered enrichment?

[@TheKindCanine]

It certainly can be. Gotta be careful with other dogs though - it can be kind of a crap shoot not knowing what you'll find there.

[@angelicagarciasaavedra9515]

@@TheKindCanine true, thank you

[@nyrhockeychick4life655]

The demand barking. It was 22 degrees out tonight & gary was pissed I wanted to go inside as opposed to soccer. Bark bark bark. Me: “excuse me sir? 3 walks today, soccer, find the treats, shuffle mat, car rides. I have MS! I’m tired!” Gary: “bark bark.” Ugh. Also he doesn’t understand the stuffed kongs and TBH, I have no idea how he’s supposed to get the food out of them either. I’m always searching for new things for my almost 12 months old in 2 weeks, JRT, blue heeler. I have spoiled him bc I am ALWAYS with him & I shower him with praise and treats. My punishment is soul crushing howling on the doggie cam when I leave for a doctors appointment. He’s my whole world & I am very good with that. He’s very socialized & friendly; but I know I have not trained him properly. He listens to me when I talk (bc I never STU) & instead of commands, he listens to things I say when we are on a walk or something. “Wait a second. Hold on.” *me looking for a poop bag* he stops, waits and looks up for a treat 😭 I have literally almost killed my self to raise him & make him happy. I’m running out of “things” and the cold weather is destroying my demylenating brain & spine.

[@TheKindCanine]

Sounds like your pup could benefit from learning the art of relaxation! :) I would highly recommend checking out our mat training video and the following videos discussing Karen Overall’s relaxation protocol. ❤️

[@coffeebeforemascara]

Totally random comment. But I can tell we wear the same sandals just by the tan pattern on the top of your feet lol I wear the brand called DAWGS. I probably have 12 pairs

[@Sophie-kn3gh]

👍

[@valerieteller5339]

Great video! We are looking forward to working with you. Can you explain what you mean by "Licky mat?"

[@TheKindCanine]

Yes of course Valerie! The lickimat is a enrichment toy that you can spread several goodies like peanut butter or raw food and freeze it for some more doggie fun! You can check it out here: go.thekindcaninepetservices.com/lickimat

[@MrDmoda]

are there any enrichment activities that dont need any or need very little supervision? im trying to get my dog to be more independent and im doing that by keeping him outside while im working in the house (especially if its a nice day) and i need something to keep him occupied while i cant have my full attention on him

[@TheKindCanine]

Hmm... most of the stuff we recommend is supervised or interactive. You could always try a kong or a puzzle toy. Just nothing that they can get small pieces off of. Can be a choking hazard!

[@travisr716]

When in doubt, water cookies :)

[@bevheijn8562]

Licky mats just get picked up and carried off to be chewed….yak cheese she loves but goes through the giant ones within a week & they’re expensive! She’s a HARD chewer & it’s hard to find good things for her to chew

[@TheKindCanine]

I often have to take the time to teach my dogs to stop engaging with lick mats as soon as the good stuff is gone! 👍🏻 I supervise them every time I give them for several weeks, and trade them for it when it is finished - before they start to chew! After a while, this becomes a regular habit. If your dog is a heavy chewer, you might consider something like beef cheek rolls! They are fully digestible and a great alternative to rawhide. They are also significantly cheaper than yak cheese chews, as well as more durable!

[@BeNiceToday2]

I must find that shirt... lol

[@TheKindCanine]

WoofCultr!

[@seichorn4079]

I tried ro teach my dog to shut the door and also to vacuum. he wasnt having it.

[@TheKindCanine]

😂

[@kso9305]

Just checking …dogs /puppies won’t choke on ice cubes?

[@TheKindCanine]

Ours haven't had any issues. But they are medium sized, and I'd be wary for smaller dogs! But dogs usually do ok managing it, at least in our experience!

[@easytiger35]

My girl started launching her kong off the bed and seeing how much stuff will come flying out of it lol

[@TheKindCanine]

She is quite the problem solver! 😂

[@edith121454]

😂

[@gabi.a]

another reason to do this: avoiding/delaying dementia..... my dog now has obvious signs of it and tbh it hurts... I know it's quite late to start any training and enrichment, but I'm desperate not to see her decline, so I'll try whatever I can to slow it down... 🥲

[@LisaWheeler-e6p]

Water cookies sounds so fun. I’ve given my dogs ice in the past (which they loved), but calling them water cookies is an extra dose of fun ️

[@TheKindCanine]

Gotta take the cute when you can! 🥰