What is enrichment for dogs?

Isn't it awesome how social media is helping us spread the word about giving our dogs the best life possible? I love to see how the dog lovers community is going above and beyond to make sure their dog needs are met. One hot topic in the doggo world is enrichment. But what exactly is enrichment, and does it really matter?

The answer is a resounding yes! Remember, your dog didn’t choose to live in a domestic household and navigate human society. So, as their guardian, it's up to you to provide them with fulfilment. This means catering to their natural instincts to help them live their best life.

Take terriers, for example. These little hunters were bred to chase and catch rats. They would absolutely love a good rat hunt! But we get it if rat hunting isn't your thing... hahaha! Instead, you can recreate that hunting experience by hiding toys (fluffy ones are a bonus – check out our blog post about play vs. prey to see why!) or burying food in the yard for them to dig up.

There’s a trend on social media showcasing beautifully curated dog food presentations, and it's amazing to see the effort people put into this. While this works wonderfully for some, it might not suit everyone – and that’s perfectly fine!

It really doesn't mean that you're a bad parent if you’re not doing that. Take our mascot, Zabi, for instance. She likes food, but she bloody looooves rabbits. Coming from a pig hunting background, do you think she’d prefer a frozen Kong filled with dog food or the thrill of digging out a rabbit hole? We all know the answer! She enjoys the Kong, but bunny hunting brings her true fulfilment.

So, regardless of your choice on how to give your best fren their best lives, don’t be too harsh on yourself. You don’t know until you know, right? Do your research about your dog's breed and preferences. Understand what they love the most, and try to incorporate that into their routine.