Boost Your Dog's Confidence– One Walk at a Time: Top Tips for Enriching Your Dog’s Daily Walks 🐾
Welcome to our world of enriched walks, where every walk is an opportunity to discover the world! I want to start by telling the story of Whiskey, a three-years-old rescue from overseas.
Before discovering the magic of enriched walks, Whiskey was a bundle of nerves – always on high alert, never pausing to indulge in a sniff, her walks were more of a tense trot than a joyful jaunt.
That’s when we met and started to introduce enrichment walks into Whiskey’s routine. The change was remarkable. After a few weeks working together, Whiskey's walks are now precious moments of curiosity and exploration.
She eagerly sniffs every intriguing scent, her tail wags with excitement, and her eyes sparkle with newfound confidence whenever I take the flirt pole out of my backpack
This transformation was not just by making walks more fun; it was actually a journey to a happier, more confident pup.
If Whiskey's story sounds at all familiar, this blog is for you! Join us as we delve into the world of canine enrichment, and discover how you, too, can turn your dog's daily walks into an adventure of discovery and joy.
What is Canine Enrichment?
Canine enrichment refers to activities and practices designed to stimulate a dog's mental and physical well-being by allowing them opportunities to engage in species-typical behaviours like:
Sniffing
Playing
Chewing
Barking
Foraging
Chasing
It’s all about creating an environment and experiences that allow your dog to engage in natural behaviours, provide mental stimulation, and encourage physical exercise. Think of it as your dog's daily dose of fun and brain games rolled into one–adding a splash of excitement and a dash of challenge to your dog's life.
The concept of canine enrichment is rooted in understanding the psychological and physiological needs of dogs and recognizing that mental health is as crucial as physical health for their overall well-being.
If you're new to the world of canine enrichment and all of these already sounds confusing, don't worry, you're in the perfect spot. This blog is designed for everyone, regardless of your experience level with dogs. We'll start with the basics and walk you through everything step-by-step.
So, whether you're a seasoned dog guardian or you just welcome your first puppy home, sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some fun, engaging ways to boost your dog's happiness and confidence.
Let’s start…
The Basics of Canine Enrichment
Canine enrichment is like a super tool for unlocking your dog's happiest and healthiest self, especially if they have big emotions.
As we mentioned earlier, canine enrichment is a series of activities and experiences that are specially designed to mentally stimulate and positively engage your dog. It's all about encouraging them to use their instincts and natural abilities in fun rewarding ways.
This is especially true for fearful and sensitive pups. For these dogs, enrichment can be a game changer because it helps them build confidence as they learn to problem solve and explore new things at their own pace.
These activities also provide a great outlet for their energy and help reduce anxiety and stress. When they're busy sniffing around on a scent trail or figuring out a new game, they're just focused on the task at hand, which means less time spent feeling nervous or scared.
It's a gentle and effective way to help them feel more secure in their environment and with the world around them.
What’s the Difference Between a Classic Dog Walk vs. an Enriched Walk?
When humans think about the classic dog walk, we often think that more distance equals a more productive walk. And it’s true, long walks are great for physical health, and keeping your dog fit but it's normally all about moving forward, covering miles, and maintaining a steady pace. Only stopping when the dog needs to pee or poop.
But, let’s be honest unless you're running along with your dog (in which case, awesome!), walking at a human pace is hardly a physical challenge for most dogs.
Enriched dog walks, on the other hand, are less about how far you go and more about what you experience along the way. These walks are a buffet of smells, sights, and sounds for your dog. Instead of hustling along a set route, your dog gets to stop, sniff around, explore, and engage with their environment.
For those fearful, sensitive or reactive dogs, enriched walks can be incredibly beneficial. They offer mental stimulation, engage their senses, reduce stress, and turn everyday outings into adventures filled with sniffs and discoveries!
You’re already going out for a walk, better to make the most out of those shared moments with your dog, don’t you think?
Understanding your dog’s body language and needs
A crucial part of helping your dog overcome their fears and build confidence through enrichment is recognizing and respecting your dog's unique personality and needs. Just like us, every dog has their own set of quirks, preferences, and fears.
By understanding these individual traits, you can tailor your approach to their specific needs, making the process of overcoming fears more effective and fun FOR THEM!
Understanding, acknowledging and working with your dog's unique character not only strengthens the bond between you but also ensures that they feel safe and supported as they navigate their fears.
How to read your dog’s body language and signals
Reading your dog's body language and signals is key to understanding their emotions, preferences and needs, which we need to do if we want to create a truly enrich
A few months ago, I took the Fear Free Shelters program as part of my training to become a volunteer at my local Animal Shelter.
In that program, they explain the 8 points of observation when analyzing canine body language:
Overall body
Hair coat
Eyes
Ears
Mouth
Tail
Vocalizations
Context
I LOVED this 8-point list because it gives us a powerful framework to go through when reading our dogs and avoid missing important details. After all, there’s lots of information sprinkled everywhere in your dog’s body.
The 8 Points of Observation and What to Look For…
Here’s my little cheat sheet of what we need to observe at each point:
Overall Body
A relaxed body suggests comfort; a stiff body indicates tension; crouching or lowering body suggests fear or submissiveness.
Hair Coat
A relaxed dog’s hair coat looks natural; piloerection (hair standing up) can indicate stress or fear.
Eyes
Soft eyes or a gentle gaze express comfort and trust; a hard stare or wide-open eyes showing the whites can indicate tension, stress, fear, or anxiety.
Ears
Ears forward can mean interest or alertness; ears back can show fear, avoidance, or friendliness, depending on context.
Mouth
A relaxed, open mouth indicates contentment; a closed, tight mouth or lip licking or yawning can indicate stress or anxiety.
Tail
A relaxed, wagging tail usually indicates happiness; a tucked tail, slow wag, or high stiff wag can signal fear, anxiety, uncertainty, or aggression.
Vocalizations
Barking, growling, whining, and howling convey different emotions; context and accompanying body language are key to interpretation.
Context
Context is VERY important!! Body language meanings vary a lot depending on the context; always consider the whole picture when reading your dog’s body language.
Why is this important?
Understanding your dog's body language is crucial because it's the primary way they communicate their needs, preferences, and emotions.
Dogs can't speak in words, so they rely on physical cues like tail wagging, ear position, and facial expressions to express themselves. By becoming fluent in this non-verbal language, you gain insight into what makes your dog feel happy, scared, anxious, or relaxed.
This understanding allows you to respond better to their needs, whether it's giving them space when they're fearful, engaging in play when they're happy, or providing comfort when they're stressed. And this is also key when selecting enrichment activities for your dog.
Whether you’re introducing a new enrichment game or playing one game for the 99th time, you always need to keep a close eye on your dog’s reactions and make sure they are still enjoying this activity.
Remember, not all enrichment is enriching for all dogs. The dog in front of you is the only one who decides what they find enriching.
Never push an enrichment activity. If they are not feeling it that day, try something else and come back to that activity another day.
Planning Your Enriched Dog Walk…
Before we take things to the road, let's talk about the key elements of an enriched walk, how to choose the most stimulating route and finally, we’ll also list some of our favourite tools and accessories that will make things easier and more enjoyable for both you and your pup.
Key elements of an Enriched Walk
Plenty of sniff time
Be ready to stop and smell the roses. This tends to be a challenge for the human in the equation because we’re so used to be in this “go-go-go” mode, so a little mind prep is always helpful before going out on an enriched dog walk. I always talk to myself before each walk to remind me that this is not about miles covered but the scents discovered.
Once mentally prepared, allow (and encourage) your pup to sniff to their heart's content – it's like scrolling through Doggo Instagram for them. Letting your dog explore new scents is a fantastic mental workout and super satisfying for their curious snoots (wink-wink!).
Bonus points if you use this time as a moment of mindfulness. Forget about your annoying co-worker or your long to-do list and just be in the moment. Let your curiosity run wild and imagine how your dog is experiencing the world right now.
A stimulating route
Just like we crave new experiences, dogs love variety. If your dog is adventurous, try different paths, parks, or neighbourhoods. It keeps things exciting for both of you.
Ignore this if your dog is fearful or nervous. If that’s the case then you should do the opposite: choose a quiet but still stimulating route and stick to it. The consistency will help your pup know what's coming and bring some comforting predictability to your adventures together.
Treats
Before leaving your house make sure to pack some tasty treatos for your dog. I always bring a mix of low, medium and high-value treats to use depending on the situation. Treats are invaluable tools for reinforcing good behavior, aiding in training, and making the walk more engaging.
Interactive Games and Toys
This is where things get even more fun! Integrating fun games or toys during the walk keeps your dog’s brain engaged and their body active. If you need ideas of games to play, keep reading, we give you a list of fun games you can add on your next walk down below.
Training Challenges
Remember, the more mental stimulation the better! So make sure to sprinkle in some impromptu training sessions into your walk. Ask for a sit before opening the door, a stay before throwing the ball, or even teach a new trick. It’s like adding bonus levels to your walk. It's a win-win for obedience and bonding.
Sensory Play
Let your dog be a dog! Dogs love to experience different terrains – grass, sand, water, or leaves. Pay close attention to how they react to new terrains and whether they like it or not. That’s useful information for the future!
Relaxation Breaks
Easy to forget but dogs also need to learn to do…nothing. Just like we need our chill time, dogs do too. Allow for moments of calm, sitting together, and soaking in the surroundings.
Tips to Find the Most Stimulating Dog Walking Route
Alright, now let's get creative and find a dog-walking route that's both a physical and mental workout. Here's how to make those daily walks a stimulating experience for your pup:
Scout for Sniff-Friendly Spots
Dogs experience the world through their nose, so find areas rich in smells. Parks with lots of trees, trails with natural vegetation, or streets with diverse gardens are perfect.
Vary Your Terrain
Keep things interesting by choosing a route with different walking surfaces. Go from pavement to grass, sand, or even a hike through some gentle hills.
Mind the Ambiance
Just as you'd choose a café for its vibe, choose walking areas that suit your dog's personality. Quieter streets for shy pups or bustling parks for social butterflies. Think of it as choosing the perfect playlist for your mood.
Add Some Dog Parkour
During the walk, occasionally stop and encourage your dog to explore a particular spot. Ask them to jump on top of logs, rocks or any fun surface you find along the route. This helps them work on their body awareness and try different movements that would not do otherwise.
Safety and Comfort First
Ensure the route is safe for your dog. Avoid overly crowded or noisy areas if your dog gets easily overwhelmed or over-stimulated.
Flexibility is Key
Be ready to change your route based on your dog’s reactions each day. If they seem particularly intrigued by a path or tired, adjust accordingly. Remember, the goal is to make walks mentally enriching and physically satisfying for your dog. Think of yourself as the curator of your dog’s walking experience.
Our Favourite Tools and Accessories for Enriched Walks:
Adjustable “y” Shaped Harness: Provides comfort and control, ensuring safety and reducing strain on your dog's neck.
Long Leash: Offers more freedom to explore while maintaining control. We always carry two extra leashes in our backpacks: one 15ft. and one 30ft.
Portable Water Bottle/Bowl: Essential for hydration, especially on longer or warmer walks.
A Nice Treat Pouch: Keeps treats handy for easy access during training and positive reinforcement.
Reflective Gear (Vest, Leash, or Collar): Increases visibility during early morning or evening walks, ensuring safety.
Poop Bags and Holder: This is a must! I have like three poop bag holders on me at all times because my worst nightmare is to run out of baggies in the middle of a walk.
Interactive Walk Games You Can Add to Your Routine
At Curious Snoots Dog Walking we strive to make every walk as mentally enriching as possible and we absolutely love using fun games to accomplish this.
Here are some of our favourite ways to spice up our walks with a good dose of mental stimulation:
'Find the Treat' Game: This is a fun one for most dogs! Start by throwing a treat close to your dog and ask them to ‘find it’. Practice this a few times and once your dog gets the hang of it, start throwing the treat farther away. The more you play the better your dog will be at finding it, so you can start adding some more challenge by throwing the treats on grass (nature’s free snuffle mat) or on a bunch of fallen leaves to make them use their nose to locate the treat.
Hide and Seek: Bring along a favorite toy or treat and hide it in a safe spot while your dog is not looking. Then, let them search for it, using their sense of smell and problem-solving skills to find it.
Dog Parkour: Use natural surroundings like benches, logs, or small hills to create a simple obstacle course. Guide your dog to jump over, weave through, or climb on these elements for a fun and physically engaging activity.
Impromptu Tricks: Every now and then stop during the walk to practice commands like 'sit', 'stay', 'catch', or 'shake'. This not only reinforces their training but also keeps their mind actively engaged.
Follow the Leader: Change up your walking style – speed up, slow down, change directions abruptly – and encourage your dog to stay attentive and follow your lead. This game enhances their focus and responsiveness to you during walks.
For all of these games, make sure to increase the difficulty as your dog gets the hang of it, you want to make sure the game remains challenging and fun.
Sensory Enrichment on Walks
Understanding sensory enrichment during dog walks can profoundly impact our four-legged friends' well-being.
Sensory enrichment is all about engaging your dog's senses - smell, sight, hearing, and touch - to provide a more fulfilling and stimulating experience. Let's explore how introducing different sensory experiences, ensuring safe exploration, and balancing stimulation with relaxation can add value to your dog's daily walks.
Introducing Different Sensory Experiences
As with everything else, the first thing to do is to observe your dog on the walk. We want to understand what your dog naturally likes and dislikes before introducing new experiences. Let me give you an example using the sense of touch:
I have a client who LOVES puddles and will run straight to them every time we find a puddle on our walk. But I have another client who will avoid the slightless accumulation of water in the pavement but when given the choice she loves to explore new terrains: gravel, sand, etc.
Once you find what they naturally choose, you can start introducing other new experiences they might find enjoyable and put them to the test.
Going back to my example, for the first dog, walking on water is highly enriching, so I’m always on the lookout for puddles she can enjoy. For the second dog, enrichment will not be found in a puddle but I always try to find a walking route that it’s not all concrete so she can enjoy different sensations in her paws.
Safe Ways to Explore and Encourage Curiosity
Safety first, though! Always keep a watchful eye as your dog explores because sometimes curiosity can take them too far. If they're sniffing something, give them a moment but make sure it's safe - no sneaky snacks they shouldn't have.
Always keep a close eye but so allow them a moment for exploration. This exploration is not just fun - it's building their confidence and satisfying their natural curiosity.
Find the Balance Between Stimulation and Relaxation
Now, imagine a seesaw - on one side, you've got stimulation, and on the other, relaxation. The perfect enriched walk will be found right in the middle.
How can you find the balance? Well, after some intense sniffing and exploring, find a quiet spot for a little chill time. Let them watch the world go by or simply lie down and relax.
This wind-down time is essential - it lets them process all the exciting new information they've gathered and prevents overstimulation.
Conclusion
To sum up, enriched walks and canine enrichment in general offer a world of benefits that go far beyond the basic need for physical exercise. These practices tap into the deepest instincts and senses of our canine companions, providing them with a more holistic and satisfying experience.
By introducing a variety of sensory stimuli, we cater to their natural curiosity and encourage mental stimulation, which is crucial for their cognitive health.
Safe exploration during walks not only keeps them physically active but also builds confidence and social skills, making them more adaptable and well-rounded.
Don’t forget, the balance of stimulation and relaxation is very important and ensures that our dogs are not over-aroused and, instead, it’s promoting a healthier emotional state.
This approach to dog walking uses a routine you already have in your schedule to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, as it involves active participation and understanding on your part, creating a deeper connection through shared experiences.
The way I see it, enriched walks are a great way to improve the quality of our relationship with our dogs because we get to practice being present, mindful and in tune with our dogs.
As we continue to explore and implement these practices, we open the door to a more joyful and fulfilling journey with our beloved canine companions.
