Enrichment at Home

I came across an article about building a sensory mental stimulation garden. This topic piqued my interest as I am always trying to find different games or tricks to recommend to clients to keep their dog's mind busy.  Also I am always looking for new ways to entertain my dogs aside from walks.

Be as creative as you can to work with your budget and the space you have available.

Consider all of your dog’s senses: smell, taste, touch, hearing, vision. When creating one of these gardens you should try to challenge some if not all of the senses.

Here are some suggestions for creating a good space for your dog to explore:

Tactile/touch: include varied textures for your dog to walk on or explore. This could include stepping stones, sand, bathmat, tarp, grass (real or fake). What does your dog enjoy touching with their paws? What are they uncomfortable touching or what haven’t they touched with their paws? These are great ideas to add to your garden as you want to challenge your dog but also make sure they are comfortable.

Taste: when considering objects for your garden be the dog, take into account that your dogs may eat or mouth the object so make sure what you choose is dog safe. Small amounts of different herbs in pots, hide a familiar treat or a new flavour in a snuffle mat or interactive toy.

Smell: This sense is one your dogs strongest traits, and using their nose can encourage calm behaviour.  They can explore a blanket spritzed with lavender, sniff out some camomile tea,  or use their nose to search out some hidden treats or toys with different scents.

Sounds: I recommend to offer calm sounds such as waves, birds, or classical music. Find different toys that make exciting sounds when your dog interacts with them (squeaks, honks, grunting or crinkle) If your dog has sensitivities to thunderstorms or fireworks play the sound quieter while your dog is interacting with the garden.

Sights: there are different video programs that you can purchase that are tailored to dogs: birds flying, nature scenes or your front or back window as long as there is no barking. Dogs see blue and yellow colours best, so consider placing objects with those colours in the garden.

The sensory garden encourages your dog to make choices which builds confidence, as well as reducing stress by using their senses. They can choose what to do in the garden first as well as what to do with each object. They may surprise you. My dogs have surprised me as they have rolled on a treat instead of eating it.

Once the garden is becoming a daily routine continue your creativity and add or change different parts of your garden to keep your dog engaged. This is a great way to provide enrichment at home!