What we want is to provide an environment where the dog has the option to chose to perform different natural behaviours. So enrichment is also about providing choice for our dogs. By having a choice we automatically give our dogs a higher feeling of control or agency in their life. Feeling in control of your life is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Without it, we and our dogs can become frustrated, stressed or start showing problematic behaviours.

In fact scientific studies have shown that by providing your dog with enrichment on a daily basis you decrease the risk of them developing problem behaviours and can even decrease current problem behaviours. Enrichment also helps boost your dog’s confidence and help him/her cope better with different challenges.

But it is not only behaviourally that enrichment is beneficial. Enrichment helps keep the brain strong, which is important both during your dog’s early development as a puppy but also to keep his/her mind sharp in his/her golden senior years. Enrichment also strengthens the bond between you and your dog and increase the feeling of happiness in the both of you.