I often hear from clients that before training, they would take their dogs out to excercise for many hours a day. Every day. Just to make them managable to be around in the house. I always tell people that after training, they won’t need to do this. Their dog will be able to relax on their own.
Now, this is true but a place command or taught calmness does NOT replace enrichment for your dog. Yes, you can miss a day of excercise. Your entire life should not be centered around completely exhausting your dog to get a moments peace. But it is SO important to remember your dogs biological needs.
Dogs need excercise. They need mental stimulation. They need structure, and most importantly they need interaction.
Every dog’s need for this will be different. For example, my working German Shepherd’s require more physical and mental exertion then my Golden Retriever to be fufilled and happy. Maybe a walk around the neighborhood is enough for your dog. Maybe some fetch in the yard. Maybe you have a working dog who needs significantly more than that. As with everything, your enrichment routines should be based around your specific dog.
Some things that I love to use to enrich my dogs lives-
Treadmill: My dog’s love to workout on their treadmill, especially on a rainy day! I have one specially for dogs where you can pick workout programs that increase and decrease speeds to keep their brains working and not just their bodys. However, you can do the same thing with a treadmill made for people. Just be sure it is long enough for your dogs stride so it does not make them move unnaturally.
Toys: My dog’s love their toys. My Golden loves to carry around stuffed animal toys, My Shepherds love balls, my Bloodhound loves chewtoys. and my Rottweiler mix loves to tug with ropes. Find a type of toy that works for your dogs playstyle. You can interact with toys with them, or find toys where they can interact with them on their own. Just remember, not all toys are meant to be with your dog without supervision (Ex. we don’t leave rope toys that could be ingested lying around the house).
Spring pole: not only is a spring pole GREAT exercise, it fufills a dog’s natural instinct to tug. You can easily make your own, or purchase one made by a professional.
Flirt pole: A flirt pole can be great for so many things! Building prey drive, adding impulsue control, working on an out command, or just great exercise and fun for you and your dog. Once again, you can easily make your own or buy one that is already made.
Puzzle toys: Having your dog work for treats by figuring out puzzles is great work for their brain! You can buy puzzles for your dog that are various levels of difficulty, or you can make your own! One of my favorites is making your own with old waterbottles (supervised so your dog doesn’t swallow plastic).
Snuffle mats and lick mats: These satisfy your dogs natural urges to sniff and lick! Plus it is a fun way for them to get their treats. Lick mats especially can be great for conditioning nail trims, bath time, grooming, or even things like dog goggles!
Scent work: Several of my dogs enjoy scent work. Be it scent detection or tracking and trailing, this can be a great low impact activity for your dog!
Sports: For the higher drive dogs, sports can be a much needed outlet. Be it bite sports, weight pull, agility, dock diving, or lure coursing (just to name a few) there is a sport that every dog and owner can enjoy! Training with your dog for a sport can be wonderful bonding and mental stimulation, as well as exercise for your dog!
Training: Learning new things can be so satisfying for your dog. New obedience commands, training for obedience competitions, or even just training fun little tricks is a great way to get your dogs brain working!
Hiking: This is a personal favorite of mine. While hiking, your dog works many muscles, gets great exercise, and gets to see and smell new things. On hikes I often work on obedience as well- I find it to be a great way to proof a variety of commands and have a great time with my dogs.
There are many more enrichment options out there. You do not need to dedicate your entire day to enrichment for your dog, but be sure that you are fufilling their needs. This will lead to a happier and more balanced life for them, plus you will likely have some fun along the way! If you want to learn more about activities you can do with your dogs, reach out to a trainier or local club to learn more- you may be surprised what is out there.