Page 45 - Dog-Harmony Life Summer 2021 V3Q2

past events

ASK AMANDA: Shelter Enrichment,

May 20, 2021 · Dog-Harmony Expectations &

compliments of: Amanda Rietheimer | photography by: Sydney Bassett
Equipment

manda was asked recently, “what is animal mental
Aenrichment?” She and Dog-Harmony hosted a
clinic to answer this question.
On a basic level, mental enrichment enhances and
improves an animal’s mental state through activities
designed to challenge the brain. The activities encourage
problem solving and help build self-confidence. Mental
enrichment includes a change in scenery, toys, new
scents, social interactions, and auditory stimulation.
Animal mental enrichment can be in the form of a training
session, going for a walk, playtime with you or another
animal, or even having the radio or TV on for auditory
stimulation.
In the zoo community, mental enrichment is a huge
component to working with exotic animals in captivity.
May 1, 2021 · The Village of Baytowne Wharf Accredited zoos look for new ways to enrich their
animals. Due to this push in enrichment research, trainers
and behaviorists have a deeper understanding of the
consequences of bored animals and the benefits that
enrichment can provide.
For our kibble-fed animals, mental enrichment can help
by slowing them down at mealtime to avoid ingesting air
and help in the prevention of bloat. Snowstorms, freezing
temperatures, rain and extreme heat make it impossible to
give our pets the exercise they require. During these times,
mental enrichment can help by allowing them to work
their brain and olfactory senses to tire them out in place of
physical stimulation.
One can also use enrichment toys to help distract
and calm an animal when introducing them to new
environments, sights, or smells. It helps by keeping
stress and anxiety levels down by working the brain. For
example, introducing a puppy to his or her crate with toys
and feeder toys helps keep stress levels low and promote
relaxation inside the crate. Animal mental enrichment is
vital to keeping all animals sound and stable.
Amanda returns to Dog-Harmony July 29 to 31 for a
reactive dog clinic. If you’d like to attend an upcoming Ask
Amanda, please visit www.dog-harmony.org/events to
learn about available events.

www.dog-harmony.org • dog-harmony life 43