Animals Unfolded

Canine enrichment is a topic I bring up not only during consultations, but throughout the pet’s lives that I’m tending. It’s vital in keeping dog’s happy, with its ability to stimulate the brain, engage the body and at times, use problem solving skills. It’s also a stress reliever.  Enrichment can take many forms, can be employed at any age, and I’m deeply appreciating the notion that so many pet product companies have come up with novel designs for pets, especially dogs.  Some of them have been designed for those who are power chewers—you know, those dogs who will routinely destroy and swallow commercially available toys. Sadly, a percentage of those dogs have or will land in a veterinary emergency hospital after ingesting a chunk of said toy and developing an obstruction. And so, families have no other option but to skip offering traditional toys, but what fun is that for them or the dog?  I’ve stumbled on a workable and safe solution that any dog—no matter the telos, s...

Canine enrichment is a topic that comes up often with families and professionals in animal behavior, dog training and pet care.  Kongs and related toys are an oft-recommended option to provide a fun and stimulating outlet for dogs in a variety of scenarios. But in some cases, there’s a valid concern: dogs who can’t be trusted with these items for fear of choking hazard or foreign body in the GI tract. The good news is, a simple idea gleaned from the Science of Animal Behavior Conference 2019 means that these dogs need not miss out on the enrichment and fun that other dogs enjoy. And a side benefit for shelters, rescues, foster situations and even boarding facilities means that sanitation isn’t a worry.  The vlog below fleshes out the details on this idea that has already made for some very happy dogs in my care. With over 20 years of experience in pet care and the past 12 of those focused on animal hospice, Lorrie Shaw is a Certified Animal Hospice Practiti...