The Scatter feed
Arguably one of the easiest ways you can introduce enrichment for your dog. Some cats will enjoy this one too!
If you're short on time, this one is hard to pass.
Start by scattering your dog's food in a small area, preferably on a smooth surface for first-timers. Once your dog gets the hang of this, you can make it more challenging by scattering the food in a larger area and creating a trail toward a new location, like grass.
Pass the parcel
Please choose a suitable box and encourage your dog to get in and out, so they feel confident when starting. Place a few different treats in the box and some scrunched-up paper, empty toilet rolls or anything you can easily and safely place treats in.
Message in a bottle
Choose a suitable size plastic bottle. Remove the lid, label and neck ring. Put some tasty treats and or dry food in the bottle. Gently shake the bottle to gain your dog's attention, then pass it to them. Remove the plastic bottle when it becomes rigid and sharp from all the chewing.
The sausage roll
Lay a towel flat, place food along the shorter end, and then fold it over once to cover the treats. Repeat this until the towel is rolled up like a sausage roll, but not too tightly. You may have to show your dog how to get started on this one.
The cup game
Start with three plastic cups. Place a treat under one cup and mix it with the other two cups (think magic trick). Ask your dog to find it. They should sniff it out in no time. When they do, lift the cup and let them take their "prize".
You can also try this using just your two hands. Place a treat in one and make a fist with both. Ask your dog to find it.
Treasure hunt
Using some upcycled items, create a treasure hunt for your dog to forage for and discover their meal. Using old dip containers, muffin tins and yogurt cups for wet food hidden around your veranda, for example, is a beautiful activity for your dog.
Upcycle
Egg cartons, toilet rolls, empty yogurt cups, muesli bar boxes, empty dip containers, and muffin tins are all great items to reuse for enrichment activities. Watch this video for examples of this.
Here is a lovely video that explains to extraordinary capabilities of our dog's nose
Of course, you don't have to use food to enrich your dog's life. Playing with your dog, letting them sniff on walks, and providing them with a spot to dig like a shell pool with sand are great ways to make your dog's daily life more fulfilling.
For more tips, tricks and information, call the Pet care helpline - 8930 0606 or visit darwin.nt.gov.au/pets