Question submitted by the audience in our recent webinar: "The Importance of Exercising Your Dog's Brain for Optimal Physical and Mental Health":
What are the most effective behavioral enrichment options for dog owners to provide mental stimulation in dogs when owners are not at home?
Answer by: Karen Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, DACVB
We have little control over our dogs when we are not at home. Most of the interventions we can provide are going to involve food and olfactory stimulation, or some form of visual and auditory stimulation. If the dogs have companions whom they really enjoy, there may be social and tactile stimulation.
Dog doors to enclosed porches can allow dogs to lie on a sofa in an environment that has movement and interesting smells. Note that this is not the same thing as leaving a dog loose in a yard. Dogs in yards spend most of their time by the door and are at risk for developing a series of other problems or becoming a ‘nuisance’. Remote treat devices, especially those that can be programmed to provide an audio cue and a treat (or, in some cases, a meal) may help. Hiding bones (stuffed or not), Kongs, antlers, et cetera gives dogs a job. But most dogs at home are going to spend most time looking out the window or sleeping. This is okay, if they also get interaction and exercise when someone is home. Otherwise, dog walkers and day care can make a world of difference for so many dogs. Clients who use webcam monitoring may also be able to work to teach the dog a series of reward-based exercises that can be done remotely. This is not simple.
