As humans, we lead a stressful life. We all know that reducing stress is a process. One hour of relaxation won’t keep you calm, cool, and withdrawn for the rest of your life. You need consistent breaks and things that take up your time and mind.
Dogs too. A dog needs more than 15 minutes of independent enrichment activity. Enrichment is a process of creating a more positive and productive shelter experience for the dogs you care for.
Enrichment reduces stress, boredom, and undesirable behaviors by supporting a dog’s social and sensory needs. It also adds value to your shelter dogs’ lives by teaching them basic manners and giving them the confidence to make a good impression on potential adopters.
Dissatisfied, frustrated, or bored dogs won’t show up in their kennels and that will put potential adopters off. Enrichment helps combat kennel-induced behaviors by making the dog’s habitat more stimulating and challenging. Toys, puzzles, sensory games, playgroups and other novel experiences are perfect for this.
How do get rich programs work?
Have a plan
Because shelters are busy places, it’s important to have get rich game plan in place before the dog’s needs become critical.
Here’s how to build a great plan:
- Train your employees to recognize the early signs of stress.
- Recruit and train volunteers to work with and support your dogs.
- Network with other shelters and rescues, as well as breeder clubs, trainers, and others
experts. - Mobilizing donations of enrichment items from the community.
- Build a trained network feed, take care houses.
What Do You Do When You Have a Plan?
The Old Standbys
- Use an old ice tray or a Dixie cup to make delicious little ice cubes. Place a few pieces of kibble, yogurt, peanut butter, or junk food on the bottom, fill with broth, and freeze.
- Smear Kongs or Nylabones with peanut butter or cream cheese. Give it to one of your most stressed dogs for a quick and satisfying treat.
- Basic obedience training sessions of 5 minutes are perfect. You can do these things outside of the crib. Don’t forget to end on a positive note.
Did those things? This is a more creative and extremely simple tool
- Bring a dog into your office for a while. Noisy crib. Dogs will appreciate a quiet place to nap or get some attention from a new friend.
- Move the dog to different kennels so they change the scene.
- Take your dog for a ride in the car when you go out for coffee. Adopters love to know the manners of the dogs in the car.
- Hand out audiobooks, Research says can reduce stress for dogs in shelters.
- Bring the radio into the crib and tune in to classical music.
- Add an essential oil, such as lavender, to a spray bottle filled with water. Walk through the crib and mist the air with a new scent.
- Give small dogs a chance to sit in something new by adding a chair to their kennel.
- Hang a wind chime near the kennel and let the sound calm your dog.
- Blow bubbles in the crib for visual stimulation – and great photography activities.
How do you find time and money?
We’ve established that the tools to get rich are usually things you have around your place. But here are some other thoughts:
- Organize an enrichment supply drive and collect anything from Kongs and Nylabones to PVC pipes, peanut butter, baby bottles, plastic bottles, blankets and towels.
- Set up an Amazon.com wish list so donors know your shelter needs.
- Registration Kong Cares program and receive discounted rates on Kong toys.
- Get volunteers to create some of these extra toys and treats.
- Ask volunteers and staff to walk the dogs. In addition to exercise, dogs should spend time getting to know their roommates.
Do you have a great story to tell about your get rich program? Message us on Facebook! We’d love to hear it and you can be featured on our blog!
.
