Enrichment of the home and kennel environments should aim to maximize quality of life. Ensure that the environment supports natural species-specific behaviors. Remember that the environment is both social and physical. Encourage owners, and staff at boarding or research facilities to consider social and physical enrichment of the environment as a priority. Continue Reading Canine and Feline Enrichment in the Home and Kennel: A Guide for Practitioners
This study explored the influence of five types of olfactory stimulation (control, lavender, chamomile, rosemary and peppermint) on the behaviour of 55 dogs housed in a rescue shelter. The dogs were exposed to each type of olfactory stimulation, through the diffusion of essential oils, for 4 h a day for 5 days, with an intervening period of 2 days between conditions. The dogs’ behaviour was recorded on days 1, 3 and 5, during each condition of olfactory stimulation. Certain aspects of the dogs’ behaviour were influenced by the odours. Continue Reading The Influence of Olfactory Stimulation on the Behaviour of Dogs Housed in a Rescue Shelter
Newberry, R. Environmental enrichment: Increasing the biological relevance of captive environments Continue Reading Environmental Enrichment: Increasing the Biological Relevance of Captive Environments
Handlers of 22 working German Shepherd dogs were asked to rate their dogs on 11 attributes pertaining to working ability, related behavioral traits, and health. Eight of the dogs were then provided with daily feeding enrichment for 4 months, while the remainder were given equivalent human attention. The same 11 traits were scored again following the enrichment period: 10 changed little over the period while handlers’ reports of their dogs’ Ability to learn from being rewarded increased significantly. Continue Reading The Effect of Feeding Enrichment upon Reported Working Ability and Behavior of Kenneled Working Dogs
Murtagh, K., Farnworth, M.J., and Brilot, B.O. The scent of enrichment: Exploring the effect of odour and biological salience on behaviour during enrichment of kennelled dogs. toys Continue Reading The Scent of Enrichment: Exploring the Effect of Odour and Biological Salience on Behaviour During Enrichment of Kennelled Dogs
Coppinger, R., Zuccotti, J.(1999). Kennel enrichment: exercise and socialization of dogs. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 2(4), 281-96. doi: 10.1207/s15327604jaws0204_3. PMID: 16363933. Continue Reading Kennel Enrichment: Exercise and Socialization of Dogs
