Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour: Pilot Study
The quality of life for domestic and captive animals can be enhanced and im- proved by providing additional stimuli and activities, known as environmental enrichment (EE). However, it is important to ensure the enrichment provides benefit to the animal, and as such the behaviour of the animals can be monitored to understand the activities’ impacts. A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of seven different EE activities on the behaviour of 10 training dogs housed in an office environment during training within an assistance dog charity. Results suggest there is a need to diversify thinking around EE, shifting common thinking of EE as one entity to instead consider EE in different categories and to ensure animals receive a mixture of EE types.
Hunt, R.L., Whiteside, H., and Prankel, S. (2022). Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour: Pilot Study. Animals, 12, 141. https:// doi.org/10.3390/ani12020141
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View ResourceTopic(s): Breeder Resource, Enrichment, Types of Enrichment