Environmental Enrichment Ideas for Your Dog
Our modern lifestyle places dogs under enormous pressure. With the ever-increasing human population, particularly in major cities, many of us opt for apartment or unit-living as a more convenient and affordable housing option. We then expect our companion dogs to live happily with us in our smaller abodes, content with a daily walk, and to behave appropriately while we're at work all day. This is where Environmental Enrichment comes into the picture. When we provide our dogs with enrichment we help them cope better in our world.
Wild at Heart: Why Enrichment is Essential for Your Pet's Well-Being
A body of research from ethology, animal science and veterinary science has clearly demonstrated that animals have behavioural needs and that certain innate behaviours are highly motivated. Enrichment aims to provide animals with outlets for these species-specific behaviours and instincts. This article explains what enrichment is, why it’s important and how you can provide it for your pets at home.
The 4-Rs for Better Behaviour: Repeatedly Reinforce the Right Response
Our dogs are learning about their environment and the consequences of their behaviour 24/7, not just during formal training sessions. Although we don't always have control over the environment and all the consequences that reinforce our pet's behaviour, there is much we can do to shape it for the better!
How to Stop your Dog Jumping Up Using Positive Reinforcement
Dogs are social creatures, and it is common for them to jump up to greet their owners and other people. However, jumping up can become a problem when it is excessive, uncontrolled, or unwanted, especially if it results in damage to clothing, scratching skin, or damage to household items. The good news is you can teach your dog to stop jumping up using positive reinforcement training!
is your pet scared of the vet?
Fear of vet visits is a common problem. Going to the vet can be associated with fear, anxiety, a loss of control, pain and discomfort for your pet. This article will help you teach your pet to be more comfortable at the vet.
how to crate train your dog
Some people view crating dogs as cruel and it can be if dogs are confined excessively. However, done correctly, crate training teaches dogs a number of important life skills and provides dog caregivers with an effective management tool.
Gut Feeling: How your pet's microbiota affects their health and behaviour
Have you heard about the recent discoveries of the gut microbiome and how it affects the health and behaviour of its host? If not, listen up! The implications of these findings not only affect us, they also affect our pets.
Environmental Enrichment Ideas for Your Cat
In the wild, cats are free to express the full range of their normal behaviour, including feeding behaviours through locating, stalking, chasing, capturing and killing their prey; behaviours which require time, problem solving and intense activity. However, the home environment does not always allow for these normal behaviours and can lead to the development of problem behaviour.