Am I the Problem? The Importance of Enrichment
- Erica
- Feb 7
- 4 min read
Introduction
Hi everyone, my name is Vaish.
You may have seen me around assisting in classes here at Revolution Animal Behaviour, but maybe not so let me properly introduce myself. I am currently a student at the University of Alberta studying Animal Health, and outside of school, I love reading, exploring, and spending time with my own four-legged companion, Thumpie.
This blog series Erica prompted me to start is something I’ve been excited (and a little nervous)
to begin. It sits at the intersection of science, personal experience, and a realization I didn’t
expect to have as a pet owner: that we (the humans) may be part of the problems our animals
face.
In this series, we’ll explore how everyday choices we make, often without realizing it shape our
animals’ welfare. Each post will be based on the principles of animal behavior science and
guided by the insights of the behaviorist and trainers here in Revolution. And yes, sometimes
that means looking honestly at ourselves.
A Shift in perspective, soft-launching the topic of enrichment
In the fall of 2024, I took an animal health course taught by PhD Candidate and Clinical Animal
Behaviourist, Erica, that introduced me to the science of animal welfare and behavior. One
concept stuck with me more than anything else: animals experience emotional states!!! While
animals may not label emotions the same way humans do, research shows that companion
animals experience affective states such as fear, pleasure, frustration, and contentment (Broom,
2011; Mellor, 2016). Dogs, in particular, display clear behavioral and physiological responses
associated with emotional experiences like stress, excitement, and relaxation (Boissy et al.,
2007).
At the time, this felt obvious, but it also led me to reflect deeper. If animals can feel boredom,
frustration, or contentment, then that means our responsibility as caregivers extends beyond
food, water, shelter, and veterinary care. Fast forward a year. I’m now working alongside Erica, Kassi, and Kylie, the Revolution team, learning more every day and applying those lessons at home with Thumpie. Without further ado, let’s talk about today’s topic: enrichment!
What Is Enrichment?
Enrichment refers to the intentional addition of activities, objects, or experiences that allow
animals to engage in species-appropriate behaviors and mental stimulation (Heath & Wilson,
2014). Enrichment has been shown to improve behavioral flexibility, reduce stress, and increase
overall quality of life (Mellor, 2016).
Just like the feeling we get after a good workout, reading a book, solving a crossword puzzle, or
playing a board game!
A lack of enrichment can contribute to boredom, frustration, anxiety, and the development of
unwanted behaviors (Meehan & Mench, 2007).
Why Enrichment Matters (A Personal Example)
When my family brought Thumpie home during the height of COVID-19, everyone was home
all the time. We were bored, restless, and craving change, and in walked a sensitive, energetic
little raccoon-lookalike who seemed to solve that problem.But we quickly realized Thumpie had needs of his own.
Despite toys, backyard time, and physical play, he still struggled to settle. He seemed restless and
had endless energy. At the time, we assumed this meant he simply needed more exercise.
Then something interesting happened.
After short and calm walks, Thumpie would come home and settle down almost immediately.
Later, while assisting in puppy classes, I learned why….
Sniffing!
Research shows that olfactory exploration provides significant mental stimulation for dogs, often
exceeding the cognitive load of physical exercise alone (Duranton & Horowitz, 2019). Research
found that regular nosework (an olfaction-based activity) was linked with a more “optimistic”
judgment bias in pet dogs, which is used as an indicator of improved emotional state/welfare
(Duranton & Horowitz, 2019). Sniffing allows dogs to gather information, make choices, and
engage in natural exploratory behavior;all key components of enrichment.Suddenly, it made sense. The walk wasn’t about distance. It was about information.
Types of Enrichment You Can Use
Enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Some effective forms include:
-Sniffing opportunities (decompression walks, scatter feeding)
-Lick mats or Toppls (these are game changers)
-Snuffle mats
-Puzzle feeders
-Positive reinforcement-based training sessions (yes — training is enrichment!)
-Shaping and problem-solving games
Remember, the goal isn’t to do everything at once, or to make your dog physically tired, but to
incorporate regular mental engagement into your dog’s routine.
Final thoughts
Enrichment is not an optional extra; it is a fundamental component of animal welfare and may
help you and your pooch build a solid routine and improve your bond! By understanding what
enrichment is, why it matters, and how to incorporate it into daily life, we can move beyond
simply owning animals to truly meeting their needs and achieving a lasting bond. Sometimes that
means admitting we didn’t know better before and choosing to do better now!
Thank you so much for reading. I can’t wait to continue this series with you.
Until next time,
Vaish & The Revolution Team
References
Boissy, A., Manteuffel, G., Jensen, M. B., Moe, R. O., Spruijt, B., Keeling, L. J., … Aubert, A.
(2007). Assessment of positive emotions in animals to improve their welfare. Physiology
& Behavior, 92(3), 375–397.
Broom, D. M. (2011). A history of animal welfare science. Acta Biotheoretica, 59(2), 121–137.
Duranton, C., & Horowitz, A. (2019). Let me sniff! Nosework induces positive judgment bias in
pet dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 211, 61–66.
Heath, S., & Wilson, C. (2014). Canine and feline enrichment in the home and kennel. Veterinary
Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 44(3), 427–449.
Meehan, C. L., & Mench, J. A. (2007). The challenge of challenge: Can problem solving
opportunities enhance animal welfare? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 102(3–4),
246–261.
Mellor, D. J. (2016). Updating animal welfare thinking: Moving beyond the “Five Freedoms”
towards “A Life Worth Living.” Animals, 6(3), 21.
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