5 Canine Enrichment Studies & Resources: What Science Tells Us About Enrichment

Canine Enrichment has begun to take the internet by storm, and dogs everywhere are rejoicing!

Some of us see the immediate change in our dog's behavior and happiness when implementing enrichment. Others may be a bit skeptical, thinking: How can such small activities have such a large impact on welfare?

Upon starting out, many people are surprised to find that enrichment isn't a new concept. In fact, enrichment is something that's been studied and implemented for years across a wide variety of animal species and settings.

Itching to learn more? Here are 5 Enrichment Studies to get you started, which I've broken down for you!

Question 1: Can Enrichment help with undesirable behaviors?

Source Pairing: Implementing Environmental Enrichment for Dogs

Written by: Morgan Garvey, Judith Stella, and Candace Croney

Credentials: Department of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Purdue University

Conclusions: Studies find that yes, enrichment can help with undesirable behaviors. Garvey et al found that many types of enrichment can be used to stimulate dogs, reducing undesirable behaviors. Most of these "undesirables" are often linked to boredom and/or frustration, which enrichment activities actively work to eliminate. Garvey notes that enrichment increases "normal, desirable behaviors" (i.e. problem solving and positive social interactions with others).

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Question 2: Aren't Enrichment games just destruction?

Source Pairing: Animal Behaviour: Canine Enrichment - Moesta et al

Written by: Alexandra Moesta, Sandra McCune, Lesley Deacon, and Katherine Kruger

Credentials: WALTHAM Center for Pet Nutrition, Center for the Interaction of Animals & Society, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.

Conclusions: Enrichment is far more than just destruction. Moesta et al underline that the primary goal of enrichment is to maintain good physical and psychological health. In this article, Moesta et al note that Enrichment programs can improve the lives of kenneled and sheltered dogs by providing dogs with choice. Providing choice to captive animals is increasingly important for their welfare, as they're limited in making their own choices within many different settings (i.e. home, shelter, farm, zoo, etc).

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Question 3: Does giving my dog a KONG really make a difference?

Source Pairing: The Effect of Feeding Enrichment Toys on the Behaviour of Kennelled Dogs (Canis Familiaris)

Written By: Lidewij Schipper, Claudia Vinke, Matthijs Schilder, Berry Spruijt

Credentials: Division Ethology & Welfare, Department of Animals, Science & Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Conclusions: Yes! Feeding enrichment isn't just for fun. Schipper et al's study looked at the differences in dogs who were given stuffed Kongs vs. those who were not in a shelter setting. When given feeding enrichment, dogs had increased activity and appetitive* levels. There was also less frequent barking with dogs who had enrichment in their routines.

*Appetitive: Natural desire to fulfil bodily needs. Appetitive behavior for example could be spending more time sniffing, foraging, chewing on their Kong, etc.

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Question 4: Is Enrichment Good For Puppies?

Source Pairing: Enrichment in Puppyhood and It's Effects on Later Behaviour of Dogs

Written By: Hubrecht RC

Credentials: Companion Animal Research Group, Department of Veterinary Medicine

Conclusions: Enrichment is wonderful for puppies, and there's so much you can utilize during puppyhood. Hubrecht's study found that puppies engaged 64% of their time with enrichment toys and activities if given the choice. That's 64% less time trying to destroy couches and shoes!

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Question 5: Is Enrichment Good For Senior Dogs?

Source Pairing: Learning ability in aged beagle dogs is preserved by behavioral enrichment and dietary fortification: a two-year longitudinal study

Written By: N.W.Milgrama, E.Head, S.C.Zicker, C.J.Ikeda-Douglas, H.Murphey, B.Muggenburg, C.Siwak, D.Tapp, C.W.Cotman

Credentials: Division of Life Sciences, Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia, Science and Technology Center, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute

Conclusions: Contrary to popular belief, old dogs CAN learn new tricks. Milgrama et al found that adding behavioral enrichment into the lives of aging dogs had an impact on their cognitive abilities, and slowed age-dependent cognitive decline. Milgrama et al show us that not only is enrichment good for senior dogs, but integrating enrichment can have a positive affect on the aging process for senior canines.

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Hungry for more? Learn more about the Contrafreeloading Concept to understand why dogs love food puzzles, or check out our article on Debunking Enrichment Myths.

Looking to have a happier, healthier dog? I've put together some of our favourite resources for you in one place - my first book!

Filled with canine enrichment activities and tips and tricks, I hope you love reading it just as much as I loved writing it.

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Sources & Further Readings

Implementing Environmental Enrichment for Dogs

Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarians and Staff

Enrichment in puppyhood and its effects on later behavior of dogs.

The effect of feeding enrichment toys on the behaviour of kennelled dogs (Canis familiaris)

Learning ability in aged beagle dogs is preserved by behavioral enrichment and dietary fortification: a two-year longitudinal study