<![CDATA[Click to Communicate - Blog]]>Sun, 15 Jun 2025 01:05:47 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[Whose enrichment is it anyway?]]>Mon, 24 Apr 2023 00:45:18 GMThttps://www.clicktocommunicate.com/blog/whose-enrichment-is-it-anywayLately I’ve seen more online content about enrichment - what it is, what purpose it serves, and how to incorporate it. I am excited that a concept so central to the well-being of our pets is becoming more commonly discussed, but with breadth and quantity can come inaccuracy. In other words, some information I see about enrichment, while well-intended, is inaccurate or incomplete. I want to address that, because enrichment for our pets is so important. They - and we - deserve more precise information.
When I want more information about something, I often turn to Google. I know, I know - many of us have been strongly advised by our teachers against using Google and Wikipedia as primary sources, but I think it’s an okay place to start.

If I Google “define enrichment,” Google helpfully provides me with a definition for the English word: “the action of improving or enhancing the quality or value of something.” Okay, so, it means to improve or add something on top of what is already there, right? Well… if we’re trying to understand enrichment for non-human animals, this is not the place to stop. (This is why Google is just an okay place to start.) This definition of enrichment applies to humans. It comes from the word enrich, as in, to make more rich in quality or in wealth. I don’t know about yours, but my dog’s goal in life isn’t to accrue currency and take annual vacations to 5-star luxury resorts. Let’s take a second look.

If I refine my search to “define animal enrichment,” I’m given a definition from Smithsonian National Zoo, which says, “Enrichment gives animals a creative outlet for physical activity and mental exercise, as well as choice and control over how they spend their time. [...] Enrichment keeps an animal's day interesting and is just as essential to animal welfare as nutrition and veterinary care.” I would judge this website to be a good source, because zoos and conservation centers are usually run by scientists with degrees in zoology, biology, and animal sciences. The definition provided is more specific, and explains the purpose of enrichment rather than giving circular or prescriptive (“should”) reasoning to answer our “why.”

This is much closer to the kind of information we’re looking for. While enrichment can add depth and meaning to a human’s life, it is essential for quality of life for non-human animals in a captive setting. It’s not the cherry on top of the cake, it is all the ingredients we need to make a proper cake. (Also imagine that the cake is full of essential nutrients for a healthy diet, and not a delectable dessert!) In my opinion and in short, enrichment is not optional. Because our pets need it, we are obligated to provide it. We chose to be their caretakers, and that responsibility includes meeting their needs in species-appropriate ways. That is the “what” and the “why” of enrichment.

And guess what? The answer to the “how” - how do we best provide enrichment and care for our pets? - is right there in the “what” and the “why.” We provide proper enrichment by observing our animals to determine how they already behave, and then give them an outlet to do those behaviors in a way that works for everyone. For example, we can provide our dogs with safe and appropriate items to chew (bones, edible chew treats, stuffed food toys). When we give them things to chew, they are less likely to chew human belongings. Disallowing them from chewing anything is not an option, because chewing is a basic need for dogs. Though it may not seem the case when one feels frustrated that their expensive sandal was destroyed at the jaws of a canine companion, chewing is a behavior dogs must express. It is on the same level as eating, drinking water, relieving themselves, exercising, and sleeping. We can make it easier on everyone involved by giving them items we are okay with them destroying.

What looks like destruction to us is an expression of normal and healthy behavior in an individual of another species. This illustrates the key to true understanding of what enrichment means for non-human animals. While it can be enriching for us humans to create a lovely homemade snack and arrange it beautifully in a colorful feeding toy, the dog we’re making it for might rather eat their dinner as fast as possible and then roll in a particularly odorous patch of grass. Humans (sighted ones of us, at least) are highly visually-oriented, while dogs are much more concerned with their sense of smell. As well, sighted humans may love viewing a fun and catchy infographic… meanwhile, our dogs are lying steadfastly by, waiting for the day we finally come to our senses and let them into the trash can.

​So, the next time you find yourself browsing social media for pet enrichment inspiration, or spending more than 20 minutes making your dog a snack that will be gobbled in as many seconds, ask yourself: whose enrichment is it anyway? All that scrolling, hearting, and pinning is just for you. Your dog or cat could be just as content with a cardboard box or toilet paper tube. Remember: one human's trash is another animal's treasure. 😉
]]><![CDATA[Sam's Memory Day]]>Wed, 26 Oct 2022 18:30:15 GMThttps://www.clicktocommunicate.com/blog/sams-memory-dayOctober 26th is Sam's Memory Day. I've decided to call it her Memory Day because I want to focus on what we remember about her, not that it's the anniversary of our first day ever going home without her.

I have countless photos by which to remember Sam, yet still I wish I'd taken more videos of her. I especially wish I had a video of her barking. One of the more difficult and valuable lessons she taught me as her guardian and as a trainer was how to address her barking.
When I say barking, I don’t mean the deep woofs of a dog determined to tell the Amazon delivery person to “F right off, thank you very much.” Sam had a habit of standing and barking non stop directly at us for many long minutes, during which we could do nothing to persuade her to desist. This would usually happen when her needs hadn't been adequately met that day. She didn't know how else to communicate what she needed. Being subjected to incessant loud, sharp barking for several minutes would hurt my ears, throw me into sensory overload, and turn me into a not-nice version of myself. I reacted in ways of which I'm not proud. Just as Sam didn't know how else to communicate her needs, I felt I didn't know how to stop or prevent the barking.

Over time I learned, piece by piece, how to better address Sam's needs and teach her behaviors other than barking that she could do to get our attention. It took more than changing her behavior, though. I had to change my own, too. I had to be consistent in prioritizing her needs, and truly responding to her when she asked for attention in quieter ways. I had to follow through with putting down my phone or book and Actually Give Her Attention. I learned to enjoy those moments of connection, and our relationship deepened.

So, I wish I had a video of her barking, in that desperate way with her eyes slightly unfocused, her stance both resolute and fragile. Even though it was painfully loud and stressful for everyone, I wish I could hear it again; yes, because I miss her and crave any remnant of her that I can find, but also because I have so much more documentation of the "after." I captured many moments of peace, of her resting on her mat or her chin pressing into my thigh. I actually do want to remember the "before" we were our better selves, but this time without the shame that I had felt about my actions while she was still alive. Now I know that this shame only inhibited growth.

One theme of Sam's life with us is that we grew so much together. She helped me be an improved version of myself, someone who not only learned how to do better by her but also how to do better by me. She taught me to live more in the moment and accept the instances of ugliness without shame, knowing that they would always be followed up with forgiveness and a chance to try again.
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Sam taught me that life with a dog requires training, yes, but that training goes both ways. I had just as much to learn from her as she did from me. Her lessons for me carry on in the bond between us which cannot be severed simply by the process of biological death.
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]]><![CDATA[6 simple tips to enrich your dog's life]]>Thu, 17 Dec 2020 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.clicktocommunicate.com/blog/6-simple-tips-to-enrich-your-dogs-lifeHave you, too, noticed that concept of enrichment has lately been a hot topic in the pet care community? There is such a breadth of options for canine enrichment that it may be difficult to know where to start! As well, it is important for the enrichment you provide for your dog to be effective, and efficient enough to sustainably integrate into your busy life. Fortunately, there are simple ways to give your dog opportunities to perform natural behaviors using items you have at home or during activities you already do every day!
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Click "Read More" below for my list of suggestions for near-effortless enrichment.

1. Feed your dog out of something OTHER than a bowl

Our canine companions may appear to be close cousins to the wolf, indeed a mighty hunter. But! At least behaviorally, dogs are actually known as "opportunistic eaters," or scavengers. This means that to find food, instead of chasing down prey, dogs are more likely to sniff, dig, shred, and manipulate food items or objects containing food with their noses, paws, and teeth. We can provide them opportunities to engage in these species-appropriate behaviors by feeding their regular meals out of anything from household supplies that are already on hand (rolled-up towels or blankets, paper bags, cardboard boxes, plastic bottles and jugs) to the many kinds of stuffable chew toys or puzzle feeders available on the market. Watch your dog closely the first few times you feed them with a new foraging toy, to be sure they ingest only what is edible!

2. Maximize sniff-ortunities by lengthening that leash!

With over 300 million olfactory receptors in those brilliant noses of theirs, dogs experience the world primarily through their sense of smell. The opportunity to sniff when they go outside with us is a basic need for dogs. If it is safe to do so in your neighborhood, or wherever you walk with your dog, try giving them some extra room to wander and sniff by using a longer leash. A leash of at least 8 ft in length will do, but 10, 15, 20, or even 30 ft would make for the ultimate "sniffari." (Always think of safety first! Use a shorter leash or reel the leash in if there are nearby cars, and bring treats to reward your dog for checking in with you and coming back when called. Also, a long leash is safest when attached securely to a well-fit body harness rather than a collar).

3. Cozy up your dog's favorite places to lay

Just like us, dogs relish in a comfortable place to lay at the end of a long day... or for the entire day on a lazy weekend. Whether you choose to invite your dog onto human furniture, or prefer them to relax on their own beds, you can make these spots more cozy and enticing by adding pillows, bolsters, blankets, or towels. This may also create an enjoyable, appropriate activity for dogs who love to dig or root to bury chews or make a "nest." An added bonus would be if the extra bedding has your scent on it, which may provide some dogs a feeling of security in times when you are away from home.
Another tip: place a non-skid rug or rubber mat under your dog's beds and blankets. Nothing is worse than your favorite kick-back spot suddenly sliding out from under you when you're trying to settle down to relax!

4. Teach your dog a new trick, or practice the known in new ways

Most dogs are excellent problem-solvers, and as their caretakers, we have the fun responsibility to provide them with appropriate tasks to engage their minds. Teaching and practicing a behavior like nose target or paw target (also known as "shake" or "high five") with your dog is such a beneficial form of mental stimulation. Conveniently, a great majority of dogs will work for food. With just a handful of small pieces of your dog's favorite treat or regular diet set aside for a training session each day, you can train something new or practice what they already know by incorporating cued behaviors into real-life situations. The best part is that playing training games with your dog helps build the wonderful relationship you already have by leaps and bounds!

5. P L A Y !

It just may go without saying that dogs are champions at play. It's likely one of the countless reasons why we love them so much. Playing with your dog is a fantastic form of physical exercise and mental stimulation, and yet another way to improve your relationship in a fun and rewarding manner. You can even strengthen cued behaviors your dog already knows by incorporating them into play sessions. Just as with foraging toys, there are lots of ways to make or acquire dog-appropriate toys that work for every budget. For example, an old sock or length of scrap fabric with a few knots tied in it makes a great tug toy; or if you'd like, you can spring for that high-end, faux-fur, squirrel scented tug. Whatever you do, have fun!

6. Change it up to keep things interesting

Take any of the above tips and modify it slightly each week or even every day. Some ideas include:
  • Feed your dog in a different kind of foraging toy each day - or better yet, feed each meal by dividing your dog's diet up between multiple different foraging toys
  • Walk in different areas of your neighborhood or drive to new locations for walks
  • Periodically replace your dog's bedding with items of different textures (though, if your dog has a favorite place to lay, it can't hurt to leave it as-is so they are always guaranteed at least one prime spot)
  • Vary your training routine by cueing behaviors in different orders
  • Keep some of your dog's toys in storage and periodically swap them with the toys in your house or yard

Thanks for reading!

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