Many caregivers are struggling with finding ways in which to give their dogs the mental and physical stimulation they need during the Covid-19 lockdown. Our wonderful ISCP members have generously offered to share their tips, ideas, videos, booklets and presentations on how to enrich the lives of dogs who can currently only be walked close to the home for short periods. We hope you’ll find these useful!
Quick tips
Charlotte Leech. You can make enrichment toys out of things you already have at home – your recycling in particular. I’ll hide treats in egg boxes, hide treats in cereal boxes and put some scrunched up newspaper in the box to make them forage more for the treats. A lot of dogs enjoy ripping up the boxes too, it does just create a bit of mess for you to clean up afterwards!
Jill Breitner. Do animal husbandry training for pups and dogs who are fearful of groomers and vets. Low stress handling and restraint, brushing, blow dryer, etc.
Paula Tanner. I have big trees in my garden, so I squish sausage, sardine or cheese into the trunks at various heights. Nyla loves her sausage trees.
E-books and presentations
Ruby Leslie. E-book. Canine Enrichment & Corona virus
http://www.welfare4animals.org/blog/canine-enrichment-and-coronavirus
Roman Gottfried. Keep your dog happy during a long-term self-quarantine
https://www.canva.com/design/DAD21OvF9a4/XNwntUVU4Bl9bH1mmTXybw/view
Freya Locke. Care, enrichment and training for dogs during self-isolation
Videos
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Boredom Buster Brain Games – 1: Blanket Roll
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBD5PnVIaPI
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Boredom Buster Brain Games – 2: Snuffle Mat
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewS9pf4J6s4
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Boredom Buster Brain Games – 3: Bottle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-cq5NnhuKE
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookies Boredom Buster Brain Games 4 – Cupcake tin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EXan5e3TfU
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookies Boredom Buster Brain Games 5: The Scatter Feed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG5Ry_zMYI0
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Boredom Buster Brain Games 6: Fun Search
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL04ydyP7GE
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Boredom Buster Brain Games 7: ‘Find It’ Feeding Time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBqKFr9H5Fs
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Boredom Buster Brain Games 8: DIY Tennis Ball
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7ph3TBn_Yo
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Boredom Buster Brain Games 9: The Ball Pit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU3v-FHydvU
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Boredom Buster Brain Game 10: Rug n roll
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1yy5rTlAg
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookies Boredom Buster Brain Games 11: simple enrichment box
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp8fZwKG-O4
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s TowelBox
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBm4SGWcnJM
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookies dissector ballhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i6hX-nBvF4
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Tshirt Tie Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4kFkXdKekU
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Sookie’s Dinner Enrichment Box
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMzoWZJneOo
Emma Goulding-Bosworth. Frozen feeder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHyfIkQvhHk&t=6s
Thanks to Renee Rhoades for suggesting this Facebook group.