BTB’s Favorite Things

Just like Oprah we also have a list of our favorite things. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of gifts for you and your pups for the holidays.

Photo Credit: Dog Quality

Dog quality dogger stroller

The Cadillac of all dog strollers the Dogger is hands down the best stroller out there. This stroller is great, the basket sits high up so your pup has a great view of everything going on (and closer to whatever food their humans are eating). Equipped with rear suspension the Dogger can be taken off road or even on the bumpiest of city sidewalks. Not just for senior or disabled dogs you can use your Dogger for puppy socialization, or you can use it for times when you want to bring your pup for an outing but also want to make sure they have somewhere safe to retire to. We own this stroller and it’s seriously the best thing ever. It has more than paid for itself with the amount of use it’s gotten. We take it everywhere and it’s so nice to know that my senior dog has somewhere safe to stay when out and about.

natural dog company snout soother

Does your pup’s nose get dry and cracked in the winter? Then this Snout Soother is for you. Natural Dog Company makes it easy for you to help your pup’s dry cracked snout. The snout soother helps alleviate any pain and discomfort pups may feel from the effects of winter. It’s no secret that a dry nose is no fun.

A new Strap harness from frenchie

Photo Credit: Frenchie

If you’re anything like us one harness is never enough. We love the Frenchie brand harnesses because they always have super cute prints. Just in time for the holidays Frenchie has released this super cute strap harness. Your dog will be the talk of the town in this harness. These strap harnesses are great for bigger pups too because they’re completely adjustable. They can fit even the chonkiest of boys.

Photo Credit: 2 Dogs Treats

A subscription to 2 dogs Treats Just beef

What pup doesn’t love treats? We love 2 Dogs Treats because they’re locally made in Dorchester and they have a variety of treats for any pup. Whether your pup has an allergy to chicken or beef 2 Dogs Treats has something for you. They’re all natural, made with human grade meats and fish. The best part is you can find these treats at many local dog stores like Pawsh. So treat your pup to something yummy and healthy for them at the same time. Your pup won’t be disappointed.

Westpaw toppl

Do enrichment right with the Westpaw Toppl. These are great for short nosed dogs because they can stick their entire face in the the top to get every last bit of food out. Designed for moderate chewers the Toppl is a fun way to get your dog working for their food. Made in the USA, dishwasher safe, the Toppl even floats so your pup can bring it in the water with them.

Photo Credit: Sniffingtons

sniffingtons dipper tripper for your westpaw toppl

Looking for a fun addition to your Toppl while also being functional? Look no further than the Sniffingtons Dipper Tripper. These Dipper Trippers are so cute and a great way to make sure that the food you stuff in your Toppl doesn’t fall out. Get one for every occasion to up your enrichment game. While you’re at it grab some flavored bubbles too for even more fun.

my boston says hi to your boston hoodie

Cozy up to winter in this awesome hoodie from our shop. Whether you’re at home lounging or running errands about town you’ll be warm and stylish in this hoodie. What better what to rep BTB than with our own merchandise. This hoodie comes in sizes S to 2XL. Air-jet spun yarn with a soft feel and reduced pilling and a double-lined hood with matching drawcord this hoodie is a MUST for any Boston pawrent.

show us what you got

Did you get something special for your pup for the Holidays? Show us on Facebook or Instagram

11 Tips to Create a Dog-Friendly Yard, Straight From the Pros

Your dog is a member of the family. And just like any family member, your dog deserves a space of its own to run around, relax in the shade, or dig a hole. If you own a home with a backyard, renovating the space is the perfect solution to provide a space your dog won’t want to leave.

To help you get started, we reached out to dog experts from across North America, from Baltimore, MD to Penticton, BC to give us their best tips on how to create a dog-friendly backyard. From installing a porthole bubble in your fence to building a portable ramp to your porch, read on to see 11 backyard renovation tips you may not have thought of. 

1) Try pet-safe plants 

Pet-friendly landscaping goes beyond places to play and potty. Dogs’ brains thrive on smelling new things. So plant pet-safe plants like rosemary, thyme, and basil that you can also use in the kitchen. – Boston Terriers of Boston

Be responsible for the plants in your backyard. Some plants and fauna may be potentially harmful to animals, so ensure that your backyard is dog-safe before allowing your furkid to roam around. Remember to always keep an eye on what your dog interacts with when they are outside. – Pawjourr

2) Keep your landscaping dog friendly 

Certain plants and flowers, like daffodils and hydrangeas, can be toxic to dogs and should not be planted in a place where they may be accidentally ingested. Keep your minds at ease and your yard dog-friendly by saying no to plants that are harmful to your furry friends. – Dogs of Charm City

3) Ensure there is a fence, water, and shade for your dog

A fenced-in dog-friendly yard creates a safe space and gives your dog room to run, sniff, and explore. Just as important is making sure your dog has fresh water (a small fountain is a blast to drink from and even play in) and lots of shade to relax under after all that physical and mental enrichment. – The Inner Dog

4) Install a porthole bubble for your dog

While we love turf in an outside space, a grassy lawn is fun for your pets too – especially one with equal parts sun and shade. The one item that stands out in a yard that is one of our favorite features is a porthole bubble. We installed one in the fence in our yard at home at a dog’s-eye level so she could peek out at the neighborhood and see what’s going on. – Good Dog, Inc.

5) Create an enrichment area in your dog-friendly yard

Make room in your dog-friendly yard for an enrichment area for your dog to do some scatter feeding, digging, and ‘find it’ games. Every dog needs a job and designing an adventure area for your furry friend means they don’t have to create their own jobs. Tallgrass plus bark and wood chippings are ideal. – Wolfgangs Way Dog Training 

6) Build a secure fence to reduce barking

Fencing should not allow dogs to see through if you want to reduce barking. Securing under fences by using a couple of layers of pavers or by concreting under them should protect your yard from neighbors’ pets and should keep yours in. – Pets Training and Boarding

7) Install a dog door in the exterior wall of your backyard

Start by cutting a hole in the wall going through all layers and frame out the hole after installing the dog door so it looks nice from the inside. Then build or purchase a dog house large enough to cover the dog door with the back wall of the dog house, cut a hole in the back wall of the dog house, and slide the dog house against the dog door. No one can see the dog door from the outside. – Family Dog Club

8) Create a digging pit in your dog-friendly yard

Big holes and unseemly dirt piles are usually not what a homeowner thinks about as  “yard perfection.”The best way to handle this and create a dog-friendly yard is by creating a digging pit. Having an area of your yard set aside as a special place for your dog to dig, and encouraging them to dig there by hiding delicious treats, is the gold star treatment to avoid a yard excavation mess. – Kristi Benson

9) Create a dog-friendly ramp to the back porch

One of the best things I’ve done for my dogs is to create a dog-friendly ramp leading up to the back porch. Not only is it helpful for senior dogs, but dogs of all ages may have injuries that would make stairs difficult or impossible. It is important that the ramp is not too steep and that the ramp is wide enough to accommodate wheels for your dog if he ever needs them. – Beth Patterson, Daily Dog Tag

10) Add a water feature to your backyard

We know dogs love grass, but water is often a close second. Consider adding a water feature to your dog-friendly backyard. Big or small, it will add, soothing sounds, and variety to your yard that your dog will enjoy for years to come. – Adeo Pets

11) Build a DIY potty spot for your dog

If you want your pup to potty in a particular area of your yard, you can create a DIY potty spot, like a gravel pit. To get them in the habit of pottying in that area, make sure to take them out to that spot on leash at first, and consistently reward them for going to the bathroom in that spot. – Urban Pawsibilities

Originally published on Redfin.com

September is national Pet health Insurance Month

Did you know that September is National Pet Health Insurance Month? So how do you go about finding the right insurance for your pup? Well we’re here to help you figure that out.

Read the fine print

Because looking this good doesn’t come cheap. Pictured Ari from Holland

Much like human insurance, every company has a deductible. However, each company handles their deductibles differently. Some require an annual deductible that must first be met before any expenses are covered while others require a per condition deductible. There are often different ranges of deductibles to choose from.

It’s also important to know if the company has a pay out cap. Some companies have a per-illness cap, some have a yearly cap, and some have a lifetime cap.

Know the fees

A lot of companies say they cover “Usual and Customary” veterinary charges. However, this can actually mean is that they have a pre determined amount that they have decided is reasonable (i.e. the amount they have decided to pay). Unfortunately, vets don’t always charge what the insurance companies deem “reasonable” and you end up having the pay more.

Breed specific problems

It’s also important to know that many insurance companies exclude breed specific health concerns. For example, Boston Terriers tend to have brachycephalic airway syndrome and so some insurance companies won’t cover stenotic nare surgery. So when considering pet insurance please be sure to check what their exclusion policies are.

emergencies only

While we totally suggest that people get insurance it’s important to know that insurance doesn’t cover everything. As a matter of fact, it’s for emergencies only. Insurance doesn’t pay for well visits or routine things like flea and tick medication. It also doesn’t pay if your pup needs their teeth cleaned and most often won’t pay for the bloodwork leading up to the dental cleaning.

well plans

Some insurance plans also offer wellness plans on top of your regular insurance. While it’s definitely worth having a wellness plan to go along with your insurance it’s important to read the fine print and average out your costs to see if the plans being offered are actually saving you money.

who to choose?

With all the money you save with insurance your pup can look as fabulous as Ari.

While we can’t tell you what insurance carrier is best for you we can recommend some companies for you to look at since it can be hard to figure out which one to pick. Some companies that we think are worth taking a look at are HealthyPaws, Trupanion, Nationwide and Wagmo. We’re big fans of Wagmo’s wellness plan. For as low as $20 extra a month you get up to $800 dollars in savings. No matter who you decide to go with we think that insurance is an important part of being a pawrent.

The Humpty Dance - All about humping

It’s embarrassing, one minute your dog is playing the next they’re humping their friends. But why do our dogs hump? Is it because of dominance? Is it because of stress? Well we’re here to tell you all the reasons why your dog humps.

Oh My God Becky Look at her butt….

Humping is a natural behavior in all dogs of all ages. Whether spayed/neutered or not any dog can have the propensity to hump. While people usually think of it as “dominance” that’s just not the truth. Believe it or not your dog is not out to show you “who’s boss” or trying to dominate you. Despite what people may say humping has nothing to do with dominance. The term “dominance” when speaking about dogs refers to access to a resource such as bones, toys, food, or any other thing that can be viewed as a resource.

i mean, her butt, it’s just so big

Dogs hump for a variety of reasons and over-stimulation is one of the most common ones. When a dog gets over-stimulated some may do zoomies, some may bark and others will hump. It just means that they have reached a level of excitement and this is how they handle those types of situations. If your dog is humping in a social situation like our meetup it may just mean that they need a break. It’s okay to exit the meetup to give your dog a second to cool down.

I like big butts and I cannot lie

Some dogs hump because they’re anxious. Anxiety in dogs can often create displacement behaviors. Which means when they get anxious they feel the need to hump something. It’s a way for dogs to relieve that anxious feeling. If you have an anxious dog who humps it’s okay to let them have this time for themself. If you are really uncomfortable with your dog humping then try to find another outlet for stress relief like enrichment. If you’re not sure what enrichment is you can check out our posts on all things enrichment here and here.

Baby got back

Sometimes humping is just a form of play. Dogs play in many different ways. Stalking, chasing, biteyface, wrestling and humping are all forms of playing in dogs. When dogs play they often mimic behaviors that they would do in real life situations. Stalking and chasing are hunting behaviors, biteyface and wrestling are fighting behaviors while humping is a sexual behavior. It is thought that dog play is just practice for when they’re in the real world.

has your girlfriend got the butt?

Sometimes it just feels so darn good. While it definitely isn’t “dominance” sometimes there isn’t always a reason for humping other than it feels good. If you have a dog that humps then there is no reason not to let your pup have a little time alone. So long as it doesn’t create a problem. However, if they’re humping humans then you might want to redirect them to a toy or a chew.

Help My Dog Is Reactive!

Now we’ve already talked about the importance of proper socialization here and we’ve talked about how to find a trainer here. In this post we’re going to be talking about reactivity and ways to help your pup who might be struggling.

What is Reactivity?

Credit: Pooch Parenting

These are dogs that may lunge, bark, whine, growl, snap, or display other "aggressive" looking behaviors. Reactivity may be due to lack of socialization, frustration, or physical conditions, but it is usually embarrassing to the owner who may not understand their dog’s behavior. Some people will say oh my dog has big dog syndrome or PTSD, or any other multitude of ways to describe their dog’s reactivity. Unfortunately, it’s just plain old reactivity and that’s okay. Reactivity is your dog’s way of saying what I see in front of me scares me.

Credit Lil Chin

What does reactivity look like with some dogs?

This can manifest in a multitude of ways. It can mean dogs lunge and bark while out on a leash towards all dogs or even towards certain dogs. It can mean that dogs lunge and bark at humans wearing baseball hats or just humans in general. The basics of what reactivity looks like is the dog is acting in what some think is aggression. A lot of people think reactivity is aggression but aggression and reactivity are two separate and distinct things. Dog’s who lunge and bark almost always do this out of fear. They are fearful of the trigger (dogs, people, other animals) and they think if they lunge and bark then whatever is scaring them will go away.

WHAT CAUSES REACTIVITY?

There’s no one thing that causes reactivity. Some people will tell you that their dog became reactive after it was attacked by another dog and is now fearful of other dogs. Others will tell you that their dog just decided that it doesn’t like other dogs. In some cases a senior dog just needs more space. Most of the time it’s due to undersocialization. Which is why when you have a new puppy it is so important to socialize your puppy in the best possible positive manner with the right positive reinforcement trainer.

Credit Lili Chin

what about using a “training” collar?

ABSOLUTELY NOT! A prong, shock or choke collar used on a reactive dog (let alone a non-reactive dog) is the worst thing you could ever do. What people don’t realize is that by using these so called “training tools” not only do you change the bond you have with your dog but you also can change your dog’s behavior for the worse. Using any sort of aversive on a reactive dog will not help their reactivity, they actually only make it worse. By using aversives with reactive dogs you are showing your dog that other dogs cause them pain and fear and so therefore they only become more reactive.  A dog that pulls to people or dogs and feels the discomfort of the prong collar is at high risk of creating a negative association to what it is looking at. It's called "learning preparedness." Physical discomfort ties to something in the environment. It is easy to be fooled by the dog that runs to the prong or shock collar and assume the dog likes it and thus it's okay. It is not. Especially not for a fearful dog.

what about board and train?

Unfortunately, a lot of those board and train places use aversive tools (as suggested above). There’s no other way they can get the results that they promise in the short amount of time they have your dog. They usually use fear and intimidation to get your dog to behave which have been proven to be ineffective and downright dangerous. There are quick ways to get a certain result, usually they are harsh if not cruel.  The problem is, the results are only temporary because the dog has not learned the correct way to do something, instead it was forced. So in the long run, the dog finds other ways to compensate and get around this new forced behavior or action, resulting in new and compounded issues later on. The truth is aversive methods change behavior quickly so people want to use them. What they don't realize is that they are just suppressing the underlying problem which could come back to haunt them later. The dog is only behaving differently to avoid pain/fear. Don’t fall for the trap that the “trainer knows best” because that’s not always the case. Dog training is an unregulated industry and not all trainers are created equal. I’ve seen first hand how a normal dog went to board and train and came out reactive.

i’ll just exercise my dog more…

Exercise is not a cure for reactivity. A tried dog is just that a tried dog.  By physically exhausting your dog, you’ve solved nothing and may make them less able to cope with everyday stressors. Think about it in terms of humans, when you’re tired you’re not likely going to be happy. I for one know that when I’m tired I’m less likely to want to be nice to people.

I’ll just send my dog to daycare for more socialization…

Unfortunately if your dog is older the socialization period has already ended and there is no way to go back in time. Plus by sending your dog to daycare you run the risk of trigger stacking them. They literally have no time to decompress. Tigger stacking is defined as ‘Stress accumulation due to exposure of multiple triggers, either simultaneously or close enough in time that the dog’s reactivity has not returned to normal.’ (Grisha Stewart, BAT 2.0). It may seem like your dog likes daycare but the reality is they’re doing everything in their power just to survive.

Okay so what do I use instead?

There’s no magic cure all for reactivity. With positive reinforcement and counter conditioning you can learn to manage your dog’s reactivity. This takes time, patience and LOTS of treats. You have to change the way your dog feels about its trigger (other dogs, people, skateboards). Using any form of force, frustration or flooding on fearful dogs makes the problems worse. That means there is no special collar, no special harness, no special tool whatsoever that can cure reactivity. There are a lot of trainers out there that will tell you they can cure your dog’s reactivity and all you have to do is strap on a certain collar on your dog. Unfortunately, that doesn’t cure reactivity and those trainers aren’t telling you about the potential fallout from such aversives. There are some really great ways to help your dog through reactivity like Leslie McDevitt’s pattern games (see video below) and the engage and disengage game (pictured right).

Some super awesome inspiration for reactive dogs

Here are some super amazing dog moms crushing it with their reactive dogs and force free training. Anyone who tells you positive reinforcement didn’t work for their dogs either didn’t know what they were doing or the trainer they hired didn’t know what they were doing. Kayla from the_toby_project who has made huge progress with her reactive dog and Jen down in New Zealand with her reactive dog dax_theangrydog.

Resources:

If you are struggling with a reactive dog and need help we recommend getting help from a qualified positive reinforcement trainer. Please reach out to us as we will help connect you with the right trainer in your area. In the meantime here are some resources to start working on your own:

Reactive Dogs Group on Facebook

Leslie McDevitt’s Control Unleashed, Book

CARE for Reactive Dogs

The All Important Puppy Socialization

So you got a new puppy. That’s so awesome, everyone loves puppies. They’re so cute and squishy, I mean what’s not to love about puppies? But did you know that it’s so important to socialize your puppy the right way during the right time? Well we’re here to explain all about the ever important role of puppy socialization.

What is the critical socialization period?

The critical socialization period is from 3 to 16 weeks of age in puppies. This is where puppies are most vulnerable and learn all about the big scary world. It is critical for puppies to experience things in a positive way during this time. Their minds are like little sponges and a fearful experience can haunt them for the rest of their lives and create a fearful reactive dog.

It’s okay I’ve raised dogs before, I know what I’m doing.

Ugh I can’t tell you how many times we’ve heard and seen this before. That’s great that you’ve raised dogs before but it definitely doesn’t make you an expert on dog behavior. Do you know what it means if your dog is yawning for no reason? Can you tell when a dog is stressed just by looking at their face? There are many subtle signs of stress that often go overlooked and end up hurting the dog as a result. Would you be comfortable with any other professional that said something similar? Maybe a doctor who said they played doctor when they were a kid so they know what they’re talking about? Of course not!

I watched some YouTube videos, I totally know what I’m doing.

Ummm yeah that’s right up there with I’ve raised dogs before. The reality is there are sooooo many bad dog trainers and people with bad advice on YouTube. It’s really hard to know what you’re looking at if you don’t know. It’s great for little training tips, but when it comes to helping your pup become the best version they can be we would definitely not suggest YouTube.

Okay so I’ll just sign my pup up for doggy daycare?

Yeah we’re not a big fan of those either. There are usually a lot of dogs and not enough staff per dog. Plus they won’t take dogs who aren’t totally up to date on their vaccinations and you definitely don’t want to put an unvaccinated dog into a situation like that. We’ve heard some horror stories about doggy daycare and personally would never use one for our pups.

So what can I do to ensure my pup is going to turn out okay?

There’s actually tons of stuff you can do. You can sign up for puppy preschool. Places like The Pet Republic have a puppy preschool for puppies 8-20 weeks old. You can sign up for private lessons with a trainer like Jenny Eifomva of Dogminded. We highly recommend professional force-free positive reinforcement training. We really feel like it is absolutely the best way to ensure your pups are getting the much needed socialization and proper training they need. Please note that not all trainers are created equal. If your trainer suggest a prong collar, an e-collar, or choke collar please find a new one. We’d be more than happy to help you out. A good trainer trains without pain.

What can I do at home to help my dog?

There are so many things you can do at home. While some veterinarians will tell you that you can’t take your dog out before they’ve been fully vaccinated we’re here to tell you that’s actually bad advice. By the time your pup is fully vaccinated the critical socialization period will be over. Now we’re not saying go out and take your dog to a dog park, we definitely would not advise that at all. But there are plenty of safe things you can do. You want to expose your dogs to novel sights and sounds all before 16 weeks while pairing them with some really yummy things like cheese or boiled chicken. You can go to Home Depot and hang out in the parking lot, you can get in the car and go to as many places as you can. Keep in mind that all experiences must be kept as positive as possible. Puppies should also be encouraged to explore using interactive enrichment toys and different surfaces and sounds.

Things to keep in mind…

During this critical time you want to make sure to keep all novel experiences as positive as possible. You want to bring lots of yummy treats with you. If your pup seems scared that’s okay, just move back to a place where they aren’t scared. Do not try to force your dog into any situations, that can create a negative impression on your puppy’s brains and can make your pup fearful for life. For more on puppy socialization see the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position statement.

April is Heartworm Awareness Month

We’ve all been there, we’re hanging outside in the summer having a relaxing time when bam a mosquito comes a bites you. They’re a pain in the butt for us humans but did you know that they can be deadly for dogs? The American Heartworm Society reports that more than a million pets in the US currently have heartworms.

What is Heartworm Disease?

Heartworm disease is a serious (preventable) and sometimes fatal disease in dogs (and other pets) in the United States and many other parts of the world. It is caused by worms (heartworms) that live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels of affected pets, causing severe lung disease, heart failure and damage to other organs in the body. If left untreated, the number of worms increases. Dogs can harbor up to several hundred worms in their bodies. Heartworm disease causes lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries, and can affect the dog’s health and quality of life long after the parasites are gone.

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states, and while some areas may have more infections, it is equally important to have your dog on a preventative.

How can I tell my pup has heartworms?

In the early stages of infection dogs often will show little to no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses dogs will present with a mild yet persistent cough, be less active, fatigued after moderate activity, have a decreased appetite and weight loss.

How is Heartworm detected?

A simple blood test taken yearly for adult dogs who have already been on prevention. For puppies starting prevention at 7 months is appropriate. Puppies and adult dogs who have not been on prevention will need to be tested again at 6 months and 12 months later. It can take up to 6 months for a dog to test positive after being infected. It is recommended to have your dogs on heartworm preventative all year round.

What happens if my dog tests positive?

If your dog tests positive it is imperative you go to your veterinarian and start treatment. Treatment for heartworms is a series of injections called Immiticide®. During treatment it is imperattive that dogs are kept on crate rest and not be able to exercise after the injections. As the worms start to die and start to decompse they break up and are carried to the lungs. Here they lodge in the small blood vessels and are eventually reabsorbed by the body.

How is Heartworm Prevented?

Heartworm is prevented by giving your dog a monthly chewable that has different flavors like beef. You can get these meds from your vet. My dog Shyla takes hers willingly with no issues at all.

Non-Food Related Canine Enrichment

We’ve previously tackled food related enrichment in our blog post “What is Canine Enrichment” and we’ve also given you some ideas on how to keep your pups active during quarantine with your blog post “Top eight ways to keep your dog busy during quarantine”. But how can we create enrichment without using food?

What is non-food related enrichment?

As we’ve previously discussed enrichment is any sort of activity that is designed to create mental stimulation and enhances your dog’s mental state. Enrichment makes your dog use their brain to problem solve and pick up new skills. It could mean taking your dog out to a field on a long line to let them sniff or it could be it can also be letting your dogs shred cardboard boxes.

Why is non-food related enrichment so important?

It’s so important because letting your dog express natural behaviors can not only help them build confidence it can also help them relax. Local dog trainer Jenny Efimova of Dogminded wrote an excellent article on the power of non-food related decompression walks.

Ball Pit Amazon.com

Okay, so what can I do to create enrichment for my dog?

There are TONS of different things you can do for your dog. You can take them out for a decompression walk where they’re on a really long line or off leash and have freedom to move around and sniff as much as they want. You can make them a sand pit with a kiddie pool for dogs who like to dig. The sand pit is a really great way to encourage dogs natural foraging and digging abilities.

Okay, but my dog doesn’t like to dig or sniff.

First, I find it hard to believe you have a dog who doesn’t like to sniff. Dogs literally have 200 million olfactory cells and sniffing is the most natural thing dogs know how to do. My own dog absolutely LOVES to sniff. We call it reading peemail. I jokingly tell people she’s like your grandma who is just learning how to use email and hits reply all instead of just reply because she also leaves her own peemail behind all the time. You can also get flavored bubbles and blow bubbles for your dogs.

Okay, but this seems like too much effort, what can i do that’s easy?

If none of the above are of interest to your dog you could try a flirt pole. These are great for when you can’t get outside to do a lot of exercise. BTB member Gimli loves his flirt pole so much his parents have to keep it hidden. You don’t even have to make your own you can buy one on Amazon. You can even take your dog on a long car rides which are perfect for dogs who love the car. Or maybe your pup would like a ball pit instead? These are all really great ways to create enrichment for your pups.

Some words of wisdom

If your pup gives up and doesn’t want to continue because it’s too hard for them, you should bring it back to an easier point where they are having fun. You don’t want to make it difficult for them. Enrichment should be fun and exciting for your pups, not hard and challenging. Also if you have a dog trainer who is not actively talking about enrichment ideas with you and your pups, it may be time to find a new one. Enrichment is a huge part of training these days and a trainer who isn’t talking about it probably isn’t up to date with their training credentials. We’d also like to mention that laser pointers are NOT considered enrichment. They’re actually really bad for dogs and can cause behavioral issues.

Some places for inspiration:

As you can see here Johnny and Bodhi’s mom is always doing fun enrichment for them.

The Facebook group Canine Enrichment is an excellent source of inspiration. This is where I learned of Bindisbucketlist this woman takes enrichment to a whole different level. She is so creative and it truly amazes me. You don’t have to be as creative as her that’s totally okay. It’s just great to get some ideas when you’re running low. I also get really great ideas from our friends from down under Johnny and Bodhi. Their mom is always doing some fun enrichment. As a matter of fact if it weren’t for Johnny and Bodhi I wouldn’t have known about the Likimats that my dog loves so much.

Show us how you do enrichment:

On Instagram or on Facebook. Also check out our YouTube Channel for more DIY ideas. We’ve created an Enrichment playlist with a bunch of different videos for inspiration.