Adopting a new dog is an exciting and transformative experience for the dog and their new family. However, the transition to a new home can be overwhelming for a dog, especially if they’ve come from a shelter or rescue. One of the best ways to help your newly adopted dog adjust and thrive is through enrichment.
Newly adopted dogs might be decompressing in their new surroundings. Enrichment helps them cope with these feelings, build confidence, and strengthen the bond with their new family. Enrichment activities not only keep your dog mentally stimulated but also help them feel more secure and happy in their new environment. It also prevents behavioral issues that can arise from boredom or anxiety.
5 Enrichment Activities to help your pup settle into their new home.
Training
Start with some easy, short, positive training sessions to help your dog learn new cues and tricks while also providing mental stimulation. Attention games like The Name Game is a great game to start with! Say your dog’s name, the minute they look at you, say “yes” or use your clicker and give them an extra tasty reward. Practice this a few times and once they are good at it, have a second person join you. You can take turns saying the dog’s name. It is a great way to help your new pup learn their name and it is the beginning of recall! Over time you can incorporate fun tricks to keep your dog engaged too!
Scent Games
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. Hide treats around the house or use scent-based toys to encourage your dog to use their nose and problem-solve. While your dog is still settling in, stick to one room at a time to hide the treats in. Once the treats are hidden, encourage your dog to look for them. You can keep this game simple at first, placing treats where they can be seen or found easily. If they enjoy it, you can make it more challenging by hiding treats under or in things for them to sniff out.
Playtime
Engaging in interactive play with toys like balls, frisbees, or tug ropes can help you find what your dog loves the most to play with! Playtime not only provides exercise but also helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Meal Time
You can make each meal an enriching one! Your dog will enjoy their food a lot more if they have to work for it. Using an old muffin tin and some toys, you can make a fun interactive food bowl for your dog. Take the muffin tin, divide their food into each muffin cup, then rest some of your pup's toys on top. Tennis balls are my favorite toy as they fit perfectly over the opening and the pup has to pick them up or nudge them with their nose to remove the ball and get to the food in the cup. It is so much fun to watch our pups solve problems to get what they want.
Boredom Buster
Recycled materials can make the best boredom busters for your dog. They most likely enjoyed something this simple in the shelter since recycled paper and cardboard items are easy to access and simple to put together. Using empty paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls, you can fold one side closed, add treats in, and then fold the other side closed. The treat can be given to your dog just like that! They will enjoy shredding the paper to get to their treat. You can make it more exciting by putting multiple rolls together and creating shapes. You will want to fold one side, add in the treats, and then insert that tube into another open tube, bending them, adding treats, and creating a shape as you go. Get creative and use your imagination, your pup will love it!
Enriching your newly adopted dog’s life is a rewarding journey that helps them adjust and thrive in their new home. By providing a variety of stimulating activities, a comfortable environment, and consistent routines, you’ll be setting the stage for a happy and fulfilling life for your furry friend. Be patient with your dog as they settle into their new home and try different enrichment activities to see what they enjoy most. Embrace the process of discovering what brings joy to your dog, and enjoy the many rewarding moments along the way! If you need a little extra help having your new family member adjust we’re here to help! Book a one-on-one training session with us for a customized training plan just for your pup.
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