Enrichment and walking ideas

1 March 2024

Enrichment should always be enriching - not frustrating

There are things that you can do in terms of walks to make them a less overwhelming experience and so that your dog is not rehearsing the behaviour. Practice makes perfect afterall. Sniffing and play are relaxing activities for dogs so going somewhere that is quieter and full of enriching smells can help a dog to decompress.


These ideas will not be possible for everyone due to circumstances including financial but here are some considerations:


·     You could hire a fenced in field.


·     Invest in a jacket /lead sleeve such as this to reduce unwanted interactions.


·     Go to places that are quieter and not full of lots of dogs.


Here are some more enrichment ideas that can increase positive moments for your dog. You know what your dog likes best so pick and choose and try things and adapt them if needed.

Mounting and humping behaviour

by Lisa Sinnott • 30 January 2026
Some dogs do it for hormonal reasons others due to behavioural. Reasons behind humping can include hormones, anxiety, tension attention seeking, frustration, eliciting play or displacement behaviour when stressed. Filling out the diary can help pinpoint more triggers and look at what is happening.

Children and dogs - harmony at home

by Lisa Sinnott • 30 January 2026
Children and Dogs: A Guide to Safe and Happy Relationships Having a dog in your family is exciting and fun, but it’s important to teach children how to interact safely and kindly with their furry friend. Puppies and young dogs are still learning, and we need to help them grow into happy, well-behaved companions.

Separation related challenges

by Lisa Sinnott • 30 January 2026
You may have heard that you have made a 'rod for your own back' with your dog, or 'spoiling' them has caused separation anxiety. I am here to tell you, that this is not the case. Dogs from breeders and rescued dogs can experience it. Separation distress can be caused for lots of different reasons. These can include:

Pica and dogs - eating non- food items

by Lisa Sinnott • 30 January 2026
Understanding Pica in Dogs: Why They Eat Non-Food Items

Sound Sensitivities in Dogs

by Lisa Sinnott • 29 January 2026
Sound sensitivities can be distressing for us to watch.

Dangers outside and in the garden

by Lisa Sinnott • 27 January 2026
Many trees can be dangerous if a dog eats them which many dogs can do.

Managing multi dog homes

by Lisa Sinnott • 19 January 2026
Sometimes management at home can be tricky if you have more than one dog, with this in mind I wanted to break down some options for you.

Stress and your dog’s brain

by Lisa Sinnott • 12 January 2026
It is thought that in chronic stress that the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory – the hippocampus – has shrunk.

Meeting dogs

by Lisa Sinnott • 7 January 2026
Introducing dogs to one another

What should you look for in a good muzzle

by Lisa Sinnott • 15 December 2025
Not all muzzles are made the same. Fabric one’s can inhibit panting, and can easily be torn on branches and some hold a dog’s mouth shut – uncomfortable and mean they cannot pant.