Foraging For Meals

We are always learning to help improve our training methods and behavioral science. Lately I’ve come across some information about better helping meet our dogs needs. And the methods aren’t difficult at all. I started using one of the enrichment exercises for food foraging. It
Involves my dogs using their sniffing for obtaining their meal. I decided to forgo snuffle mats and made my own for my boxers. The first time I didn’t present the food in the food bowl, but rather scattered on the towel, they looked at me confused. I had to show them how to sniff and forage for the food. The quickly caught on and I have been feeding them their meals this way for about 3 weeks now. The benefits have been nothing short of miraculous! Instead of spending 2-3 minutes gobbling down a meal they are spending at least 15 minutes foraging for their meal. That has added an additional 30 minutes of daily sniffing besides the 30-45 minutes they get each day on their walks. I have noticed a huge difference in their demeanor, they are much more relaxed and satisfied. My obsessed with fetch games girl is not longer whining constantly for something to do, she is on the bed sleeping! I would encourage anyone to add this enrichment for the good of their dog, I think you will be pleasantly surprised!!!

Call us at 828-507-3020 to set up you free phone consultation today. We are certified dog trainers working in the Brevard area since 2002 and veterinarian approved!