The Five Types of Dog Enrichment – and Why They Work
Dogs share our lives, and we do our best to take care of their needs. But we may have overlooked some of the needs that individual dogs may have. Is your dog getting the enrichment they need? There are five types of enrichment that may benefit your dog, no matter their age. They are: physical, social, nutritional, occupational, and sensory stimulation. Many overlap, so if you are doing sensory stimulation games, chances are you are also engaging other parts of their brain and emotions. Just like humans, we can get into trouble if we are bored.
Many undesirable behaviors in dogs may be a result of under stimulation in one or more of these five domains. Understanding your dog’s wants, needs, and temperament can help you both have happier, more connected, and fulfilled lives together. You don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy toys, training classes, or wild experiences. Sol Dog Training Program Manager, Kim Stoll, explains how simple objects around your house can be great enrichment opportunities. And when you engage a dog’s nose in any game, you are helping balance their minds and their energy.
Listen to Episode #78 Now:
BIO:
Kim Stoll
Trainer - Program Manager
Kim’s highest aspiration as a child was to own a farm with one of every breed of dog, and while she hasn’t achieved that specific goal (thankfully), she has filled her life with dogs as much as possible.
While Kim always loved dogs and dreamed of competing in dog sports, it wasn’t until she brought home Bonus, her first adopted dog, that she began her journey of working with “behavioral” cases. Bonus was deeply fearful, undersocialized, and a flight risk (which she learned in the Humane Society parking lot where he immediately slipped his collar and took off running). Kim’s pursuit of helping Bonus led to wanting to help other dogs like him, which led to an internship with Sol Dog where she gained hands-on experience under Rachel’s guidance.
Kim went on to serve on the board of a rescue group which focused on saving dogs with behavioral challenges who were at risk of euthanasia in the shelter system and worked as a dog trainer doing in-home private lessons. Much of Kim’s professional experience since then has been in marketing, communications, and fundraising for nonprofits (including PACC!). She feels strongly about working for an organization whose mission aligns with her values.
Kim is passionate about helping dogs find balance and develop trusting relationships with their people. She believes understanding the dog’s perspective and state of mind is the first step in addressing any issue and tries to be every dog’s biggest advocate. She has dabbled in a variety of dog sports with her personal dogs, including obedience, rally-o, agility, nosework, canine freestyle, and tricks, and is always looking for opportunities for continued education. Dog training is an ever-evolving field, and she believes new knowledge and techniques must continuously be sought in order to be the best trainer she can be. Compassion, communication, and fun (don’t forget to have FUN with your dog!) are the core tenants that drive her work with every client, both human and canine.
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