Functional Canine Enrichment

Enrichment is often associated with fun games or food stuffed toys which we use to keep our dogs occupied and mentally stimulated when we might have limited time to spend with them. However enrichment can also be functional i.e. have a specific purpose. Functional Canine Enrichment uses movement exercises, posture training, body work and scent games to achieve calmness and wellbeing. By stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system we can aid hyperactive dogs to settle, nervous dogs to be more confident or reactive dogs to choose a different response. Functional Canine Enrichment won’t arouse your dog but will tire him/her out; besides it is also fun and a great way to bond.
Not only can you calm the chaos but help your dog be more body aware by working with the proprioceptive system. This in itself can have great benefits by keeping him/her flexible and maintaining the body as well as aiding mental and emotional balance.
Functional Canine Enrichment is useful for any dog with or without behavioural problems. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Hyperactive or restless dogs, to tire him/her out in a manner that doesn’t promote adrenaline production
• Reactive dogs, to help him/her be more successful in fearful or arousing situations
• Shy dogs, to promote confidence
• Older dogs, to maintain flexibility and give gentle exercise and mental stimulation
• Young puppies, in their critical socialisation period and the transition into their new home
• Adolescent dogs, to promote impulse control and body awareness
• Dogs who don’t travel well in the car
• Preparation for veterinary examination or procedures
• Working breeds that need more stimulation than some other breeds or need to be on the move
• Intelligent dogs who get bored very easily and turn self-employed causing problems in the home and on walks
• Dogs who need to improve muscle tone or need to stretch after exercise or injury
• Dogs on limited exercise
• Dogs who need to keep physically fit and need to improve body awareness and agility
• Fearful or anxious dogs – noise sensitivity, separation anxiety, handling issues like fear of grooming, nail clipping, hand shyness or body defensiveness etc.
• Dogs that pull on the leash to teach balance
• Performance issues, for competing dogs who lack concentration, focus or body awareness

 
Discounted packages available for block bookings see here for info.
To book email Toni at [email protected] or phone 07747 862614