âMy pet doesnât like enrichmentâ
Iâve met a lot of pets who donât get enrichment because whenever their humans try giving them new things in their life, they go unused or ignored. So many animals donât have toys because they go unplayed with, or donât have beds because they sleep with their owner at night. They donât get treats because they spit them out, or donât go outside because they just want to go home. Yet enrichment is vital to any animalâs mental and emotional well-being. One important thing I read from zoologist Bob Church when he wrote a column on ferret enrichment was this: It does not matter if your pet ends up caring for the enrichment, what matters is that their environment is changing and giving them new stimulation. That being said, you can look at the reasons enrichment isnât working and use consent on your petâs part to make enriching their life more enjoyable for both of you, and deepen your bond.
My Pet Doesnât Like Walks
For pets with mobility issues, a car ride with windows cracked or going on a walk in a cart or your arms can provide an equal amount of smells, sights, and sounds that make life more interesting and use mental energy. Itâs like seeing a movie for them
For pets who are afraid of going outside, a thundershirt for dogs or pet backpack full of blankets for smaller animals may help build confidence. Allow your pet to go in and out of the backpack on request. Leash training in the house or basement first can also build confidence
Playpens and x-pens are great options for animals who find being leashed aversive or scary, and can allow your critters freedom when youâre outside doing yard work or soaking up some sun
Catios and dog runs are great options to expand the environment of your home. Other species benefit from these just as much as our more common companions!
The weather is bad? Outside is not the only new and interesting place your pet can go. Playdates with other animals, doggy daycares, pet-friendly businesses, and even just coming along on a visit to a friend or relativeâs house can provide as much or more enrichment than going out for a stroll. Itâs also good motivation to brush up on those manners
My Pet Doesnât Like Toys
Let your pet win. I canât stress this one enough. Most dogs who donât like to tug can be hooked by feeling the toy slip through your fingers when you play, and getting to prance around in victory or destroy the toy. Most cats and ferrets who donât bother chasing toys are teased constantly and not allowed to ever catch and carry off the thing. It wonât make your pet aggressive. Keeping the toy for yourself all the time is no fun; no one likes playing with a bully.
Get down on the floor! Mimic their body language, and be respectful of their body language. Make sure that youâre being chased at least as much as you chase. Watch for stress signals and let off the pressure if your pet starts showing them. Donât loom over your pet
If your pet likes food, play food throwing games and make food puzzles. These are great for increasing play drive and building your relationship
Reward playing by the rules. If your pet drops the toy when you ask, immediately engage in play again. If they bring the toy back to you, treat and/or praise and throw it again!
Suicidal bunny. If you have a prey animal, it isnât going to be interested in a toy that just flops in front of its face like a suicidal bunny; it needs to run away, wiggling or flipping or being exciting somehow. On the same note, prey animals donât appreciate things coming at them quicklyâŠunless theyâre suicidal
Try a variety of scents, textures, and features; you just might hit gold. Often your friends will have toys their pet doesnât care for that they can trade for ones your pet doesnât bother with. There are always homemade and dollar store options. Many Facebook groups have exchanges and sales. Having a variety of toys to try doesnât have to break the bank.
My Pet Doesnât Like Treats
I know this is also in the toy section, but treat throwing! Even if your pet doesnât end up liking the treat, chasing it is interesting and reinforcing by itself. For best results, amp your critter up like itâs a toy and roll the treat across the floor
Mix in with a food your pet likes. Rodents or birds will sometimes try new healthy food with a few goodies mixed in (or pick out what they like, which is still a project to keep their brain busy). A little Ferretvite can go a long way with a ferret trying new food. And your dog will be more likely to try weird and different veggies with shredded chicken mixed in
Donât overfeed. Evaluate your petâs weight to make sure itâs healthy, and offer treats furthest from mealtimes
Keep offering! Itâs funny how many pets will suddenly try and like something that they never did before, and even if they donât, just smelling and tasting something new and weird makes life (and kibble) more interesting
My Pet Doesnât Need Beds
Nest boxes, perches, and crates add security to your petâs life. Having them around the house can decrease stress behaviours and increase your petâs confidence
Having a bed by your desk or the kitchen table makes your pet a more active part of your life, and gives an alternate behaviour to begging
If you develop a âgo to matâ or security in a crate at home, it will be easier and more comfortable to go on trips with your pet. No one likes moving across states with an animal screaming in the back seat, or going camping only to have their dog escape every way possible
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