Providing well-being to our pets goes far beyond offering them quality food and giving them appropriate walks. We must not neglect their physical and mental stimulation, so that they are healthy and happy animals.
Environmental enrichment is based precisely on this, which consists of proposing different types of stimuli in their environment and routine with the aim of increasing the quality of life and entertainment for our pet. Thanks to this, their mind is stimulated, they are physically exercised and problems such as stress and bad behavior are combated, while the bond between human and animal is strengthened and strengthened.
Environmental enrichment must be adapted to the needs of each species. We must bear in mind that, by living in captivity, we deprive our pets of certain stimuli that they would receive if they were free. To alleviate this deficiency, different types of enrichment come into action, such as social, sensory, physical and cognitive. It is the latter that concerns us here.
Within the umbrella of environmental enrichment, cognitive enrichment focuses on the mental stimulation of the animal. Often pet owners make sure they get enough physical activity with walks and games that burn off energy, but neglect stimulating their pet intellectually.
Thus, through cognitive enrichment, the animal’s mind is stimulated and activated. To do this, they are given games or challenges that they must solve using logic, to get some kind of prize or reward.
Among its advantages, it keeps our pet busy and entertained for a long time. In addition, it not only stimulates their mind, but also helps them reduce their stress and anxiety levels, as well as combat certain behavior problems.
For this reason, cognitive enrichment games and activities are perfect to propose when they start to misbehave because they get bored and have excess energy that they need to burn off. As well as when they are going to be alone at home.
Cognitive enrichment activities vary depending on the needs of your pet, both for its species and for its specific breed or even character requirements. Broadly speaking, they consist of posing challenges that they must solve with the help of logic and reasoning, as well as sharpening their senses, so sensory enrichment also comes into play.
On the market you will find different toys that fulfill this purpose, such as puzzles, food dispensers that the dog must extract with effort, as well as olfactory mats, among others.
But you can also make them at home. For example, hiding treats for your pet in different corners of the house or inside a cardboard box that can be opened relatively easily. You can also place them on a towel and roll it up, on the grass, or on a long-pile carpet. Or teach him training commands – such as sit or give you the paw – and reward him when he obeys you. Of course, try to vary the types of challenges and games so that your pet does not get bored.
