Let me tell you something about our dog, Loona. She’s smart. Too smart — the kind of clever that gets bored if you blink too slowly. And when boredom hits? Let’s just say several soft toys, rope chews, and one innocent slipper have met their stuffing-filled doom.
But here’s the thing: shredding toys isn’t “naughty.” It’s natural behaviour — dogs love to tear, tug, and dissect because it mimics what they'd do in the wild. That’s why enrichment isn’t just a luxury for dogs like Loona, it’s a lifesaver (for both our mental health and my living room decor).
Why Enrichment is Basically Canine Therapy
Enrichment is all about giving dogs the chance to use their brains, bodies, and noses the way nature intended. It's not just play — it's a vital part of their well-being. Mental stimulation can:
- Reduce anxiety
- Prevent boredom-based destruction
- Help regulate emotions
- Improve behaviour and focus
For Loona, it’s the difference between a peaceful afternoon nap and turning the house into a full-scale fluffageddon.
The Blue Treat Ball: Loona’s Favourite Frenemy
One of Loona’s go-to enrichment tools is the iconic blue treat ball. Stuff it with kibble or treats, and suddenly she’s engaged, focused, and mildly obsessed. It rolls. It dispenses snacks. It frustrates her just enough to keep her coming back for more. It’s basically a canine Rubik's cube with snacks.
And the colour? Not just for aesthetics — dogs see blue better than most other colours, so it stands out clearly against the floor. That means it grabs their attention and keeps it.
Licking Mats: Loona’s Secret to Chilling Out (Literally)
Another favourite in our enrichment arsenal is the lick mat... and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. Licking releases feel-good hormones (like endorphins), which helps dogs relax and self-soothe. It's like yoga for their tongue.
We use ours in all sorts of situations:
- During grooming: Baths, nail trims, brushing — pop some peanut butter or soft cheese on the mat and suddenly she’s much less interested in the nail clippers.
- When she’s anxious: Visitors, storms, postman... a lick mat helps her cope without going full guard dog.
- During the recent 38°C heatwave: We froze her mat with some wet food and fruit purée. Instant enrichment, hydration and cooling all in one. Honestly, I was tempted to lick it myself!
Other Loona-Approved Enrichment Faves
Here’s what else keeps Her Highness Loona busy, focused, and (mostly) well-behaved:
- Scent Work: I hide treats around the house or garden and she gets to sniff them out like a four-legged detective. Bonus: she gets tired out without even running.
- Obedience Games: We practise commands like “place,” “find it,” and “leave it” — all dressed up as games so she doesn’t realise she’s learning shes also bilingual..(if you don't count doggy language)
- Controlled Destruction: Sometimes, I let her go full gremlin on a cheap rope toy. Better that than my boots but supervision is a must all those stringy fibers could be a problem if not watched.
Why We (Still) Love the Blue Treat Ball
In case you’re wondering if it’s really worth it, here’s the deal:
- Brain Workout: Loona has to think to get the food out. It’s like snack-based sudoku.
- Energy Burner: It gets her moving, rolling, chasing and me sitting down for five glorious minutes.
- Slow Feeder: No more hoovering kibble. It slows her down and helps digestion.
- Anxiety Helper: Great for those “I’m leaving the house, please don’t destroy it” moments.
- Entertainment: It’s hilarious watching her chase it across the kitchen like it owes her money.
Not Just for Dogs: Cats & Rabbits, Too!
Enrichment isn’t just a dog thing. If you’ve got a whiskered or floppy-eared friend, they’ll love it too.
- Cats: Use the ball or a lick mat with wet food. Suddenly your sofa panther is hunting like it’s the Serengeti.
- Rabbits: Yep, rabbits are clever little things. Hide treats, give them safe chew toys, or even let them roll the treat ball for pellets.
Final Thoughts (and Loona’s Paw of Approval)
Enrichment doesn’t have to be expensive, fancy, or Insta-worthy — it just needs to be thoughtful. Whether it's a frozen lick mat on a sweltering summer day, a sniffy scavenger hunt in the hallway, or chasing a blue ball around like it’s plotting against her — it matters.
Enrichment keeps pets happy, healthy, and (mostly) out of mischief. Loona gives the blue treat ball, lick mats, and all her enrichment tools two paws up — and I give them a very grateful sigh of relief.