The Trouble with Enrichment

Enrichment is a big buzz word in the Dog Training community. We’re seeing all sorts of new and fun ways to bring enrichment to our dogs life. Snuffle matts and ball pits and specially designed toys… the list goes on. Some schools even offer entire classes filled with these enrichment games. Enrichment is wonderful if it’s used right. The question is, are you using it right?

Let’s start with the dictionary definition of enrichment: “Enrichment makes something more meaningful, substantial, or rewarding. Enrichment improves something.”

So, what is the trouble?

There’s nothing wrong with adding more joy to our lives and of course, to the lives of our 4-legged family members, but the pendulum seems to have swung toward using this type of enrichment in the same way some parents use TV and Video Games: as a babysitter, and that is not okay! The trouble with enrichment these days is it has crossed the line from adding something wonderful to instead, replacing something…. and often what’s being replaced is training. I’m seeing more and more posts online about using enrichment to keep your dogs stimulated and out of trouble.

Let me just say it bluntly: THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR TRAINING

Training is what will ensure that when your dog starts to chase a squirrel towards a busy road, you can call them back…