Seven Ways to Create a Fun and Calm Environment for your Canine Bestie
by Dr. Emily Yacker, Veterinarian
Bubbles
Yes, bubbles! In addition to it being incredibly cute to watch, studies have shown dogs really enjoy bubble machines (1). Using scented bubbles, like bacon scented bubbles, are even better.
Music
It turns out dogs enjoy music, too. In fact, various types of music can be calming for our canine companions (2). Classical music, soft rock, motown and pop have been shown to aid in relaxation (3).
Tip: Aim for music volume no louder than a washing machine.
Training
Reward calm behavior, such as sitting calmly, laying down, etc (6). This helps your pup learn that this type of low stress behavior results in a treat whereas attention seeking behavior is simply ignored. Teaching your dog simple tricks is also really fun. This furthers your bond and works your dog’s mind.
Tip: To keep calories to a minimum, one or two pieces of kibble can be reward enough for some dogs!
Scents
Who knew that lavender scented oil can have a calming effect. Sure enough, lavender oil diffusers – more so than other oils in fact (4)- aid in a pup’s relaxation (2).
Dog Appeasing Pheromones
You’ve probably heard about these and they do work! Studies have shown that spraying a bandana, bedding, and other parts of a dog’s home can induce a calming effect (2).
Food Filled Toys
This is one we’re all familiar with. Stuffing those big Kongs with food or other treats is a great way to stimulate your precious pup’s mind (6). But have you heard of snuffle mats? These mats have lots of fabric making perfect hiding spots for food. You can even feed one of your pup’s meals by tossing the kibble on the mat.
Playhouse
Depending on the size of your home and the size of your pooch, consider getting some fun things like a tunnel, a platform and other “agility” like structures. Even giving your pup 15 minutes to explore these items is a great way to get the mind moving (2).
Tip: Some pups may be a bit nervous exploring play structures. This is normal and no need to force it!
Keep in mind:
Variety is the spice of life (5)!
The key is alternating the enrichment to avoid habituation. Mix up the music you play, try lavender one day and try DAP another day, try a stuffed Kong one day and a snuffle mat the next, turn on the bubble machine one day and break out the tunnel another day.
Every pup is different!
Your dog may enjoy one of the suggestions above and be turned off by another. No biggie. Try another one. Rotate the ones your pup enjoys.
Most of all, have fun. Remember that you are your pet’s whole world. Any time with you will be a good time.
References:
- Hunt RL, Whiteside H, Prankel S. Effects of Environmental Enrichment on Dog Behaviour: Pilot Study. Animals (Basel). 2022 Jan 7;12(2):141. doi: 10.3390/ani12020141. PMID: 35049764; PMCID: PMC8772568.
- Amaya V, Paterson MBA, Phillips CJC. Effects of Olfactory and Auditory Enrichment on the Behaviour of Shelter Dogs. Animals (Basel). 2020 Mar 30;10(4):581. doi: 10.3390/ani10040581. PMID: 32235593; PMCID: PMC7222336.
- Bowman, A.; Dowell, F.J.; Evans, N.P. ‘The effect of different genres of music on the stress levels of kennelled dogs’. Physiol. Behav. 2017, 171, 207–215
- Graham, L.; Wells, D.L.; Hepper, P.G. The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in a rescue shelter. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2005, 91, 143–153.
- Tarou L.R., Bashaw M.J. Maximizing the effectiveness of environmental enrichment: Suggestions from the experimental analysis of behavior. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2007;102:189–204. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2006.05.026.
- Herron ME, Kirby-Madden TM, Lord LK. Effects of environmental enrichment on the behavior of shelter dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2014 Mar 15;244(6):687-92. doi: 10.2460/javma.244.6.687. PMID: 24568110.
- Wells D.L. A review of environmental enrichment for kennelled dogs, Canis familiaris. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. 2004;85:307–317. doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2003.11.005.