Tailored Enrichment, Designed for Your Dog
Enrichment is about so much more than just keeping your dog occupied. It helps to support both their body and their brain, satisfy their instincts, and strengthen their bond with you.
In this blog, we’ve created enrichment suggestions that are tailored to the specific instincts and purposes that your four-legged friend has been bred for!
Gundogs
These loyal, active dogs were originally bred to work alongside hunters, flushing out game and retrieving it after a successful shot. They are typically highly trainable, and love to please their owners.
The KONG Scruffs Chicken Dog Toy is a great alternative for those who are not hunting with their gun dogs — it provides the satisfaction of bird retrieval with none of the mess! If you are throwing the toy into long grass, please be sure to check your dog for fox tails after every session.
Hounds
Whether they are using their keen eyes or sharp noses, hound-type dogs live for the hunt. After they demonstrate their speed and prey drive, these dogs will thrive on a high-value reward.
To give your hound a chance to hunt around the house, trying hiding a well-scented treat (like Dried Whole Baltic Sprats) in a snuffle toy, and then conceal it somewhere that your dog can access once they have tracked it down. They can enjoy hunting their new toy, and then get rewarded with a healthy treat that is packed with Omega 3 for healthier skin and coat.
Working Dogs
Every working dog was bred with a specific job in mind, from guarding to transport. Working dogs can be prone to under-stimulation, which can lead to destructive behaviours and boredom — but, when given the right enrichment, they are fantastic companions.
Task-based enrichment is a great way to keep your working dog mentally engaged. Teaching tricks can stimulate them both mentally and physically — check out our Farm Shop range to find a rewarding treat to suit even the pickiest of pups.
Pastoral Dogs
If your pastoral dog does not have a herd of animals at their disposal, you might find yourself being herded around the house! These determined, high-energy breeds need lots of exercise, and are typically very responsive to praise and rewards.
Throwing a ball is one of the easiest ways to keep your pastoral dog moving, and the process of returning it to you can satisfy their inbuilt desire to please their owner. Try the very durable KONG Wubba Ballistic Friend, which provides plenty of squeaky sensory input for your dog to enjoy.
Terriers
Vocal, brave, and often quite feisty, the terrier group is full of gems. Like hounds, terriers were developed to control vermin and hunt small game, so satisfying their prey drive is key to successful enrichment.
Whether you are playing tug-of-war or simply letting your terrier shake and toss it around, the KONG Shakers Shimmy Whale is the perfect way to tap into their instincts. With crinkling sounds and an internal squeaker, it can satisfy prey drive and provide a safe outlet for all of that energy.
Toy Dogs
Small but mighty! Toy breeds require less exercise than other breed groups, but still need plenty of mental stimulation. Socialisation and puzzles are the easiest ways to keep them occupied.
Offering the perfect mix of cuddly down-time and enthusiastic play, the Fluffy Octopus Dog Toy is ideal for these small but versatile dogs. You can play tug of war or throw this fluffy friend for your dog — then, when they are tired out, they can curl up with it to nap in comfort!
Utility Dogs
A varied collection of specifically designed dogs, there is no “one size fits all” approach to enrichment for the utility group. Dependent on your dog’s individual personality and motivation, you can choose the most appropriate enrichment option from the list above!
