Environmental Enrichment - Peanut Butter Box

So what exactly is enrichment - if you looked in your dictionary it states 'the act of making fuller or more meaningful or rewarding', this is pretty spot on in my book.

I've said it before, our dogs are intelligent and if you don't feed this intelligence you will have a dog on your hands that will find it's own way to stay amused and exhaust some energy and I'm sure you won't like what he does.

So here is something I tried with my dogs recently, I call it the 'peanut butter box'.

Peanut Butter Box

Get a cardboard box, smear peanut butter or cream cheese (ensure it is something suitable for your dog to consume) on each side of the box. For an added bonus you can put some dry treats in side as well.

Seal the box with tape and then punch holes in each side of the box, I used a knitting needle.

Once your box is sealed put it out in the middle of the back yard and release the hound/s. You will have fun just watching them investigate and trying to figure out how to get inside it and then finding the rewards you provided for them.

Important note! this is a supervised game, you need to ensure that your dog/s don't swallow any tape or cardboard. The rewards you put in it must be suitable for your dog, so be sure he/she has no issues with peanuts or dairy before you use these types of foods.

If you do try it, make sure you take some pictures and send me some to post on the website!

Check out the video below of Boss & Chica at play with the peanut butter box.