Canine Enrichment Outside the Kennel
ASPCA Professional recently posted an article espousing the benefits of time outside with dogs at the kennel. We’re proud to be highlighted in the article for the work we do here at Mackenzie’s.
Dogs just wanna have fun
Time outside the kennel, with and without human companions, offers some of the best opportunities for canine enrichment:
- The dogs get much needed exercise, which helps tire them out so that they are more relaxed in their kennels.
- Social dogs enjoy the company of other dogs.
- Dogs have the opportunity to exhibit natural behaviors, such as running, digging, following scents, and playing.
- Being outdoors stimulates all of the dogs’ keen senses, which is naturally satisfying to them.
The joys of adopting a senior dog – an update from an adopter
I was sitting here working on my lessons for my equine therapy students this morning after our morning walk, and snapped this picture. I thought to myself…all is well in our household again. I had missed our older Sr. Dog we had to put down last fall terribly. It was too quiet. This morning I fed Barley, showered, and we took our morning walk – a quick one in the cold – and came back to settle down to work on lessons. He settled down on his bed and fell asleep, The tea kettle is on, the house is quiet, Barley is softly snoring, the sun is shining and all is right with our world right now. Peaceful, and so far from his kennel days. What a great dog. (More on his smart learning later!)
~Juli
