Canine Enrichment

PART 4

TEXT: SARAH WANLESS

This month we look at a form of passive enrichment for your canine companion. Passive enrichment is a form of enrichment which, once organised, provides your dog with an enrichment experience without you having to do anything. In this article we look at the passive enrichment activity of exploring sensory gardens. Adding some sensory elements to your garden provides a safe, enriching outdoor space for your dog. Canine sensory gardens give a whole host of benefits, including mental and physical enrichment, a confidence boost and stress relief. So, what is a canine sensory garden?

CANINE SENSORY GARDEN

A canine sensory garden is a section in your garden, planned with your canine in mind. It seeks to provide mental and physical enrichment and stimulation to your dog through plants, materials, textures and activities that stimulate all five senses (smell, sight, sound, taste and touch).

Sensory gardens for pets were first introduced back in 2013 at animal shelters that were looking for a way to enrich and de-stress dogs kept in kennels. It had been observed that dogs at home were fascinated by their owner’s herb gardens, and those who were allowed to partake in scent investigation were happier and more relaxed. The introduction of sensory gardens in the kennels was seen to have an immediate, positive impact on the canine inhabitants, who were allowed (and encouraged) to run, sniff, investigate specially selected plants and herbs, get down and dirty in the mud area and dig in the digging pit.

NOTE

It is important to remember that the plants in your canine sensory garden may be destroyed, but ultimately that’s the point, so you can’t get upset when this happens!

BUILD YOUR OWN

Here’s how you can develop a sensory garden for your pup:

PLANTS

When selecting plants for your pet-friendly garden, it is important to select plants that are not only safe for your dog to smell but also eat. It is also a good idea to have some plants in pots so that you can move them around; this helps to keep things new and interesting.

The best sensory gardens have a wide variety of plants, especially plants that offer some health benefits. Dogs have been seen to self-medicate where they can, so it’s a good idea to give them an opportunity to do this.

In terms of plants for your sensory garden, we recommend the following: • Chamomile • Valerian • Yarrow • Grass • Lavender • Rosemary • Mint • Barely Grass • Catnip • Pet grass

TEXTURE

While adding texture sounds intimidating, it definitely isn’t. Think astroturf, different types of grass, wood chips, sand, gravel and water. Adding different textures appeals to the 'touch' sense and helps boost a dog’s confidence (especially in puppies).

ACTIVITIES

Of course, the sensory garden also lends itself to the installation of a digging pit or another form of enrichment activity that your dog may enjoy.