Logo

Animal Shelter Enrichment Program

One of my passions is getting shelter dogs out of their kennels and into play groups and other enrichment programs. These types of programs are so important for the dog's mental wellbeing while they are waiting for new homes at the shelter. I can help establish enrichment programs for shelter and day care environments.  These are great program elements for volunteers to get involved with!​

Dog Enrichment 

Drive By Treats - Easy Enrichment for Shelter Dogs
  • ​Feed the shelter dogs "light" while working with this treat program so that they are not getting too much food during the day
  • Shelter staff can carry treats in fanny packs, pockets or treat bags
  • When walking by the kennel, reward the dog for good behavior while in the kennel. Give the dog a treat if he is calm and all four paws are on the ground
  • This encourages dogs to come to the front of the kennel and be calm as potential owners come to view the shelter dogs
  • If a dog is fearful and is staying at the back of the kennel, drop a treat into the kennel through the cage door and keep walking. This will encourage a fearful dog to associate people and the front of the kennel in a positive way 
  • Be sure to watch for resource guarding if dogs are kenneled together 
Kongs
  • Black Kongs are the most durable, but red Kongs will work too
  • Place treats such as peanut butter, kibble, canned food, etc.
  • Putting Kongs with treats inside into the freezer will make them last longer with the dogs
  • Distribute Kongs to the dogs while they are in their kennels 
  • Be sure to be mindful of resource guarding if dogs are kenneled together
  • Be sure to use the right size Kong for the dog. Do not use small Kongs for big dogs
  • When dogs are finished with Kongs:
    • Remove all leftover food from Kongs 
    • Scrub Kongs in soapy water, removing all organic material
    • Place Kongs in a bin with water. Add 1/3 cup of bleach per gallon of water 
    • Allow Kongs to sit in bleach solution for 10 minutes 
    • Rinse, dry well and reuse! 
Pupsicles
  • Supplies Needed
    • Paper or plastic cups of various sizes. You can also use ice trays
    • Chicken or beef broth. Water can be used as well
    • Treats
  • Add treats/food combination to cups
  • Add broth or water to 3/4 full
  • Freeze overnight 
  • Remove cups from pupsicles. Paper cups can be torn. Plastic cups can be slit up the side for easy removal
  • Distribute to dogs- Great for warm days! 
Quiet Time - Great Program Element for Volunteers
  • Locate a quiet room or area outside. Disinfectable areas are preferred, but using bedding that can be washed may help to diminish cross contamination 
  • Set up a quiet spot for the dog to relax in for awhile 
  • Have a volunteer sit with the dog, petting him and encouraging him to relax
  • If no volunteers are available, the dog can be placed in an office where someone is working
  • If appropriate, provide the dog with a chew toy
  • For dogs that are comfortable in crates, place the dog in the crate in a quiet place outside of the kennel 

Additional Links 

www.prairieoaksdogtraining.com