Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 1: Using Your Dog's Natural Instincts To Build Variety And Engagement #314 episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 24, 2025 · 17 MIN

Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 1: Using Your Dog's Natural Instincts To Build Variety And Engagement #314

from Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett · host Susan Garrett

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   If you've ever thought a stuffed Kong was enough to keep your dog enriched, you might be in for a surprise. Enrichment is about more than keeping our dogs busy. It's about creating experiences that meet their emotional, mental, social, physical, and instinctive needs in ways that truly matter to them. In this episode, you'll discover how everyday activities can turn into meaningful experiences that build your dog's confidence and connection with you while giving them a happier, more enriched life.    In this episode, you'll hear:   • What enrichment really means and why it's essential for every dog. • How true enrichment goes beyond keeping dogs busy. • The difference between meaningful enrichment and passive distraction. • Why variety, choice, and balance matter for your dog's wellbeing. • Common misconceptions about enrichment, including TV, laser pointers, and dog parks. • How to recognize when enrichment becomes monotonous or overwhelming. • The eight stages of the canine predatory sequence and how each relates to enrichment. • Examples of enrichment activities for every stage, from orienting and locating to chasing and consuming. • Safety tips for enrichment toys, puzzles, and play. • How to meet your dog's instinctive needs through simple, creative ideas at home. • A simple homework exercise to help you create your dog's personal enrichment list.   Resources:   1. *West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Treat Dispensing Dog Toy Puzzle - https://geni.us/toppl 2. *KONG Classic Stuffable Dog Toy - https://geni.us/kong-toy 3. YouTube Playlist: Stop Barking Dogs! Why Dogs Bark And Anti-Bark Action Plan With Susan Garrett - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLphRRSxcMHy0bpnsTRDCxIC7NrkOuWYsU&si=jN8_e1S-t18bR_Nw 4. Podcast Episode 215: What Your Destructive, Lunging, Nipping Or Hyper Dog Or Puppy Is Trying To Teach You - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/215/ 5. Podcast Episode 85: Understanding Your Dog's Sit: LWT - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/85/ 6. Podcast Episode 232: Canine Predatory Motor Sequence: Understand Your Dog's Prey Drive To Enrich Your Life Together - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/232/ 7. Podcast Episode 71: Pro Dog Trainer's Secret to Help Your Naughty Dog - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/71/ 8. Nina Ottosson Food Puzzles - https://www.nina-ottosson.com/products/all-products/ 9. Podcast Episode 272: 10 Engaging Chase Games To Increase Your Picky Eater Dog's Food Drive - https://dogsthat.com/transcript/episode-272/ 10. Podcast Episode 264: Shaping Tips For Timid, Shy, Softer Or Fearful Dogs To Create Enthusiastic Learners - https://dogsthat.com/transcript/episode-264/ 11. Podcast Episode 89: Why Dogs Should Not Tug: The Truth Revealed - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/89/ 12. YouTube Video: DIY Puppy Bombs: Easy & Affordable Enrichment Toy for Puppies - https://youtu.be/UBveJe2C2dA 13. Watch this Episode of Shaped by Dog on YouTube - https://youtu.be/fJUvfrU_zP4   *Amazon Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you!

NOW PLAYING

Dog Enrichment Secrets Part 1: Using Your Dog's Natural Instincts To Build Variety And Engagement #314

0:00 17:06

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world? That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding That Hoarder Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives. Flottengeflüster ALD Automotive Österreich | LeasePlan Beim Flottengeflüster powered by ALD Automotive | LeasePlan präsentieren Jörg Janik und Peter Gutenbrunner alle zwei Wochen spannende Informationen rund um das Thema nachhaltige Mobilität. Beide beschäftigen sich schon lange mit der Thematik und bringen umfangreiches Fachwissen mit. Sollten sie aber doch einmal nicht weiter wissen, werden unsere Expert*innen hinzugezogen, die ihnen gerne mit Rat und Tat zur Seite stehen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett?

This episode is 17 minutes long.

When was this Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett episode published?

This episode was published on October 24, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Visit us at shapedbydog.com   If you've ever thought a stuffed Kong was enough to keep your dog enriched, you might be in for a surprise. Enrichment is about more than keeping our dogs busy. It's about creating experiences that meet their emotional,...

Can I download this Shaped by Dog with Susan Garrett episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!