Enrichment in the Shelter

The dogs in your shelter can't say that they're bored or stressed, but they may express it through inappropriate behaviors like barking, jumping, chewing and resource guarding. Enrichment programs can help to relieve this boredom and stress and reduce these behaviors—and thus make a major difference in a shelter dog's daily life.

What You'll Need to Read

Canine Enrichment Glossary
Oral, auditory, tactile…what do these terms mean?

Canine Enrichment Tips
Want your program to succeed? Think like a dog, and other recommendations.

Enrichment for Shelter Cats
Cats and kennel enrichment are a perfect, but often neglected, combination.

Featured Programs: In-Kennel Enrichment

Learn How Now: Enrichment on a Shoestring
Got a tight budget and limited staff hours? That didn't stop Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary. Here they've shared the details of their enrichment program, as well as a sample of their in-kennel enrichment schedule.

Mighty Mouths
Provide heavy chewers with appropriate alternatives that satisfy their need to chew.

Featured Programs: Especially for Volunteers

Taming Those Canine "Teens"
Two smart strategies for using volunteers to teach adolescent canines basic manners.

Get Fit with Fido
Showcase your shelter dogs' talents as exercise companions by recruiting volunteers to walk, run, or hike with them.

Read and Relax
Help dogs who need to learn to chill out, or who would benefit from calm human company with this program from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.