This episode explores practical strategies for improving the daily lives of shelter animals through kennel enrichment. The discussion emphasizes how enrichment is not just about keeping animals entertained but about reducing stress, promoting natural Behaviours, and improving overall well-being—ultimately making them more adoptable.

Key points include:

·       Why enrichment matters: A kennel environment can be stressful and monotonous for animals. Enrichment provides mental stimulation, comfort, and opportunities for animals to express species-appropriate Behaviours.

·       Types of enrichment: From food puzzles, scent games, and chew toys, to music, visual barriers, and soft bedding, shelters can use simple, low-cost tools to make kennels more engaging. Rotating enrichment items is highlighted as a way to keep things fresh.

·       Role of staff and volunteers: Everyone in the shelter can contribute. Staff can integrate enrichment into daily routines (like feeding and cleaning), while volunteers can help create toys, run playgroups, or provide one-on-one interaction.

·       Building a culture of enrichment: Success comes when enrichment becomes part of the shelter’s standard of care. Training staff and volunteers, sharing ideas, and celebrating creative solutions encourages consistency and innovation.

·       Impact on outcomes: Animals with better enrichment show reduced stress Behaviours, increased sociability, and improved adoptability, which benefits both the animals and the shelter as a whole.

The big take away here is enrichment doesn’t need to be complex—what matters most is consistency, creativity, and a team-wide commitment to improving the lives of animals in care. 

About Mik Moeller

Mik is a professional certified dog trainer. He worked at the San Francisco SPCA as the canine Behaviour specialist for 18 years. He has his CPDT-KA and his CBCC –KA certifications. He is a recognized expert in shy/fearful dogs, reactive dogs meaning those dogs who bark and lunge on leash and canine enrichment. 

Mik graduated from the renowned San Francisco SPCA Dog Training Academy in 1999 and awarded special certification for dog-dog aggression in 2002 by Jean Donaldson. Mik frequently writes articles and lectures both nationally and internationally on leash reactivity, canine body language, dog play, canine enrichment and scent games, dog park etiquette and how to work with shy/fearful dogs. He also developed and taught the Reactive Rover dog training classes.

His teaching motto is you can teach an old dog new tricks and he brings a sense of humor to his classes to help the two legged students learn to understand their dogs Behaviour and provide tools to help them get the Behaviour they want in a positive, force-free, fun environment.

Links 

AHS Behaviour- https://www.azhumane.org/pet-Behavior-tips/

Moeller Dogs- https://www.facebook.com/p/Moellerdog-100054231800397/

Contact- [email protected]