Abstract
Simple SummaryThe quality of life for domestic and captive animals can be enhanced and improved by providing additional stimuli and activities, known as environmental enrichment (EE). However, it is important to ensure the enrichment provides benefit to the animal, and as such the behaviour of the animals can be monitored to understand the activities’ impacts. A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of seven different EE activities on the behaviour of 10 training dogs housed in an office environment during training within an assistance dog charity. Results suggest there is a need to diversify thinking around EE, shifting common thinking of EE as one entity to instead consider EE in different categories and to ensure animals receive a mixture of EE types.Environmental enrichment (EE) can be used to enhance the environment of various animals. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effects of seven EE activities (Bonding, Bubble machine, Conspecific play, Interactive toy, Playhouse, Stuffed food toy and Tug play) on dog behaviour, pre- and post-EE for dogs housed in an office environment during training as part of an assistance dog training programme. EE activities resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of relaxation behaviours (p < 0.01) and a significant reduction in alert (p < 0.01) and stress behaviours (p = 0.02). Results suggest various benefits of the different activities with Conspecific Play and Playhouse activities having the greatest overall positive behaviour change when compared to the other activities. The food-based EE activities (Interactive toy and Stuffed food toy) had the least behaviour change of all the activities provided. Findings will be of interest to pet owners, animal rescue centres, dog trainers and working dog organisations.
Highlights
There are many definitions of environmental enrichment (EE) within the literature, but EE is commonly described as a technique designed to enhance the quality of life in captive and domestic animals by providing additional and temporary environmental stimuli to promote psychological and physiological wellbeing [1,2,3]
Stress behavioural change scores were significantly lower for Conspecific play, Playhouse resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of relaxation behaviours
Findings from this study suggested that Conspecific play and Playhouse activities resulted in the greatest behaviour change compared with all other activities
Summary
There are many definitions of environmental enrichment (EE) within the literature, but EE is commonly described as a technique designed to enhance the quality of life in captive and domestic animals by providing additional and temporary environmental stimuli to promote psychological and physiological wellbeing [1,2,3]. EE has been shown to be beneficial to the wellbeing of species including rats [4], pigs [5], cats [6] and geckos [7]. There has been an increase in the number of studies reporting or reviewing the use of different EE types (e.g., the use of olfactory [16,17] and auditory EE [16,18]) to improve dog welfare, in rehoming or shelter environments [19].
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