The benefits of The Dog House
All dogs can benefit from sensory enrichment, and it can be very enjoyable too. It can be especially useful for very excitable or nervous dogs, as activities such as sniffing can have a great calming effect. It is also ideal for puppies, older dogs, or dogs post surgery who are on limited exercise, but need a way to tire the brain.
The Dog House also serves as a perfect socialisation zone for both puppies and rescue dogs with limited exposure to everyday life. Socialisation is about the process of gently and positively exposing your dog to new environments and everyday stimuli with the goal being to help them build confidence and resilience.
Physical benefits:
1. Lower Heart Rate; sniffing significantly reduces a dogs heart rate. Engaging the nose activates the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for rest and relaxation), which lowers the heart rate, decreases cortisol (stress) levels, and releases calming endorphins. Sniffing also triggers the brain's 'seeking system' releasing dopamine, which naturally makes your dog happier and more content.
2. Neurological Health; Puzzle toys, problem solving and novel sensory experiences promote neuroplasticity. This keeps the brain active, which is especially important for slowing cognitive decline in senior dogs. Foraging, pushing or pulling compartments requires sustained focus and decision making. This exercises the brain in the same way that physical exercise builds muscle.
3. Leash Free Fun; As the area is enclosed and for your exclusive use, it is great for dogs who are in training or for dogs with limited recall of any age. The area is deliberately limited in space, so your dog cannot move too far away from you. This allows them freedom to explore, while you have the ability to easily regain their attention, without having to trudge across a field to get to them.
Mental benefits:
1. Mental Health; Just like humans, having varied activities, playing and generally having fun, can help with your dogs mental well being. A session in The Dog House, alongside your normal routine can help provide variation in your dogs life. The added bonus is having fun, playing with your dog and working together through puzzle toys or training, can also help to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
2. Confidence Building; Experiencing new situations and having controlled exposure to different sights, sounds and surfaces, helps dogs to become resilient to new environments, reducing the likelihood of reactivity or phobia. Problem solving gives dogs a feel good factor when they are successful, and also builds confidence.
3. Aids sleep; Sensory enrichment physically tires dogs by forcing their brains to process massive amounts of new information, which burns heavy amounts of energy. The brain consumes a massive amount of the body's glucose. Engaging all 5 senses strains the central nervous system, naturally inducing sleep. The restorative benefits of a good night's sleep is great reason to bring your dog for a session in The Dog House.