Question 1

What is an enrichment walk?

Accepted Answer

An enrichment walk focuses on meeting your dog's mental and emotional needs, not just physical exercise. Dogs are encouraged to sniff, explore, problem-solve and engage with their environment at their own pace, helping them feel calmer, more fulfilled and happier.

Question 2

How are enrichment walks different from regular dog walks?

Accepted Answer

Traditional walks often focus on covering distance. Enrichment walks focus on quality over quantity, allowing dogs to engage in natural behaviours such as sniffing, exploring and interacting with their environment in a safe and structured way.

Question 3

What are the benefits of enrichment walks?

Accepted Answer

Enrichment walks can help reduce boredom, improve confidence, provide mental stimulation and support overall wellbeing. Many owners find their dogs are more settled and relaxed after an enrichment walk compared to a fast-paced exercise walk.

Question 4

Are enrichment walks suitable for all dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Enrichment walks can be adapted for puppies, adult dogs, senior dogs and dogs with varying confidence levels. Every walk is tailored to your dog's individual needs.

Question 5

Can enrichment walks help with behaviour issues?

Accepted Answer

While enrichment walks are not a substitute for behaviour modification, meeting a dog's mental and emotional needs can help reduce frustration, improve focus and support training goals.

Question 6

How many enrichment walks should my dog have each week?

Accepted Answer

Enrichment walks are there to replace your normal daily walks with something more stimulating and fulfilling for the dog, leaving them more satisfied and calm. There are no limit to how many enrichment walks a dog could enjoy.

Question 7

Are enrichment walks suitable for nervous or anxious dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Enrichment walks are often particularly beneficial for nervous dogs as they allow them to explore the environment at a comfortable pace without unnecessary pressure.

Question 8

What happens during an enrichment walk?

Accepted Answer

Activities may include sniffing opportunities, exploration, confidence-building exercises, environmental engagement, problem-solving activities and appropriate social interaction where suitable.

Question 9

Can puppies join enrichment walks?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Enrichment walks are a great way to support a puppy's development, confidence and exposure to the world in a safe and positive manner.

Question 10

Do enrichment walks include training?

Accepted Answer

Where appropriate we may incorporate a little training into an enrichment walk. However if there are any specific training needs, such as loose lead walking, recall or any other specific training needs we would recommend a structured training walk to allow us the time and focus to for any specific training.

Question 11

What areas do you cover for enrichment walks?

Accepted Answer

Happy Tails provides enrichment walks throughout Andover, Augusta Park, Picket Piece, Charlton, Anna Valley, Enham Alamein, Ludgershall, Tidworth and surrounding villages.

Question 12

Why is sniffing important for dogs?

Accepted Answer

A dog's sense of smell is one of their primary ways of understanding the world. Sniffing provides valuable mental stimulation and can be incredibly enriching, often tiring dogs more effectively than physical exercise alone.

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