Behavioral assessment of shelter dogs submitted to different methods of environmental enrichment

Abstract

Environmental enrichment is a dynamic process consisting of a set of activities designed to meet the ethological and psychological needs of animals. It stimulates the natural behavior of each animal species improving the well-being of the individual and avoiding the development of stereotyped behaviors. The present study aimed to assess the potential benefits that four different types of environmental enrichment would bring to the quality of life of shelter dogs. Twenty dogs were observed for 6 hours daily for 5 consecutive days in the first week in order to assess and document their behavior patterns in an experimental kennel. Between the second to the fourth week, 3 forms of game and 1 type of food enrichment were used in the first 4 days of each week. On the fifth day of each week, behavioral patterns were recorded and later compiled and analyzed according to the Tukey test. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in behaviors associated with lying down, standing up, and licking. Based on our findings, we concluded that the use of environmental enrichment methods through different types of games and toys in shelters decreased signs of depression and stereotyped behavior of kennelled dogs. Results of the present study showed that these tools may help improve life quality of these animals.

Potential Owner-Related Risk Factors That May Contribute to Obesity in Companion Dogs in Aotearoa New Zealand

“…Further research is required to understand owner attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours around feeding treats to their dog(s) and how these impact dog obesity in NZ. However, with the growing awareness of the importance of environmental enrichment for improved canine quality of life [68,69], it will be important for the term "treat" to be clearly defined. In this study, the term was perceived to include everything from table scraps (obesogenic), through to training-specific treats and food enrichment activities (e.g., food puzzle games and food frozen in ice blocks), which enhance activity levels and therefore may be anti-obesogenic.…”

Assessment of Stress Caused by Environmental Changes for Improving the Welfare of Laboratory Beagle Dogs

“…The cortisol levels in dogs living in a shelter environment during the initial three-day period are nearly three times higher than the levels in household dogs [ 23 ]. Laboratory studies have investigated the physiological and behavioral impacts of stress, how to alleviate it, as well as the psychological and behavioral consequences of unchecked stress reactions, with several of the stressors used in these studies closely resembling the conditions experienced by dogs that are kept in animal shelters [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Although human interaction can reduce the stress levels of captive dogs, dogs in animal research facilities and animal shelters are inevitably exposed to long periods of time without humans, contrary to companion animals [ 23 ].…”

“…However, there is conflicting evidence regarding the efficacy of toys in improving animal welfare. While some studies report the positive effects of toys in reducing abnormal behaviors and increasing activity levels [ 25 , 26 ], other studies suggest that toys have no significant impact on animal behavior or well-being [ 28 , 29 ].…”

‘Bowls are boring’: Investigating enrichment feeding for pet dogs and the perceived benefits and challenges

“…14,15 Increasing activity is potentially beneficial given that inactivity in kennelled dogs is associated with depression, boredom and a reduced quality of life (QOL). 16,17 Providing dogs in boarding kennels with 20 minutes a day to use puzzle feeders was associated with a reduction in stress-related behaviours. 18 In contrast, providing canine enrichment feeding (CEF) to kennelled working German Shepherd dogs had no impact on their workability and trainability and handler-rated 'contentment in kennel'.…”

“…Kennelled dogs provided with enrichment feeders have increased activity and explorative behaviours 14,15 . Increasing activity is potentially beneficial given that inactivity in kennelled dogs is associated with depression, boredom and a reduced quality of life (QOL) 16,17 . Providing dogs in boarding kennels with 20 minutes a day to use puzzle feeders was associated with a reduction in stress‐related behaviours 18 .…”