Snuffle Mats: Great Enrichment for Senior Dogs

elderly dachshund in a colorful vest sniffing treats out of a snuffle mat

Snuffle mats are one of the easiest food toys for dogs to learn how to interact with. And if my dogs are typical, snuffle mats are among the most fun ways to eat as well. A snuffle mat is a mat with multiple fabric strips protruding from a base. Homemade ones are usually created by […]

Loving Enrichment for a Dog with Dementia

Jennifer Fearing gives treat to her dog with dementia

Enrichment is a win/win situation. Studies say that we **may** be able to slow the onset and progress of canine cognitive dysfunction by enriching our dogs’ lives. But even if we don’t, we certainly are helping them in the moment. I have gotten to know Jennifer Fearing and her lovely dog Yoda through my book and […]

Teaching an Old Dog How to Play with a Food Toy

Senior rat terrier getting food out of food toy

You can teach an old dog a new trick, and you might be surprised how much she enjoys it! Research studies suggest that one thing that can slow the course of dementia is for senior dogs to have a lot of enrichment in their lives. In the laboratory studies, the enrichment consisted of getting exercise, social time with […]