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Does Your Dog Have an Outlet? The Importance of Enrichment
This is something that has come up often with my clients, and I think we need to dive a little deeper. Let's get into it!
I want to start with my own perspective and personal experiences.
Running Was My Outlet
Years ago, I was running a LOT.
I would run at least three half marathons a year, multiple 5Ks, and a few 10Ks here and there. It was my time, my therapy, and my outlet.
I remember coming home after a long day of work. If you know me, you know I love my job and working with families and their dogs. But I was also raising two children with different after-school activities, cooking, cleaning, spending time with my husband, and doing all of the other things we do as adults.
Sometimes I would drive home and feel this urge to move. I could feel some built-up frustration or other emotions, and I knew that if I could get out for a run, I would feel better soon.
Running helped me focus. I could perform tasks better, feel less irritated, and just feel better overall. It was my outlet.
Then like the most of us, 2020 hit and we got into a funk. I slowed down on my running and slowly the pent-up energy has caught up with me. Fast forward to 2026, I realized through my work that maybe it's time for me to go back to my outlet. So, back to the pavement and treadmill I go, and with each run, I can feel my brain and body saying "Thanks!".
So What Does This Have to Do With Dogs?
Well, let's look at our dogs. Some of us work outside of the home. Others work from home. During the day, our dogs are likely sleeping, relaxing, and living a pretty low-key life. Maybe once in a while they look out the window to yell at people passing by but most of our dogs are resting.
Then 5 o'clock rolls around, and they know the family is about to come alive! Woohoo. Party time. But is it? Probably not. We have dinner, activities, homework, chores, and everything else that comes with family life. Then we see our dogs "acting out."
Stealing items. Jumping. Barking at us. Demanding attention. And we just want them to chill out. Does this sound familiar?
The reality is, they've been chilling out all day. Now, this doesn't mean every dog needs more exercise or that every behavior problem is caused by boredom. Dogs have different needs, and we need to look at the whole picture, but it is worth asking, "What opportunities does my dog have to do the things that make them feel good?"
What Happens When We Ask Our Dogs to Train?
Maybe it's time to work on some skills.
Sit. Down. Recall. Stay. Walking nicely on a leash.
So, we get the leash, and your dog is PUMPED! I know some of my clients can't even say the word walk, they have to spell it to prevent the arousal that happens when they hear the word.
They know that the leash predicts time outside and adventures! To them, the outdoors is basically Disney World. They can sniff, mark, look at all the cool things, and investigate those mailboxes that smell like dessert!
What happens next? We get frustrated because their brains are looking for that outlet, but we're not ready for it. We're asking for focus and obedience when our dog may be ready to explore, move, sniff, or simply experience the world.
Here's the thing, we cannot expect our dogs to be cooped up all day and then immediately be in the perfect place to learn when we are ready. Sometimes, meeting a need first can make the training that follows much more successful.
What Does an Outlet Look Like for Your Dog?
This is where it gets interesting, because outlets are not one-size-fits-all! Neither are training plans! Every dog is an individual, just like us!
Summer
Summer is my almost 7-year-old Boxer/Pit Bull mix. She wants nothing more than to chase, grab, and shake her flirt pole! Ten minutes of that and she is one happy girl. And honestly, so am I! Watching her move so smoothly and calculated is incredible! Or maybe it's chasing the deflated soccer ball and having a blast zooming around the backyard. For Summer, movement, chase, and grabbing are some of her favorite things. When I can provide those opportunities appropriately, I am meeting a need that matters to her.
Winston
Winston is our 12-year-old Chihuahua/Pit Bull mix. Yes, that's a real thing! His bat ears are the cutest thing you'll ever see!
He loves to sniff out the most stinky spot in our yard and roll his entire body in it. Gross, but he is SO happy to do that.
He used to love zipping around the yard. Don't get me wrong, he will still do a lap or two, but as he ages, sniffing and rolling have become his preferred activities. Yes, it makes for more baths, but scent marking and exploring are his jam.
And why should I take that away from him? His favorite outlets have changed as he has gotten older. That is something we need to consider with our dogs, too.
Other Dogs
Some of the dogs I get to work with would rather explore or hike with their humans on a long line or off leash in designated areas. It isn't an adventure riddled with tons of obedience cues. It's simply time spent in nature together.
Other dogs just want to observe their environment. Watching the world go by. Enjoying the scents and taking in the distractions around them. Some dogs like to go to daycare and run around with their friends. Some dogs would find that environment highly stressful (another topic we need to discuss). The point is that every dog is an individual!
What makes Summer happy may not be what makes Winston happy. So, what works for your dog may look completely different from what works for your neighbor's dog.
Think About What Your Dog Needs
So, I challenge you to think about what an outlet looks like for your dog.
Is it:
Sniffing and exploring?
Chasing and grabbing?
Running or moving their body?
Playing with a favorite toy?
Rolling in the grass?
Exploring nature with you?
Watching the world go by?
Spending time with other dogs?
Maybe it is something completely different.
The important thing is that we take the time to notice what our dogs enjoy and find appropriate ways to provide those opportunities.
Why This Matters for Training
When we meet our dogs' needs, we may see a better response to our training plan! They may be more able to focus, less frustrated, and ready to engage with us. But we also need to remember that training is not just about getting our dogs to do what we want. It is about understanding who they are, what they need, and how we can help them thrive in our human world. We want our dogs to be successful! So sometimes, that starts with asking ourselves,
"Have I provided an outlet for my dog today?"
Let's Hear From You
What is an outlet you provide for your dog?
Is your dog a sniffer, a chaser, a runner, a player, or a professional observer?
Tell me in the comments!
I would love to hear what makes your dog happy.
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