Animal Welfare Professionals

Hi all!

We're looking to expand our overnight enrichment options for the dogs in our shelter. Our goal is to keep them engaged and comforted during after-hours when staff aren't in the building.

We've had good success with lick mats, Kongs, and frozen treats, but we've noticed that some dogs end up with diarrhea, likely from the multiple rich treats on top of their dinner. We're now trying to focus on lower-calorie or non-food-based enrichment, especially for overnight use.

We're really interested in new ideas or routines that work well in your shelter (especially if you're working with sensitive stomachs or stressed dogs).

We'd love to hear:

• What non-food enrichment ideas do your dogs enjoy?

• How do you keep things fresh without upsetting their stomachs?

• Any overnight routines or calming techniques that help reduce stress?

Thanks in advance! We appreciate your creativity and wisdom 💛

APS-FH

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

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Animal Protection Society - Friday Harbor
Private, Nonprofit Animal Welfare Organization
Friday Harbor, Washington
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We have googles playing calm music at night.

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Carol Williams
aralliancega.com
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I would also LOVE to know for my personal dog as well. Even freezing her kibble in a Kong with bone broth gives her diarrhea nevermind special treats

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Santy Torres
Volunteer
Shawano Humane Society
WI
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It's such a challenge! Ideally, use some of the dog's meal as part of the enrichment activity (slow feeders, frozen bowls, etc.).

Flavored ice cubes or ice "muffins" are low calorie, and easy to make. They don't last long but could be offered at closing time.

Some dogs enjoy destroying cardboard boxes stuffed with paper and some kibble. Makes a big mess to clean up but they love it. 

Scented items--from outside the kennel, offer an assortment of scents such as used cat bedding, herbs, spices, pretty much anything. Lavender or other soothing scents.

Safe chew toys.

Music

For dogs that need extra support, I'll sit in the kennel with them and offer a licky mat at closing time when the kennel is quieter.

We don't leave anything in the kennels at night including Kongs. Even during the day, we're very cautious because we've had several cases of dogs ingesting rubber or plastic. 

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Dina Li
Shelter staff
Danbury animal welfare society
CT
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Hi! 

We do not give out Kongs or lick mats for dogs to have in kennel overnight as we have had dogs digest these before. We use enrichment throughout the day, at least 3 different categories, and all while staff are on site to supervise. The dogs are sometimes left with toys in kennel overnight, or coffee wood chews.

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Rianna Carmody
Behaviour and Rehab Trainer
RSPCA NSW
NSW
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We only allow black kongs and Nylabones in their kennels overnight. We can also leave frisbees attached to the front of their kennels. 

Non food items...we use scents (calming, not arousing) and music or audiobooks.

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Stephanie Lenny
Behavioral Coordinator
Brown County Human Society
IN
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We have various sprays that are supposed to smell like the pheromones of different prey animals that we spray on brown paper and hide in boxed for them to shred. 

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Elsa Enstrom
Helpline Coordinator
Asheville Humane Society
NC
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