Looking for some positive and safe enrichment to engage with dangerous dogs. We are required to house multiple pets, with severe bite history sometimes for months while we address outcome. I know we are trying to mitigate behavior with medication, and owner visits when applicable, but was curious if any of you have been successful in providing enrichment for these types of patients?

#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

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Jacqui Ruby-Major
Clinical Manager
Fresno Animal Center
CA
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This is a great question and a topic that I'd love to continue to learn and grow in. With that said, I've worked with similar long-term cases involving dangerous animals in captivity with bite histories, and enrichment has been a vital part of supporting their welfare and reducing stress. For dogs who can't be handled safely, we focus on low-contact enrichment that keeps staff safe but still gives the dog choice, mental stimulation, and comfort.

Some ideas that have worked well for us:

• Scent work using cardboard boxes, snuffle mats, or hidden treats

• Frozen food toys (like KONGs) delivered with a grabber or treat pole

• PVC or remote treat dispensers (like Pet Tutor or even DIY tubes)

• Audio and visual enrichment (calming music, dog-safe videos, mirror play)

• Novel scent items (lavender, hay, other animal scents) in mesh bags hung safely

We rotate these to keep things fresh, and always tailor the approach to the dog's individual behavior and triggers. Safety is key, so we use tools to deliver enrichment without direct contact and train staff to observe and document behavior changes.

I'd love to hear more ideas on this topic, too-I'm always looking for new and safe ways to engage challenging animals with enriching, low-stress activities!

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Kimberly Nnowalue
Founder & Executive Director
Sierra Overlook Animal Rescue
CA
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These are a wonderful place to start. I really do like being able to incorporate a myriad of positive enrichment. Thank you!

I was curious if you have an studies or reference material about the audio or visual enrichment, I'm curious if we can try and mix in some different ideas.

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Jacqui Ruby-Major
Clinical Manager
Fresno Animal Center
CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 05-20-2025 01:38 PM
From: Kimberly Nnowalue
Subject: Quarantine Animals Enrichment

This is a great question and a topic that I'd love to continue to learn and grow in. With that said, I've worked with similar long-term cases involving dangerous animals in captivity with bite histories, and enrichment has been a vital part of supporting their welfare and reducing stress. For dogs who can't be handled safely, we focus on low-contact enrichment that keeps staff safe but still gives the dog choice, mental stimulation, and comfort.

Some ideas that have worked well for us:

• Scent work using cardboard boxes, snuffle mats, or hidden treats

• Frozen food toys (like KONGs) delivered with a grabber or treat pole

• PVC or remote treat dispensers (like Pet Tutor or even DIY tubes)

• Audio and visual enrichment (calming music, dog-safe videos, mirror play)

• Novel scent items (lavender, hay, other animal scents) in mesh bags hung safely

We rotate these to keep things fresh, and always tailor the approach to the dog's individual behavior and triggers. Safety is key, so we use tools to deliver enrichment without direct contact and train staff to observe and document behavior changes.

I'd love to hear more ideas on this topic, too-I'm always looking for new and safe ways to engage challenging animals with enriching, low-stress activities!

------------------------------
Kimberly Nnowalue
Founder & Executive Director
Sierra Overlook Animal Rescue
CA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 5/20/2025 8:40:00 PM
From: Jacqui Ruby-Major
Subject: RE: Quarantine Animals Enrichment

These are a wonderful place to start. I really do like being able to incorporate a myriad of positive enrichment. Thank you!

I was curious if you have an studies or reference material about the audio or visual enrichment, I'm curious if we can try and mix in some different ideas.

------------------------------
Jacqui Ruby-Major
Clinical Manager
Fresno Animal Center
CA
------------------------------

Absolutely, I've had some success working with dogs who have severe bite histories, and I totally understand how challenging and emotionally draining it can be. One thing that's helped me is providing enrichment that doesn't require direct interaction-like puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, or frozen Kongs filled with high-value treats. These allow the dogs to engage their brains and reduce stress without putting staff at risk.

Additionally, I've found that scent-based enrichment-like rotating new smells (lavender, vanilla, or even just old t-shirts with safe animal scents)-can be really calming. Music or audiobooks played at a low volume also sometimes help regulate their environment and reduce arousal. Just be sure to observe how each individual reacts-what works wonders for one dog might agitate another. Hang in there; your effort truly matters.

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Jayne M
Pet Care
Pet Care
FL
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