ran with the wolves; refused to settle down

I’ve met a lot of pets who don’t get enrichment because whenever their humans try giving them new things in their life, they go unused or ignored. So many animals don’t have toys because they go unplayed with, or don’t have beds because they sleep with their owner at night. They don’t get treats because they spit them out, or don’t go outside because they just want to go home. Yet enrichment is vital to any animal’s mental and emotional well-being. One important thing I read from zoologist Bob Church when he wrote a column on ferret enrichment was this: It does not matter if your pet ends up caring for the enrichment, what matters is that their environment is changing and giving them new stimulation. That being said, you can look at the reasons enrichment isn’t working and use consent on your pet’s part to make enriching their life more enjoyable for both of you, and deepen your bond.

My Pet Doesn’t Like Walks

For pets with mobility issues, a car ride with windows cracked or going on a walk in a cart or your arms can provide an equal amount of smells, sights, and sounds that make life more interesting and use mental energy. It’s like seeing a movie for them

For pets who are afraid of going outside, a thundershirt for dogs or pet backpack full of blankets for smaller animals may help build confidence. Allow your pet to go in and out of the backpack on request. Leash training in the house or basement first can also build confidence

Playpens and x-pens are great options for animals who find being leashed aversive or scary, and can allow your critters freedom when you’re outside doing yard work or soaking up some sun

Catios and dog runs are great options to expand the environment of your home. Other species benefit from these just as much as our more common companions!

The weather is bad? Outside is not the only new and interesting place your pet can go. Playdates with other animals, doggy daycares, pet-friendly businesses, and even just coming along on a visit to a friend or relative’s house can provide as much or more enrichment than going out for a stroll. It’s also good motivation to brush up on those manners

My Pet Doesn’t Like Toys

Let your pet win. I can’t stress this one enough. Most dogs who don’t like to tug can be hooked by feeling the toy slip through your fingers when you play, and getting to prance around in victory or destroy the toy. Most cats and ferrets who don’t bother chasing toys are teased constantly and not allowed to ever catch and carry off the thing. It won’t make your pet aggressive. Keeping the toy for yourself all the time is no fun; no one likes playing with a bully.

Get down on the floor! Mimic their body language, and be respectful of their body language. Make sure that you’re being chased at least as much as you chase. Watch for stress signals and let off the pressure if your pet starts showing them. Don’t loom over your pet

If your pet likes food, play food throwing games and make food puzzles. These are great for increasing play drive and building your relationship

Reward  playing by the rules. If your pet drops the toy when you ask, immediately engage in play again. If they bring the toy back to you, treat and/or praise and throw it again!

Suicidal bunny. If you have a prey animal, it isn’t going to be interested in a toy that just flops in front of its face like a suicidal bunny; it needs to run away, wiggling or flipping or being exciting somehow. On the same note, prey animals don’t appreciate things coming at them quickly…unless they’re suicidal

Try a variety of scents, textures, and features; you just might hit gold. Often your friends will have toys their pet doesn’t care for that they can trade for ones your pet doesn’t bother with. There are always homemade and dollar store options. Many Facebook groups have exchanges and sales. Having a variety of toys to try doesn’t have to break the bank.

My Pet Doesn’t Like Treats

I know this is also in the toy section, but treat throwing! Even if your pet doesn’t end up liking the treat, chasing it is interesting and reinforcing by itself. For best results, amp your critter up like it’s a toy and roll the treat across the floor

Mix in with a food your pet likes. Rodents or birds will sometimes try new healthy food with a few goodies mixed in (or pick out what they like, which is still a project to keep their brain busy). A little Ferretvite can go a long way with a ferret trying new food. And your dog will be more likely to try weird and different veggies with shredded chicken mixed in

Don’t overfeed. Evaluate your pet’s weight to make sure it’s healthy, and offer treats furthest from mealtimes

Keep offering! It’s funny how many pets will suddenly try and like something that they never did before, and even if they don’t, just smelling and tasting something new and weird makes life (and kibble) more interesting

My Pet Doesn’t Need Beds

Nest boxes, perches, and crates add security to your pet’s life. Having them around the house can decrease stress behaviours and increase your pet’s confidence

Having a bed by your desk or the kitchen table makes your pet a more active part of your life, and gives an alternate behaviour to begging