Why Enrichment Matters So Much to Me
I didn’t grow up walking my dog around the block.
No fences. No leashes. No scheduled “walks.” Just me, my dog, and wherever the day wanted to take us—well, when I wasn’t in school. We caught crayfish in the local creeks. Climbed over logs. Ducked under branches and chased trails that didn’t have names.
None of it was planned.
None of it was training.
But it was everything.
And honestly? I was lucky.
My parents were obsessed with dogs too—we bred Scottish Terriers when I was little. I knew how to make puppies pee before I probably even knew how to run (gross… but legitimately true). I grew up in a tiny town called Sarsfield, the kind of place where I could bring my dog (or baby ducklings!) to school for show and tell. Where the forest, the fishing hole, and the fields were all open—not just to me, but to my dog, too.
It was freedom. It was connection.
And looking back, I’m pretty sure I lived the Disney movie version of childhood—at least for a kid who loved dogs. We even did obedience classes—especially with my malamute/wolf mix (the one I needed after watching White Fang and Balto on repeat). Sit, stay, heel? Sure, we learned those.
But the most fun—and the most valuable part of life with dogs?
Was the wild, playful, unknowingly purposeful way we lived together.
That’s what shaped me. And now, it’s what shapes everything I teach.
Most Dogs Today Don’t Get That Kind of Life — And That’s the Problem
Most people don’t get dogs for outdoor adventures — they get them for comfort, companionship, or calm in an overwhelming world. And that’s okay.
But here’s what I’ve learned as a trainer:
Even your tiny, laid-back dog still needs something to do. They still need to think, move, solve, and experience their world. That’s where enrichment comes in.
And no — it’s not just frozen Kongs and puzzle toys. (Though those are great tools too.)
What Is Enrichment for Dogs (and Why Does It Matter)?
Dog enrichment is anything that allows your dog to engage their brain, body, nose, or instincts in a way that builds confidence, curiosity and connection.
It’s what helps:
- Nervous dogs feel safe
- Overstimulated dogs decompress
- Bored dogs feel challenged
- Shy dogs feel capable
It’s not about “tiring them out. It’s about helping them feel regulated, resilient, and more connected to you.
Enrichment Builds Confidence — Not Just Obedience
I often ask clients this:
"If you and your dog were lost in the forest… would they follow you?"
"Would they know how to handle it? Would they work with you as a team?"
That’s what enrichment helps create. It’s not just about teaching commands. It’s about raising dogs who can adapt, solve problems, and move through the world with you — confidently.
And you don’t need to live in the woods to do that. Even a quiet walk around your block can become enrichment with the right mindset and setup.
Why I Started Offering Enrichment Classes in Norfolk County
Because so many people were trying to train their dogs… before teaching them how to feel safe and think clearly. Some dogs aren’t ready for obedience right away — and that’s okay. They need a space where they can try, explore, and learn at their own pace.
In my enrichment classes, we focus on:
- Scent games and problem-solving
- Confidence-building with safe challenges
- Calm recovery strategies
- Sensory and social enrichment
- Teamwork — not pressure
It’s about helping dogs rediscover who they are — and helping owners build stronger relationships in the process.
The Benefits of Enrichment Go Far Beyond Toys
Enrichment isn’t “extra." It’s not something you do when you’ve got time. It’s a foundation for behavior, learning, and confidence.
When your dog gets to use their:
- Nose (to explore and understand)
- Body (to move naturally)
- Brain (to solve and engage)
- Instincts (to feel fulfilled)
…they don’t just behave better. They feel better. And that changes everything.
What Enrichment Means to Me — and What It Can Mean for You
Enrichment is how I grew up with dogs. It’s how I live with mine today. And it’s the heartbeat behind Street Wise Canine today. Because when your dog is confident and connected — when they feel like themselves — they don’t need constant obedience. They want to be with you, learn with you, and figure things out with you.
That’s the kind of relationship enrichment builds.
And if you’ve never seen your dog in that light… I’d love to show you what’s possible.
– Cher
Street Wise Canine
Focused Dogs. Confident Owners.