Plant a Sensory Garden
A sensory garden is a specially designed outdoor space that incorporates various plants, textures, scents and sounds to stimulate a dog's senses. This type of garden is important for dogs as it provides a multitude of sensory experiences that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and boredom. For example, they can sniff and explore different scents, textures, and colors, enhancing their cognitive and sensory skills. In addition, the sound of rustling leaves or birds chirping can create a calming atmosphere, promoting relaxation and mental well-being for our furry friends. A sensory garden offers a safe and enriching outdoor space where dogs can engage their senses and enjoy nature to the fullest.
Choose a Location
This would probably be your garden although other spaces could work too.
Add dog safe herbs and plants.
A few examples of dog safe plants would be: chamomile for relaxation, rosemary has a distinctive smell and it has antibacterial properties, lavender can calm anxious dogs, mint, not only smells great, but also can aid digestion.
Add a water feature.
This is another form of sensory enrichment and will come in handy as the weather warms up. If you can't add a fountain or pond, consider adding a small paddling pool for the warmer months. Make sure it's in the shade so your pooch can stay cool.
Add different textures.
Try and make a pathway through your sensory garden and add different textures under foot (or under paw!). This could mean adding a few bumpy rocks, a sandpit, wood chips, or gravel.
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Don't forget to add seating so you can enjoy your sensory garden with your pooch!
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