A comparison of social and environmental enrichment methods for laboratory housed dogs (1993)

Hubrecht, R. C.

Abstract

Group- and pair-housed beagles were studied. Following 2 months of environmental enrichment [with rawhide, Gumabone?, plastic tubing], dogs spent a substantial proportion of their time (24%) using the toys. ... Environment-enriched dogs solicited less play, played less and spent less time in contact with their kennel mates. They also spent less time chewing items of pen furniture. ... Following the addition of a platform to the pens these dogs spent over 50% of their time on it observing surroundings as well as guarding toy items. ... Increased opportunities for social contact and the provision of toys did little to prevent the development of stereotyped behaviour or maintain the dog's interest while within the pen. ... of the two social enrichment methods, human social enrichment was more effective since there was no possibility of damage to the dogs, inappropriate chewing of articles of cage furniture was reduced and time spent barking remained constant. Dogs in pairs spent a similar proportion of their time interacting with each other as dogs kept in groups of 5-11 animals.