Caissie Canine Instruction: Best Enrichment Feeders for Brachy Breeds

We start this week’s blog with some fun, summer k9 trivia!!! Good Luck!!!

What is the most popular K9 breed in Canada?

1.    Beagle

2.    German Shepherd

3.    Yorkshire Terrier

4.    Labrador Retriever

Which dog breed “yodels” instead of barks?

1.    Otterhound

2.    Basenji

3.    Bassett Hound

4.    Bulldog

Which dog breed is the smallest of them all?

1.    Shih Tzu

2.    Chihuahua

3.    Pomeranian

4.    Terrier

Which dog breeds “coat” has the texture of human hair?

1.    Poodle

2.    Smooth Fox Terrier

3.    Labrador Retriever

4.    German Shepherd

Who REMEBERS this one? The name of the dog on the front of the “Cracker Jack Box”

1.    Fido

2.    Jack

3.    Bingo

4.    Max

Answers: 1. Labrador Retriever 2. Basenji 3. Chihuahua 4. Smooth Fox Terrier 5. Bingo

Welcome to Doggie Dialogue

Brachy breeds are K9’s that have flat faces or smooshed faces like pugs, bulldogs, and Boston Terriers.

These dogs have shortened skulls, facial and nasal bones that causes anatomical changes to their throat and airway.

For brachycephalic breeds, enrichment feeding focuses on slowing down the eating, therefore this helps to prevent breathing difficulties and the risk of bloating.

 Good options to assist with slowing down your K9’s eating is licking mats, snuffles mats, puzzles, and slow feeder bowls.

Slow feeder bowls prevents your K9 from gulping down their food and preventing potential breathing issues.

Lick mats provide mental stimulation and help to slow down the pace of eating. Freezing the mat with the food on it can make food last longer.

Snuffle mats are easy to clean and store. These mats allow your K9 to forage for their threats by sniffing them out.

Puzzles or treat-dispensing toys requires your dog to work to get their treats out and this will help provide mental stimulation.

The puzzles and toys can help prevent boredom and help reduce the chance of behavioural issues.

Should you need any assistance with behavioural issues with your K9 please feel free to reach out to Paul at any time.