Environment enrichment at Tolmie State Park - Part 2

There are tons of opportunities for enrichment in the environment.  This trail was more than just critter hunting time!  There were lots of textures and obstacles on the ground that D'light had to navigate. 

In the past, a lot of these environmental obstacles would have stopped him in his tracks.  This was due to being worried about how then felt on his feet and body and his general lack of confidence.  However, after lots of ground work (thanks to Lori Stevens) and positive environmental work D'light is now a master of obstacles in the environment! 

There were a number of wood pathways like this and D'light moved right over them.

No problems with the wood slats and some of them had a sandpaper like texture to stop people from slipping when it's wet.
 

WEEEEEE... 

Lots of opportunity for jumping over logs and branches

Moving so quickly that the camera couldn't keep up with him!

 

A log that had a been cut and had moss and other plants growing on it - a little spot full of textures.

 

Time to move on!
 

Such a curious boy and uses the fallen tree to help him get close to what has peaked his curiosity!

 

Lots of roots in the trail to navigate

So, while D'light of fun - he also worked his body and brain while gaining a lot of confidence thanks to our use of the environment!  Way to go D'light and I have no doubt there's a lot more environmental enrichment in your future.

 

 

Environment enrichment at Tolmie State Park - Part 1

Environmental enrichment is something that is important for all dogs.  Of course it's not about just dumping a dog into an environment - it's about trying to set up the environment so the dog can be successful.  With a successful environment,  the dog builds confidence and equates new situations as positive experiences.  We do lots of environmental work with both Catty and D'light and each of them need something a little different so, knowing what your dog needs is important since like us - each of them is a little different.

As we continue to work with D'light using the environment we are seeing a more confident and curious little guy.  It's hard to be anxious when he's having lots of fun. And as always - D'light is in full control of what he chooses to do.  We always have a plan B with him if he lets us know the environment is too much.   We are happy to say that these days, we've rarely had to go to plan B and that too has created a lot of very positive experiences for D'light.

At Tolmie D'light had a grand time jumping and climbing up stuff!

Up and over the log!

Taking a little break with dad while watching the birds in the water

 

 

He found these stairs and immediately wanted to see what was at the top!

Comfortably moving on the small rocks
 

D'light was pretty curious about all these rocks

Brave boy decides to climb them

Lots to explore

Lots to smell

Looking good!

All the uneven rocks are good for his body and brain to navigate

And down he goes!
 

Stay tuned to see what other enrichment this park has to offer!

 

 

Lots to see as we explore the trails at Tolmie State Park

As you can see D'light is a mover when it comes to hitting the trails!

Weeee!
 

D'light is sure there are critters close by!

This park has lots of interesting trees

We saw only 3 other humans while we were exploring the trails

Lot's of fallen trees which mean lots of cool places to investigate!

"Anyone in here?"

D'light is having a rat-tastic time!
 

Something had been digging these holes and D'light was very interested in them

We came across this huge slug

 

It was a long as an Iphone

Off we for more trail running

There were a number of signs on the trail giving descriptions of the trees on the trail

Here's the Old Growth 4 Prong Cedar

D'light loves to work cedar trees - he's chased many a critter up these trees

Off to the next tree!

You can see the handy work of the woodpeckers

Below is the Tree with Legs

A cool base of a tree that the woodpeckers clearly like!

So much to take in 

 

"I love this!"

 

 

 

Trail time at Tolmie State Park

After a great beach experience it was time explore the 4 Cedars trail and that included...

CRITTERING!!!

Five minutes into our trail hike, D'light just about lost his mind

Once the squirrel was up high enough, it had a lot to say back to D'light

D'light is barking and carrying on in the video and you can hear the squirrel making a racket as well!

It was time to move on and D'light was in full on critter mode!

No slowing down and we do a lot of trail running with D'light!

When he does stop it's to smell the air to see if he can get a whiff of a critter

This was a lovely trail!

Stay tuned for more trail adventures!