There are plenty of waggy tails at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe as the team unveil their brand new enrichment garden for the dogs in their care.
The enrichment garden was funded purely by donations by dog-loving supporters, and built by local landscape gardening company Birch Meadow Landscaping Ltd after staff members Vikki Bullock and Lulu Hudson put forward some initial design ideas.
The purpose of the garden was to create an area where staff and their four-legged friends can go to relax – and provide the dogs with some sensory stimulation during their time out of kennels to help them unwind.
Elise Watson, Manager at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, said: “We are located in a beautiful valley where the dogs have access to a woodland walk, a stream to cool off, a spacious off-lead area, several enclosed paddocks of sand and astro turf as well as agility run, but we wanted to create a dedicated space where staff and our dogs can take a breather and enjoy some relaxation in a quiet space.
“Everything we do at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is about enriching the lives of the dogs in our care so the garden was designed with this in mind. The space has a relaxing seating area where the dogs can spend time with their favourite carer, there are different surfaces and textures to explore, a water feature and dog-friendly plants and herbs such as lavender, marigolds, rosemary and thyme. We’re also growing vegetables such as carrots, spinach, kale and strawberries which are suitable for dogs, meaning we will eventually see the fruits of our labour, so to speak!
“We are very grateful to all our supporters who have contributed and helped make this project a success.”
The team say that the enrichment garden is more than just a place to sit in or walk around. Some benefits include:
- The dogs can play scent games which plays on their natural instincts to explore and puts their noses to good use.
- It has a positive effect on emotions, which reduces frustration and anxiety which makes it easier for a dog to learn new things.
- It is choice-based so the dog has the freedom to go where they want.
- Scent games build confidence as they are doing new things such as walking over different textures or an uneven walkway while receiving a food reward.
- For nervous dogs it gives them something else to focus on, helping them feel more comfortable within the environment.
- Teaching dogs to do simple tasks, such as finding treats or a toy empowers them which increases confidence in other areas.
If you would like to know more about the dogs waiting for their forever homes at Dogs Trust Ilfracombe, please go to www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming.
