Ma, B., Green, J., Sizemore, S. et al. 2016. Variation on providing research dog enrichment. Laboratory Animal Science Professional 4(2) (June), 50-51.

In order to provide research dogs enrichment at our facility, veterinary staff suggested adapting the adjacent space to our dog housing buildings to allow for more species-specific behavior by creating an exercise area that both beagles and mixed-breed hounds could regularly use. The dogs were trained to exit and enter through one doorway in each building that led to the exercise area. Enrichment items were offered. All dogs, either in pairs or groups, were given access to the yard every day of the year except rainy days, or when the exercise area was compromised (i.e. muddy, too hot, etc.) and a potential health risk was involved. As the dogs must be supervised while in the yard, exercise time is a minimum of 20 minutes per day. The husbandry staff was rewarded as well, since the dogs occupied the outside area while the daily kennel cleaning was being conducted. Exercise yard use has helped the dogs become more playful and reduced stereotypies such as cage biting and pacing. The dogs exhibit better interactions with people, positive responses to their names, and some basic command responses. The dogs are generally calmer when placed back inside their individual kennels. On the days the dogs can’t go outside, they have so much energy that an inside alternative (such as an empty kennel building or hallway) is now provided on rainy days. Playing outside has improved their appetite and has helped their reactions to studies by relieving stress.