Why I created Play. Enrich. Train

I created Play. Enrich. Train because I have a passion for enriching the lives of animals. I learned throughout my studies that so many behavioral concerns could be prevented or even minimized if we provided not only our pets, but livestock and zoo animals with mental enrichment and the ability to “act out” their natural instincts and abilities. We as humans have outlets, and hobbies and things that we do in our lives to help…well enrich them. For me, that is my garden and doing yoga, going antiquing and trying new recipes. For our dogs that is using their nose and exploratory skills, to find food in puzzle toys, or gathering information when at the park. For our cats that is having multiple areas in the home where they can observe, eliminate, and rest without stress and visual stimulation with bird feeders and robotic fish. All species need mental enrichment. Think about the animals at the zoo that shake their head over and over, or walk the same path so much that the grass doesn’t grow there anymore. This behavior is called stereotypies and they are repetitive behaviors caused by a lack of mental stimulation. We take on the responsibility to bring animals in our home this not only means to provide them with food, water, and safety but to also make their day to day as full and rich as possible so they can play, be happy, and full of life.