Sodapup Enrichment Lab Podcast

By: Chris Chandler/Adam Baker
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  • Summary

  • The Sodapup Enrichment Lab podcast features conversations with pet owners around the world who engage in food-based enrichment for their dogs. Topics will include what foods and supplements people use with their dogs as well as what types of tools they use with their dogs like slow feeder bowls and lick mats. Come along and learn from dog lovers around the world and pick up some tips and tricks that you can use to enhance your own dog’s feeding.
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Episodes
  • S1 E7 Taylor Finton - Author of Happiest Dog on the Block

    S1 E7 Taylor Finton - Author of Happiest Dog on the Block
    Mar 10 2025

    Keywords

    canine enrichment, dog activities, pet care, dog training, enrichment book, dog behavior, happy dogs, pet wellness, dog owners, enrichment activities, dog enrichment, snuffle mats, DIY dog activities, dog training, canine joy, scatter feeding, dog behavior, positive reinforcement, dog play, pet care

    Summary

    In this episode of the Soda Pup Enrichment Lab podcast, host Chris Chandler interviews Taylor Finton, author of 'The Happiest Dog on the Block.' They discuss the importance of canine enrichment, Taylor's journey into the world of dog enrichment, and her experiences writing the book. The conversation covers various types of enrichment activities, the significance of allowing dogs to engage in natural behaviors, and practical tips for dog owners to enhance their pets' lives through enrichment. As they explore the concept of dog enrichment, Taylor emphasizes the importance of joy and choice for dogs and offers various enrichment activities, including DIY options, snuffle mats, and scatter feeding. She highlights the need to tailor these activities to individual dogs' preferences and needs. The conversation also touches on the significance of recognizing frustration in dogs during enrichment activities and the importance of experimentation to find what works best for each dog. Overall, the discussion serves as a guide for dog owners looking to enhance their pets' lives through engaging and enjoyable activities.

    Taylor Finton is the author of The Happiest Dog on the Block: Canine Enrichment Activities to Keep Your Pet Young and Healthy.

    Find Taylor at:

    www.bindisbucketlist.com

    All other socials can be found under: bindisbucketlist

    Takeaways

    Enrichment activities can keep pets young and healthy.

    Many pet owners unknowingly engage in enrichment.

    Enrichment should be fun and joyful for dogs.

    The concept of enrichment has been around for years.

    Enrichment is crucial for animal welfare in zoos.

    Dogs need positive outlets for their natural behaviors.

    Food-based enrichment is just one of many types of enrichment activities.

    Sensory experiences are vital for dogs' well-being.

    Allowing dogs to sniff can significantly tire them out.

    Providing choices for dogs enhances their quality of life. Dogs thrive on choice and joy in their activities.

    An important element in providing enrichment is observing and understanding your dog's preferences.

    Snuffle mats provide a fun foraging experience for dogs.

    Scatter feeding is a fun, inexpensive enrichment activity.

    DIY enrichment activities can be simple and cost-effective.

    Water play can be a great summer enrichment activity.

    Tailoring enrichment to a dog's size and demeanor is crucial.

    Frustration can hinder the benefits of enrichment activities.

    Experimenting with different enrichment products is key to finding what works.

    Enrichment is a journey of learning and joy for both dogs and owners.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Canine Enrichment

    06:06 The Journey into Enrichment

    10:32 Writing 'The Happiest Dog on the Block'

    14:02 Understanding Enrichment: What It Is and Isn't

    17:31 Exploring Different Types of Enrichment

    23:31 The Impact of Snifari on Dog Behavior

    24:29 The Joy of Choice for Dogs

    25:47 Understanding Dog Enrichment

    27:26 The Magic of Snuffle Mats

    28:44 Scatter Feeding: A Simple Joy

    30:56 DIY Enrichment Activities

    32:52 Water Play and Summer Fun

    35:51 Tailoring Enrichment to Individual Dogs

    38:56 Recognizing Frustration in Enrichment

    41:40 Experimenting with Enrichment Products

    44:34 Embracing the Journey of Enrichment

    Always check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for dogs.

    https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
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    50 mins
  • S1 E7 Taylor Finton - Happiest Dog on the Block, Bindis Bucket List

    S1 E7 Taylor Finton - Happiest Dog on the Block, Bindis Bucket List
    Mar 10 2025

    Sodapup Enrichment Lab podcast with guest Taylor Finton, author of Happiest Dog on the Block.
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    50 mins
  • S1 E6 Shannon Arnie, Tasmania, Echo & Inyx

    S1 E6 Shannon Arnie, Tasmania, Echo & Inyx
    Jan 19 2025
    Welcome to Season 1, Episode 6 of the Sodapup Enrichment Lab podcast. Our guest this week is Shannon Arnie from Tasmania. She is the creator behind the instagram account @echo.and.inyx. Shannon is a wealth of knowledge about food based enrichment. Come listen to her enrichment journey with her Tasmanian Smithfield hearding dog, Echo. Keywords pet enrichment, raw feeding, dog nutrition, cat nutrition, Tasmania, botanicals for pets, fresh feeding, animal health, pet care, sustainable feeding, pet enrichment, flower-based nutrition, creative pet food, family involvement, feeding schedules, pet treats, community support, animal nutrition, holistic pet care, pet wellness Summary In this conversation, Chris Chandler speaks with Shannon Arney, a pet enrichment enthusiast from Tasmania, about her unique approach to feeding and caring for her pets. They discuss the importance of food-based enrichment for dogs and cats, the variety of foods Shannon provides, and her insights into pet nutrition. Shannon shares her journey of learning about raw and fresh feeding and the role of botanicals in enhancing her pets' diets. The conversation highlights sustainable feeding practices and the joy of providing a diverse and nutritious diet for pets. In this conversation, Shannon shares her journey of creating enriching meals for her pets, including the use of botanicals she grows and produces. She discusses the therapeutic benefits of food preparation for her anxiety, the involvement of her children in pet care, and the importance of community support in pet nutrition. The conversation also covers feeding schedules, treat options, and the various forms of enrichment beyond food, emphasizing that pet care can be both creative and fulfilling. Takeaways Shannon lives in Tasmania with her family and pets. Food-based enrichment enhances pet well-being. Scatter feeding mimics natural foraging behavior in animals. Shannon feeds her pets a variety of unique foods. Wallaby and possum are common in Shannon's pet diet. Dogs thrive on a diet rich in meat and organs. Shannon emphasizes the importance of learning about pet nutrition. “Fresh feeding” can be a way for pet guardians to feed unprocessed foods to their pets without using raw food. Botanicals can enhance the sensory experience for pets. Shannon's business offers organic botanicals for pets. Using flowers for pet enrichment can be beautiful and nutritious. Creative food preparation can serve as a therapeutic outlet. Involving family in pet care enhances the experience for everyone. Feeding schedules can be flexible and tailored to each pet's needs. Treats can be homemade and nutritious, like fish fudge. Pets enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in their meals. Enrichment doesn't have to be visually appealing to be effective. Community support is vital for sharing ideas and inspiration. Simple ingredients can create enriching experiences for pets. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shannon and Her Pets 02:17 The Importance of Food-Based Enrichment 05:04 Unique Feeding Practices in Tasmania 09:41 Nutritional Insights for Dogs and Cats 12:40 Learning About Pet Nutrition 16:52 The Role of Botanicals in Pet Diets 23:42 The Art of Flower-Based Pet Enrichment 27:00 Creative Food Enrichment for Pets 32:02 Involving Family in Pet Nutrition 35:00 Feeding Schedules and Treats 37:55 Enrichment Beyond Food 39:46 Community and Inspiration in Pet Enrichment Where to find Shannon Instagram @echo.and.iynx Dogs In The Meadow https://dogsinthemeadow.com.au/ All the images in the YouTube episode of the podcast are courtesy of Shannon. Resources https://rawfedandnerdy.com/ https://perfectlyrawsome.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/rawandfresh/?ref=share&mibextid=adzO7l - this is an Australian based Facebook group which has some good information https://dogsfirst.ie/ - Dr Conor Brady's page Sardine fudge (as mentioned in podcast by Shannon): Small tin of sardines in springwater Egg A few tablespoons of a flour of choice (I tend to use oat), this is optional and makes it more of a pancake type of texture over omelette if it's left out. Mix together, and cook - either in the microwave for a few minutes until done, or in the oven. Always check with your vet about foods that are safe/unsafe for your pets.
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    45 mins

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