In the world of dog training, there’s a growing trend that’s hard to ignore — the idea that simply providing your dog with appropriate outlets, enrichment, and choice is enough to create a well-behaved, balanced dog. Social media is full of advice pushing this narrative, making it seem like enrichment alone is the ultimate solution. But here’s an unpopular opinion: your dog’s behaviour won’t change just because you give them more appropriate outlets or enrichment.
The Real Key to Behaviour Change: Training
The truth is, your dog’s behaviour changes when you put in the time and effort with consistent, appropriate training methods that include effective progression. Enrichment and outlets are valuable, yes — but they aren’t a substitute for structured training.
Unfortunately, some trainers focus solely on selling enrichment-based services. While these services have their place, relying on them exclusively often doesn’t benefit your dog as much as it benefits the trainer’s pockets.
Why Outlets Alone Aren’t Enough
Let’s use the Border Collie as an example. What’s an appropriate outlet for a Border Collie? Sheep. Herding sheep taps into their natural instincts and gives them a job they were bred to do.
But here’s the kicker — just letting your Border Collie chase sheep won’t make them more controllable. In fact, it often makes their herding instincts stronger. The more they work, the more intense and stalky they can become. The same goes for using a ball as an outlet. Will throwing a ball satisfy your Border Collie’s herding drive? No. It simply allows them to practice and reinforce the stalking and chasing behaviours, particularly strengthening the eye, a critical component of herding.
Does this decrease unwanted herding or chasing behaviours elsewhere? Absolutely not. In some cases, it can even make them worse.
Training is What Makes the Difference
What actually makes your dog more controllable around sheep — or in any environment — is the training you implement. Working with sheep isn’t just about letting your dog’s instincts run wild. It’s about teaching them to listen, control impulses, and follow direction. They learn that herding isn’t just about chasing but about working in partnership with you.
This applies to all breeds and behaviours. Without structured training that focuses on obedience, impulse control, and clear communication, no amount of enrichment or outlets will reduce unwanted behaviours. In fact, allowing your dog to rehearse problem behaviours — even through “appropriate” outlets — often reinforces the very issues you’re trying to fix.
Striking the Right Balance
This isn’t to say that enrichment and outlets aren’t important — they are. Dogs need mental stimulation, physical exercise, and opportunities to engage in natural behaviours. But these should complement, not replace, structured training.
If your dog struggles with certain behaviours, enrichment can help manage some of the energy and frustration, but it won’t teach your dog how to behave differently. That requires time, guidance, and consistent training.
The Bottom Line
No matter how much enrichment or how many appropriate outlets you provide, the core of behaviour change lies in training. It’s through teaching, guiding, and setting clear expectations that your dog learns to control impulses, listen to cues, and become a well-behaved companion.
So, next time you hear that enrichment alone will solve your dog’s issues, remember: the most powerful tool you have is still solid, progressive training. It’s not just about letting your dog be a dog — it’s about helping them be the best version of themselves while teaching them to comply with the boundaries and rules that the society ask of us as well as of our dogs.
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