It was first discovered that diabetics lacked the hormone insulin through studies in dogs – the results of which earned scientists the Nobel Prize in the 1920s. Both cats and dogs were important in the development of the heart-lung machine which made open-heart surgery possible. Later, dogs were the first animals used in the attempt to conquer the rejection of transplanted organs. Once again, a Nobel Prize for medicine (1990) was awarded to researchers who studied the immunological basis of organ rejection using dogs. Dogs are still important in heart research and in the safety testing of new medicines.
Remember, dogs like humans, are individually different. This is an extremely important aspect to consider when choosing enrichment items and training, because one that is successful for one dog may not be for another.
Let’s take a look at some Environmental Enrichment items that might work for the dogs in your facility.
Click on the link below to see some great enrichment items. http://www.animalspecialties.biz/CompassECommerce/Group/Dogs-13.htm