1: blindness

Scout the lurcher is blind in one eye and has limited vision in the other. Despite this, Scout has won many accolades and works as a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog. Scout’s ‘mum’, vet nurse Tracey Ison, explains how foraging helps Scout:

“Scout’s eye problems mean he cannot chew for long as pressure builds up in his ‘good’ eye.
This is why I really appreciate forage enrichment with PickPockets as they are
completely safe for him – and I love hearing him happily snuffling!”

Tracey Ison, RVN | Dog owner & vet nurse 

2: exercise restriction

Golden retriever Sophie suffered cruciate ligament injuries, which take months to heal; she was placed on restricted exercise and confined to a puppy pen. Foraging with a PickPocket was able to provide Sophie with mental stimulation and to assist with rehab as she gradually progressed from foraging whilst lying down to standing up. Tying the crate forager to the pen at nose height introduced gentle weight-bearing exercise for a few minutes. According to Sherri Steel, Sophie’s owner:

“Sophie’s PickPocket was a real life-saver! She desperately needed something to occupy her without placing strain on her knees and the PickPocket was ideal. It really helped with her rehab – and the cats liked it too!”

Sherri Steel | Dog owner

3: general anxiety

Cockerpoo Harry needed distracting from unwanted behaviour. Canine behaviourist Lucy Aalders of Leaps & Hounds recommended a PickPocket to distract Harry from barking, chasing, jumping and licking. Lauren Aston, Harry’s owner, reports:

“We hit a milestone recently when the doorbell rang and instead of constantly barking
and running madly around, Harry only barked once and continued with his PickPocket!
I was amazed (and a very proud dog-mum!) Thank you!”

Lauren Aston | Dog owner