First INDOOR Sensory Centre (garden) in the Netherlands

Interview with Stella van Tongeren from Sensory centre Dogs Own Choice

Stella recently opened the very first INDOOR Sensory Centre for dogs in the Netherlands.

Not only does she own the Dogs own Choice Sensory centre, but she also recently graduated as a dog trainer/behaviourist at the Nordic Education Centre for Dog Trainers. In addition, Stella has also entered into a partnership with the local shelter where she lives, so that shelter dogs can also use their nose and can sniff freely in the Sensory Centre.

Knowing this it was time for us to contact Stella to find out more about this! We had a very nice interview with Stella via Zoom on July 1.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: We are of course very curious if Stella also has a dog(s) herself, and if she can tell you more about it?

Stella: Bibo is a Stafford x Border Collie male of almost 5 years old. Bibo came to me at 16 weeks old. I was already his 5th owner at that time. The mother was so thin that she could barely feed her puppies. Therefor he was seized from his mother and siblings at 5 weeks old. After that, he changed shelters a few times before he was ready for adoption. He went to his new family, but unfortunately there was no click with the other dog.

Stella remembers when she first got Bibo and she didn't know what she knows now. She said to us “I didn't see then that he was actually a very insecure dog. He is easily overstimulated and noise sensitive. And he especially has trouble with mopeds, which he is very afraid of, because he has had a bad experience with them. If he would be unleashed and encounter a moped, he would turn right and go home in no time. Once the mopeds are gone, it's OK. Because of this problem behaviour and  also the sometimes lunging at other dogs, I started to study dogs.

She came across a book written by Turid Rugaas with the title calming signals. She wondered and thought “gosh, how crazy a dog communicates with us, I need to know more about that”. In the end she started the training of the Nordic Education Centre for Dog Trainers. First level 1 and then immediately went on to do all levels. Besides that she wanted to better understand and help Bibo and wanted to help other people with their dogs.

She explains “Bibo and I are a unit, if he doesn't feel well then I don't feel well either. Thanks to my training, I now know how to deal with his problem behaviour, so that it is pleasant for Bibo but also for myself. I have accepted that he is the way he is. He is shaped by and with stress, which his mother had when she was pregnant. He will carry that stress with him for the rest of his life. That has shaped him a lot. I still walk with him in other places to avoid running into mopeds and other dogs, to give us both a relaxed walk”.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: How did you come up with the idea to start the Sensory Centre?

Stella: I think enrichment is a necessary need for dogs. This is also a great activity to start a consultation with. You can see a lot in a dog when he is researching in an enriched environment. Think of preferences and how curious/independent they are, but also notice physical discomforts.

Unfortunately, an enriched environment in my home and/or garden is not possible, because that would mean that I would have to lock up my own dog and my two cats somewhere. That is of course a "no go". I also want to make sure that the dogs do not experience unnecessary triggers during a sensory session. The opportunity presented itself to use a large space for my work with dogs. Because there is no indoor enriched environment in the Netherlands and the weather in our country sometimes leaves something to be desired, I saw this as a fantastic opportunity. There is also the possibility to conduct behavioural consultations there. The space covers approximately 180m2, of which approximately 100m2 is available for the dogs. Plenty of room to explore.

This is how Sensory Centre Dogs Own Choice was created. In the meantime, I have collected a lot of stuff, brought things from the street, visited second hand shops, and even took socks I found in the park. My partner calls me a collector now.

Of course, I first did a test run with my own dog Bibo and then with my sister's dogs. My sister's dogs were very calm and examined everything. That was the sign for me that it is a success and I was ready to start.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: How did you come up with the name Dogs Own Choice?

Stella: During my training I became more and more aware of the fact that our dogs have very little or no freedom of choice. Everything is decided by the owner of the dog, 24/7. Think about when they can eat, what they eat, how much they eat, where they sleep and also where they can't sleep. But also, the fact that dogs are the only animal species that cannot and may not decide for themselves when they can go to the toilet! How bad is that really? Since my education was in English, I quickly came across Dog's Own Choice. I had that name before I started my sensory centre, but it fits in perfectly. Officially it's Dog's Own Choice, but it sounds like Dogs, so I wrote it without '. Sometimes names and words are more powerful in English.

Sensory Gardens 4 Dogs: For which dogs is the sensory centre suitable?

Stella: For all dogs, regardless of breed and age, but also for dogs with mental and physical problems. Think, for example, of dogs that only have 3 legs, that are deaf or blind and/or dogs with musculoskeletal complaints. I have specialized in this a bit and I have followed special online courses for this: “Enriched Environment for Professionals” by Kirsty Grant of the Dog Nose in the UK and the lecture by Inge van Harte: “Nosework for Dogs with Pain” that I through Michelle Vrolijk have contributed immensely to providing an enriched environment for the dogs with special needs. Also for dogs that can never walk anywhere without a leash, and are therefore always limited by the  length of the dog leash.

The sensory centre is adapted to the individual dog, so that the dog e.g. with pain does not have to stretch its neck. Or I remove things so that they don't climb up somewhere out of curiosity. It is certainly not just putting down some stuff and sniffing. Nor is it a playground. You can see it as therapeutic enrichment with a large number of long-term benefits.

In advance, people receive a questionnaire, where I ask specific questions to have as much information as possible in advance, so that I can make it safe and suitable for everyone. Think of questions such as: age, gender, what behaviour does your dog show: anxious, reactive, etc. Does your dog have physical limitations? What training do you follow with your dog? What equipment do you use? Is your dog on medication? Are there known allergies?

I am also in the right place for anxious dogs in that regard. I am at the end of an industrial estate and our neighbour, a tire specialist, is not always present. I can ask him to reduce some noise from his side or meet on Sunday. That option is also there, but it is reserved for very special cases.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: Have you made special rules for visitors?

Stella: When people sign up, they get information sent to them along with the questionnaire. The information states the purpose of the sensory centre and the rules they must follow. The questionnaire is to keep everyone safe and to determine what adjustments I need to make. I sometimes lay d ownon the floor (eye level of a dog) and then look at the space to determine whether it is safe for the dog.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: What does a visit/guidance in the sensory centre look like?

Stella: I wait outside for the dog owner and the dog and depending on where they come from, I suggest that the dog takes a pee outside first. I ask the facilitator if there are any questions and I tell them where they can take a seat in the sensory centre.  After this we walk in together and here the owner can remove everything from the dog such as collar, harness, etc. This is only possible  if the dog does not experience any stress when taking off and putting on the equipment.

The owner may not interfere with the dog, say nothing and just let the dog run its course, of course the dog may be reassured. The owner's fixed seat has been deliberately chosen in the back right, so that the dog knows that the owner is sitting and staying there. This is deliberately not done at the front door, so that the dog does not get the idea that he / she can suddenly leave through the door. The dog need not worry about this. If the dog pees or poops inside, that's okay, it will just be cleaned up again.

Upon entering there are 2 large drinking troughs with fresh water. I also deliberately put it there, so that the dogs know that there is water. They can then make the choice themselves to go there to drink water if they are thirsty.

There is always soothing background music. This can be anything, such as meditation music but also classical music or nature sounds

Remarkable is that most dogs start out at a fast pace and after about 10 minutes the pace slows down and they go more into their sniffing/discovery journey.

It was decided to place the objects on the outer edge of the centre, so that they are not overwhelmed by the amount. In the middle are various carpets, without obstacles. There are enough scents to it to start with the nose on the ground. But everything is the dogs’s own choice.

At the end of the session, they get a chew that they can choose for themselves. The smart ones sometimes "accidentally" grab two and then look for a safe place to quietly enjoy the reward.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: How are a dog's senses stimulated in the centre?

Stella: For the sense of touch, we have several air cushions - grouped together - that are normally used as packaging material. Dogs like this very much, every now and then one pops too. There are flags that they can walk through, if they want, which then gently touch their skin. There are natural and artificial materials. Different stepping stones, each with a different profile, etc.

There is a sounds section but this is arranged so that dogs can walk everywhere without the sounds being activated. Sounds such as: crackling, clanging, material with louder and softer sound.

Dogs who like to dig are also welcome here. There are 2 shells, 1 filled with sand and the other filled with balls. In short, a sandbox and a ball pit. They can do whatever they want. Some dogs dig, other dogs lay down in it.

There are also climbing options such as: wooden blocks, mattresses, trampoline, a chair and various pillows. So a mental and physical challenge, in a safe way and on your own initiative.

For the smell we have different herbal plants, sheep wool, camel wool, reindeer hair, flamingo feathers, various other bird feathers that I have found myself, scent of my own cats, and even a basket in which a dog once gave birth. Also think of smells that visitors, both dog and handler, leave behind.

For the taste and also smell, we have 5 blue buckets with water here. Each bucket comes with a different flavour, such as a drop of sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, sweet soy sauce, tabasco and a regular with water. You can see that the dogs have a clear preference and all different, although Tabasco is not a favorite, haha!

For the sense of “seeing” there are many objects to look at, even the posters on the wall attract attention. A dog is depicted on it and sometimes it attracts attention.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: What do dogs like best in the Sensory centre?

Stella: The dogs' favorite item is the moose cuddly rug

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: Do you see that a visit to the centre has a positive effect on dogs?

Stella: All I can hear is that when the dogs are at home and often even before getting there they are already in  a deep sleep in the car. I especially enjoy seeing them move freely and make their own choices. That makes me very happy. I kind of fall in love with any dog, seeing them in their element like that.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: What do you do when a dog doesn't want to sniff?

Stella: I'll hold off, it can just be overwhelming, but I sometimes do a treat search if a dog stops exploring/sniffing early, or doesn't explore anything at all. I then let them do a treat search, which has a calming effect and then we see if the dog wants to continue or investigates on its own. Any food allergies are taken into account, as this is a question on the questionnaire. Of course, breaks are also included. Dogs take regular breaks to process. You sometimes see this happen while walking. Then they just stop or sit. It could be that they are processing something.

Furthermore, I do not stimulate food objects because that tends to lure. With lure dogs can go beyond their limits and that is no longer their own choice. We want the dog to discover with all his senses. I want them to explore things, explore the environment.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: How long does a sniffing session in the sensory centre take?

Stella: Up to an hour but most dogs are ready after 30-40 minutes. They show this by going to the owner, lying down, some throwing / breaking things. There was until now only one dog who was standing in front of the door. But it is not clear if he really wanted to go out because there were also some noises outside. So he might as well was gathering information. In the sensory centre, the dog decides when enough is enough, hence Dog's Own Choice 😉

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: What do people say about the visit to the sensory centre afterwards?

Stella: That they are surprised at their dog's curiosity, that they find it interesting to see where the dog's preference goes. That they expected different behaviour from the dog etc.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: Do you remember a special visitor?

Stella: A reactive hunting dog who was visiting the centre. This young fellow surprised us with his curiosity and the peace of mind he had to explore. But to be honest, I find each and every one of them special. They are all individuals, with their own personality and preferences. No two dogs are the same.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: What kind of dogs are visiting the centre?

Stella: There are dogs of different ages up to the age of 1 to 7 years and there are all kinds of different breeds and crosses, such as hunting dogs, Bassets, Toller, Labradoodle, Old German Shepherd, Labrador, etc. But also, dogs with osteoarthritis, anxious, reactive dogs etc.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: You offer your sensory centre also to shelter dogs?

Stella: Yes, that's right. I offer the shelter a free sense session for dogs that stay there. I recently spoke to the shelter in my hometown and they were very enthusiastic. The first shelter dog, a Malinois named Shelly, will come and sniff on July 20. I can't wait to see how they experience it! Dogs from a shelter need this so much and I would like to do my part to make their lives more pleasant. They all deserve a happy life. I hope to offer them a bright spot again.

My wish is that many dogs can gain this experience, because there are so many benefits for dogs from a sniffing / sense garden.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: What do you think is important for owners to give something extra?

Stella: Especially freedom of choice! But I think it's especially important that people know why good leashes and harnesses  are so important. In the sensory centre I put up posters about why a Y-shaped harness is so important for a dog. And don't forget, a dog leash of at least 3 meters! I downloaded the posters from the website of Els Vidts, who explains here in many languages ​​why a harness is better than a collar. If you also want to see why, you can find this information via https://freedogz.be/harnas-info/

While the dogs are sniffing, people can read the info about a Y-harness. There are also folders, which are the same as the posters, but these ones are meant to be to read again at home. One drawback, the leaflets are in English. But soon I will also have them in Dutch.

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: How can people sign up for a visit to the Sensory Centre?

Stella: They can preferably send an email to dogsownchoice@gmail.com. But they can also write a message in Messenger. I send them information via e-mail, including the rules of my sensory centre. And mobile number they can find  on my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=dogs%20own%20choice

Sensory gardens 4 dogs: Thank you Stella for your time and we wish you a lot of success with this great initiative and that many dogs come to sniff in your sensory centre.
 

Published on 4th of August 2022

How does the Sensory Garden work?

New clients get a welcome pack including a brochure of the sensory garden. On the website you can find a video where we explain the sensory garden with the 9 sections. It was filmed partly with a camera on the back of a dog. Customers can come to the sensory garden whenever they want.  The garden is 24/7 open for our customers.  

Click here for the video on YouTube
 
What do dogs like the most?

Popular is the digging pit were we hide also treats in. There is also a water pipe of 2 meter long which we have stuffed with alpaca and sheep wool. Many dogs do not get the possibility to explore these senses.
 
What kind of dogs do visit your garden?

More anxious breeds, working dogs, pit bulls, the dogs with health problems and shepherds.
 
New plans for the Sensory Garden:

We got some wind chimes and on one of the stations there is a water feature, which create natural sounds. But we want to make the garden better. Our idea is to place some speakers in the garden with relaxing music. And we want to put lights in the garden because during autumn/winter time the sun goes down early and not many people will use it. We think that will stimulate more dog owners to come.
 
What about dangerous animals in your garden?

We see snakes and spiders once in a while and that comes with being situated in a rural area.
Spiders are too bad but most dogs leave them alone, and we got snakes in spring, and some times they can bite. This is not uncommon in Australia and people have learned  to live with it.  In the case something happened at least the vet is nearby 😉
 
Do you know if there are more vet clinics with a Sensory Garden?

Problem for most praxis’s that they don’t have a lot of land. Most vets got a praxis in a shopping mall.
 
How did you learn about the Sensory Garden?

I travelled and did consultancies as a business coach between 2004-2007 around the world.  One of my clients got a sensory garden with the name bussleton Sensory Garden and I liked the idea and I made my own.

https://highlandsveterinaryhospital.com.au/