Interview with Anne Knauber About the Sensory Garden at Tierheim Kaiserslautern

The Animal Shelter in Kaiserslautern

The Carl Hildebrand Animal Shelter in Kaiserslautern was originally built in 1932 and underwent a major renovation in 2012 to meet modern animal welfare standards.

The shelter has been carefully designed to minimise stress for the dogs. The layout prevents unnecessary visual contact between dogs and reduces disturbance from visitors. Instead of walking directly past the kennels, visitors can observe the dogs from elevated viewing areas, creating a calmer environment for everyone.

At the time of this interview (December 2020), the shelter was caring for 19 puppies, 11 adult dogs, 30 cats, as well as rabbits, birds, turtles and other small animals. The shelter operates with a team of 15 employees supported by dedicated volunteers.

A Sensory Garden for Shelter Dogs

In 2020, the shelter opened a specially designed Sensory Garden for its dogs.

The Sensory Garden covers approximately 950 m² and is enclosed by a sturdy wooden fence. This allows the dogs to explore without being distracted by activity outside the garden while providing a safe and secure environment.

There are plans to expand the garden to approximately 1,500 m², creating even more opportunities for enrichment, exploration and relaxation.

The project was made possible through grants, donations from animal lovers, a crowdfunding campaign and support from the German Animal Welfare Federation (Deutscher Tierschutzbund). The design and planting of the green areas were generously sponsored by Nathalie and her company, Wildes Gartenherz.

What Does the Sensory Garden Look Like?

The Sensory Garden offers a wide variety of sensory experiences and enrichment opportunities.

Among its features are:

• A herb garden with aromatic plants
• Pathways with different surfaces, including pebbles, wood chips, sand and larger stones
• Straw bales and natural planting areas
• Exploration zones with shrubs and hiding places
• An elevated observation platform
• Regularly changing enrichment elements such as cardboard boxes and other interesting objects

The garden is designed to encourage natural canine behaviours such as sniffing, exploring, searching and making choices independently.

What Do the Staff Think of the Sensory Garden?

The Sensory Garden has exceeded all expectations.

Staff members have observed positive effects not only on the dogs' emotional wellbeing but also on their physical health.

Dogs recovering from surgery, for example, benefit greatly from walking across the different surfaces. These varied textures help improve balance, coordination, body awareness and muscle strength. The dogs naturally pay more attention to where they place their paws, supporting both mental engagement and physical rehabilitation.

Benefits of a Sensory Garden for Shelter Dogs

The shelter team has observed many benefits, including:

• Reduced stress levels
• Increased relaxation
• Greater self-confidence
• Mental stimulation and enrichment
• Freedom to explore at their own pace
• More variety in daily shelter life
• Opportunities to express natural behaviours
• Improved emotional wellbeing
• Increased curiosity and motivation
• Support in overcoming fears through voluntary exploration
• Enhanced physical movement and coordination
• Improved learning and problem-solving abilities

Because dogs experience the environment through their noses, giving them opportunities to sniff and explore can have a profound positive impact on their welfare.

How Often Do the Dogs Visit the Sensory Garden?

Many dogs that are participating in training programmes visit the Sensory Garden every day.

However, every dog has an individual care and training plan tailored to its specific needs. Most visits last no longer than thirty minutes.

Sometimes the garden is used as part of a structured training session. At other times, dogs are simply given the opportunity to explore independently and enjoy the environment at their own pace, free from expectations or pressure.

About the Dogs at the Shelter

Dogs arrive at the shelter for many different reasons.

Some are surrendered following behavioural challenges or biting incidents. Others have been confiscated from unsuitable living situations. The shelter also provides care for dogs transferred from other shelters that require specialised behavioural support.

Many of these dogs participate in a programme called HUKO.

Before entering the programme, every dog receives a thorough medical examination. The shelter recognises that behavioural problems can sometimes be linked to pain or underlying health issues.

Dogs then work with certified trainers in a specially equipped training centre. Families who adopt a HUKO dog receive extensive guidance, including a tailored training and management plan and support in their home environment.

The programme has been highly successful and was recognised with an animal welfare award from the German Ministry for Environment, Agriculture, Food and Consumer Protection.

The Sensory Garden plays an important role in supporting these dogs throughout their rehabilitation and training process.

Additional Projects at the Shelter

The shelter is continuously investing in innovative animal welfare initiatives.

At the time of the interview, a new training hall was being developed to provide:

• A quiet and low-stimulation training environment for shelter dogs
• Educational programmes for children focused on animal welfare and canine body language
• Preventative training designed to reduce the likelihood of dogs being returned to the shelter
• Free training opportunities for adopters
• Affordable courses for members of the public

The shelter's dedication to animal welfare and education has resulted in continued recognition and support from various organisations and funding bodies.

For more information about Tierheim Kaiserslautern and its projects, please visit their website https://www.tierheim-kaiserslautern.de/