When you came back from walking, your dog chased every squirrel and sniffed every tree, but still they were full of energy.
Have you ever experienced that?
This means that your dogs need more than just physical activity. They need to work out their brains too. Yes, just like us they get bored too. And a bored dog is very hilarious. It means that your house furniture, your shoes and your peace of mind are not safe for long.
Mental stimulation for dogs is necessary, it gives your pet a challenge, keeps them out of trouble and makes them tired more than any physical activity.
Do you know the best part about it?
It does not require fancy equipment and hours of time. Brain training for dogs is simple, you just need to know some smart techniques and Ibelu is here for that. Let’s explore the best 5 creative brain boosting ideas for the mental stimulation of dogs. We’ll also talk about why mental stimulation for dogs matters and the tips for success.
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Why Mental Stimulation for Dogs Matters?
Most people think that a tired dog is a well behaved dog. No, it is not just about running and chasing tennis balls. What does your dog need then? Your dog needs brain activity.
Dogs are naturally curious and intelligent creatures. In the wild, they hunt their food by themselves, exploring and figuring out their next move. Our domestic dogs do not hunt their food from woods but their minds crave for this action.
That’s why it is important to discover stimulating dog activities. It burns their energy, builds confidence and makes your bonding strong.
5 Creative Brain Boosting Ideas for Mental Stimulation of Dogs
These fun activities will give your dog a mental workout they crave for. Try the following ideas for preventing dog’s boredom, it will give you outstanding results.
Food Puzzles and Dog Enrichment Toys
Instead of simply giving your dog a bowl of food, engage them in food puzzles. Let your dog work for their meal. Toys like snuffle mats, lick mats and tug a jug can turn a meal into a little fun challenge.
You can freeze food in a kong toy and give it to them. It will make them busy for a long time. Include a combination of feeders like slow and interactive feeders, for instance, you can add stationary elements and mobile puzzles to convert a meal in a more engaging way. Trust me, these dog enrichment toys are not less than a blessing to engage dogs.
Hide and Seek
Dogs love games like hide and seek. You can hide treats around the house and tell your dog to find them. You can even hide yourself and call them to come and find you. It will wake their natural sniff and search instincts and make their brains work.
When you play hide and seek with your dog, it will also help you bond with them. Here, a quick tip is reward them when they find you. For treats, start with easy spots of the house and gradually make it harder when they start to catch on.
This technique is very useful in mental stimulation for dogs. Don’t wait to try this and let us know if your dog enjoys it.
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Teach a New Trick
Teaching your dog a new trick is not just a trick, it’ll be more like a brain workout or challenge. Start with simple ones like “high five” or “spin” and then slowly when they start understanding and picking it, try more creative tricks.
It is very simple, the more creativity leads to better results. Even sometimes practicing old tricks engage them and boost their confidence. While practicing these stimulating dog activities, make sure to observe their body language. If they seem stressed or confused, go for easier tasks or end the session.
DIY Obstacle Course
You don’t need to go with fancy and expensive equipment. Use simple boxes, chairs or pillows to set up a mini course in your living room. Then, start guiding your dog with treats and a lot of encouragement.
Teach them to jump over the pillow and crawl under the chair. These interactive plays help in preventing dog boredom and give them a chance to practice their problem solving skills.
Scent Work Games
Your dog’s nose is their superpower so let them use it. Hide treats in cups, boxes and under towels then let them find it. It’s mentally stimulating and super satisfying for them.
You can also drag a treat on the floor or grass and let them sniff them out, it’ll work like magic. In start, make easy trials then gradually turn them into difficult paths when they catch the idea.
Tips for Success
- Create a training zone on a calm and distraction free spot, it will help your dog focus and learn faster.
- Start with simple puzzles. Don’t directly jump on advanced level puzzles, let them build their confidence on easy wins.
- Give your dog time to figure things out. Don’t force them to jump right away. Remember problem solving is the fun part of success.
- Always appreciate their small wins. Even if they’re not doing very well, reward them. This gesture of appreciation motivates them to do better.
- The more fun you make it, the more your dog will want to play and learn it. Let them stimulate their mind gradually.
- Use a variety of cognitive exercises for dogs, otherwise they’ll get bored and it leads to demotivation.
If you want to read more tips, visit Dogs Entertainment Blogs.
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Conclusion
Making your dogs engaged in mentally stimulating activities is not just about avoiding their boredom or keeping your shoes out from destruction. It is about giving your dog a chance to think, learn and have fun.
Just like humans, dogs love to have fun and activities that are challenging for their brain. It will go a long way to make them calm and confident.
“A tired dog is a good dog but a mentally stimulated dog is a truly happy one”.
Whether you’re hiding treats or teaching them a new trick, these brain boosting activities are easy to start and rewarding for both of you. So, next time your dog gets energy to burn out, just try these ideas of mental stimulation for dogs.
