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(8) Ways to Challenge Your Dog’s Mind
by Sean | Oct 14, 2020
Most pet parents know that physical exercise is vital for their dog’s health and wellbeing. But did you know that mental stimulation is just as important for a happy, healthy, and well-adjusted dog?
Keeping your dog’s mind active is a great way to relieve negative emotions like stress, anxiety, and boredom. It can also help prevent behavioral problems, including barking and destructive chewing.
Looking for some fun and engaging ways to keep your pup’s mind active? In this article, we’ll share 8 ways to challenge your dog’s mind.
(1) Provide Interactive Toys
Providing interactive toys is a great way to challenge your dog’s mind and keep them mentally stimulated. Some of the most popular types of toys include interactive chew toys and puzzle feeders that can be stuffed with treats. Dogs also enjoy toys of different textures, colors, shapes, sizes, and smells to stimulate their senses and keep things interesting.
(2) Teach a New Trick
Despite what you may have heard, old dogs CAN learn new tricks! In fact, learning new tricks is a fantastic way for dogs of all ages to stay mentally active. Looking for some simple tricks to teach your four-legged friend? This article from DogTime has instructions for teaching your dog to roll over, shake hands, play dead, and more!
(3) Keep Walks Interesting
Dogs love exploring the great outdoors, and a regular walking routine can keep them physically fit and healthy. The sights, scents, and sounds they encounter on their walks also help stimulate them mentally and prevent boredom that can lead to unwanted behaviors. Provide some variety by walking your dog in different environments and changing the pace and duration of walks to keep things interesting.
(4) Organize a Playdate
Introducing your dog to other dogs is one of the best ways to keep them mentally active and enhance their quality of life. We recommend starting off slowly by introducing your dog to just one or two other dogs. It’s also important to supervise your dog carefully until they’re properly socialized around people and other animals.
(5) Play Hide-and-Seek
A classic game of hide-and-seek is great fun for you and your pup! Tell your dog to “sit” and “stay” then find a hiding place in your home. Next, call your dog’s name and wait for them to sniff you out. Most dogs will enjoy the excitement of tracking you down. It’s also good exercise for their mind and body.
(6) Build an Obstacle Course
Building an obstacle course in your home or yard is an entertaining way to challenge your dog’s mind and teach them basic agility training. Household items like chairs and broomsticks can be used to make a simple course. Extra equipment like tunnels and hurdles can also be purchased from pet supply stores.
(7) Practice Obedience Training
Teaching your dog basic commands can help prevent behavioral problems and keep them safe. Obedience training also stimulates your dog’s mind and strengthens the bond between you and your four-legged friend. Start by teaching your dog the 5 basic commands: sit, stay, lay down, come, and heel. For step-by-step instructions, check out this useful article from The American Kennel Club.
(8) Give Your Pup Something to Chew On
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It’s great for relieving stress and anxiety, and keeps them mentally and physically stimulated. Choose a high-quality commercial chew toy or a raw bone about the size of your dog’s head. Always supervise your dog while they’re chewing, and never give cooked bones as they can splinter and break. This article from Rover has more information about choosing a safe bone or chew toy for your dog.
That’s it for today’s post. We hope you discovered some fun new ways to challenge your dog’s mind! Keeping your pup healthy doesn’t need to be difficult. Just make sure to feed a nutritious diet and provide plenty of mental and physical exercise.
It’s also important to protect your dog’s joints to keep them happy, healthy, and active. Happy Again collagen supplements contain a high-grade blend of collagen, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins. They’re designed to provide daily protection against joint pain and discomfort. Because happy joints mean happy dogs!