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Brain games are an excellent way to keep your dog mentally entertained. Providing a canine enrichment environment for dogs will have a more balanced life and be mentally entertained.
Ditch the bowl and let your dog earn their for food
Rather than just putting their kibble in a bowl and placing it on the floor, why not make them earn their food in a fun way
A common and fun method of feeding our dog is using a kong wobbler or similar as they have to push it around the floor, so the food escapes from the holes. Please be warned this can be noisy, but your dog will have great fun. You can also make your feeders.
Provide a Puzzle Toy for your dog
These toys are a great way to entertain our dogs and help them focus on the task. . Game-based training and games in general neednt be hard. Playing 3-minute games throughout the day can make a difference to your dog. It gives them something to focus on, and that extra meaning in their day helps when it comes to helping to solve certain behaviours. So next time you put the kettle on and are waiting for it to boil, why not play a quick game?
If using a puzzle toy that you have either brought or made enables your dog to have a chance to use its natural problem-solving abilities. And keeping your dog mentally engaged with brain games and interactive toys will help mentally tire them.
Not all dogs take to puzzle games straight away, so I suggest you try out some quick and easy ways to entertain your dog to start with using simple things like a towel.
These brain games are also ideal if your dog is on limited exercise.
Play scenting games at home and on a dog walk – great for the Brain
Most dogs love to have a good sniff and do basic nose work. Besides the ball, Missy’s favourite Game is using her nose to find treats. Sniffing out food and other objects is one of their natural skills. And all that searching will give your dog more mental stimulation in their daily routine.
One of the games that Missy likes is ‘find it.’ I use some dried liver or other smell treats such as cheese and hide it around the flat
This is also easy to take outdoors on dog walks as a treat can be hidden in fallen trees, long grass etc.
Let your dog do Agility.
Many dogs love Agility, and weaving in and out of obstacles is an excellent mental workout. One of the great things about Agility is that some of the challenges, jumps, etc., can be made at home from obstacles around the house.
An assault course at home need not be expensive, and some of the stuff you may already have, for example.
Teach your dog to “go to bed”, “jump over”, or “go under” a broom handle, and “weave” in and out of cones or plant pots. Whatever commands work with what you have got set up. Putting together a simple agility course is great fun for your dog and provides loads of mental exercise. You’re not just asking them to do one thing. You’re asking them to do one thing after another.
Making your homemade agility course is an excellent and straightforward way for your dog to learn a new trick. For example, jumping over a broom handle.
Take part in More Interactive Brain Ganes with Your Dog.
They say Dogs are a Man’s best friend. One thing is true; they love playing and interacting with us.
Interactive play is when you actively engage with your dog. Some simple interactive play includes having a simple tug game. Not only do interactive games help with mental stimulation, but they also help strengthen our bond.
Play Find the yummy treat with them.
This is a great game based on the street game called “Find the lady”. It’s a game where you take 3 cups and then hide some of its food t under one of the cups. Now shuffle them around, letting your dog choose the correct container. This is great for dogs’ scent work, along with problem-solving skills.
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