Mental Stimulation For Your Dog

Providing exercise for your dog is one of the best ways you can keep him calm and relaxed. This is a great way to avoid many behavior problems. Unfortunately, for many of us, an exercise outing isn’t possible every single day. Most of us work, we have family issues that crop up, the roof needs repairs or the water heater breaks down. There are lots of reasons why we can’t go out with our dog to get some exercise. What can you do on those days to keep your dog from going bonkers?

Mental stimulation is highly recommended for your dog if you can’t take him out to exercise. One of the best ways to provide mental stimulation is by simply making sure your dog has plenty of toys. Encouraging your dog to play is a great activity for him and it can keep him out of trouble. Make sure you provide lots of different kinds of toys: chew toys, ropes, “indestructible chews,” stuffed animals, and more.

These days there are a number of toys that are considered “interactive.” That means that your dog has to do something — get involved with the toy — to make it work. One toy makes scented bubbles (in a dog’s favorite scents) when your dog presses on different parts of the machine. Other toys light up and give out recordings of your voice when your dog rolls them around. Other toys, such as the Buster Cube, dispense treats when your dog rolls them and plays with them. Some stuffed animals seem simple but they have other, smaller stuffed animals hidden inside that your dog has to find.

You can also play dog puzzle games with your dog. Nina Ottosson makes wooden, interactive dog puzzles where dogs have to move certain puzzle pieces to reveal hidden treats. The puzzles can be very challenging and some of them come with different levels. Most of these puzzles should not be played by a dog alone since they do have removable pieces that your dog could swallow — and that would be the end of the game and perhaps your dog.

All of these toys and games can be fun and mentally stimulating for your dog. They make good substitutes when he can’t go out for a good run.

You can also spend time playing with your dog. You don’t have to play any kind of elaborate game. You can play fetch with a ball or give your dog belly rubs. Spending some quality time together will be just as good as getting some exercise outdoors. Dogs that get lots of petting and play rarely show behavior problems.

Of course exercise is great for dogs but when you can’t take your dog out to exercise there are some excellent alternatives. Even when your dog is getting plenty of exercise you should still make sure your dog has plenty of toys and try to spend lots of quality time with him. Chances are that you will have to be away from your dog during parts of the day. Dogs love to spend time with interactive toys. They can provide mental stimulation when you’re not around.