Mental Stimulation for Dogs
Dogs are curious and intelligent beings that thrive on mental stimulation, just like us. We recognize that physical exercise is essential for their health, however, mental stimulation is just as important for a well-balanced pup. I like to think about toddlers and how they can act out. When dogs become bored or understimulated, they begin to act out. This can be seen through destructive behaviors as well as emotional behaviors like anxiety and depression. So, what better time than April, Canine Fitness Awareness Month, to share my favorite activities to do with my dogs?
Benefits of Keeping Dogs Mentally Active
- Prevents Boredom and Destructive Behavior: Mental stimulation not only keeps dogs occupied and prevents them from getting bored, but it also allows them to participate in behaviors that are natural to them, and even self-soothing. Oftentimes shredding things is considered destructive but the reality is they are just trying to meet their own instinctual needs. Another area that is often overlooked, chewing. Giving dogs ample opportunity to chew throughout every day is important
- Promotes Cognitive Development: The big “c” word, cognitive. This is terminology used in human behavior as well. Dogs have a portion of their brain that is designated for cognitive development and we are responsible for helping them meet those needs and building those connections in their brain. Engaging in mental activities helps dogs develop problem-solving skills, memory retention, and cognitive function, keeping their brains sharp and active.
We have to remember that we have to go at our dogs' pace. The activity or toy is NOT enriching if your dog is struggling.
So, how do we provide mental stimulation to our dogs? Here are my top five favorite ways!
#1 Interactive Toys and Puzzles
The options are endless from puzzle boards to snuffle mats and frozen kongs. This past year I learned about the coolest snuffle toy, the snuffle ball! This has become a favorite among myself and my dogs so much that it was included in our November Canine Brain Games box in 2023. This ball is great for dogs of all sizes and you simply stuff it with treats and let your dog roll, literally. As your dog is rolling the ball around they are activating their olfactory receptors, problem-solving, and foraging for their food.
#2 Scent Work and Nose Games
Engage your dog's powerful sense of smell by playing scent games or hiding treats for them to find, providing mental stimulation through olfactory enrichment.
Fun fact: Did you know that dogs have upwards of 300 million olfactory receptors compared to our 30-40 million? No wonder our dogs have to smell everything!
#3 Training and Obedience Practices
You will hear me say things like “Drop the heel”. I believe in the importance of obedience training to keep our dogs safe. Just like with children, we don’t let them run out into the parking lot, right? However, with enrichment, obedience and traditional training are separated.
Teaching your dog new tricks and having enrichment sessions to stimulate their mind and build a stronger bond with you is done through the dog's eyes (or really nose) at their level. We are not commanding our dogs to do anything and if possible, I recommend keeping your dog as collar and harness-free as possible during enrichment sessions.
#4 Engaging in Regular Physical Exercise
Physical enrichment goes beyond going for a walk or playing a game of fetch. While both can be physically stimulating, let’s take it one step further. Combining physical exercise with mental stimulation through incorporating activities like agility courses, sniff walks, and changing up that game of fetch can all mentally stimulate your dog while keeping the moving.
- Set up obstacles to make your agility course.
- Drop the heel and let your dog take the lead on the walk. I love using a 20ft leash to let them go wherever their nose takes them.
- Try kicking or rolling the ball. Another great toy is a ball that bounces in all different directions.
- Recently I was introduced to a herding ball and my dog (not a herding breed) is absolutely in love with it! What a great physical and mental workout for him.
#5 Social Interaction and Playtime
Oftentimes when we have dogs who are not able to be around strangers or other animals, we feel like we can’t provide social interactions for them. I know this first hand having two dogs who struggle around people and other animals. We can provide social stimulation by going for a walk where we are far enough away from the stimulation but close enough to where they are still enjoying their time.
Maybe your pup is older and mobility is getting harder, going for a car ride and letting them watch out the window (providing this is not a trigger) is a great option. Of course, spending time with you is also social interaction. For the dogs who enjoy the company of others, arrange playdates or engage in interactive play sessions with your pup to promote socialization and mental stimulation.
It is always important to know your dog’s body language and ensure what you are introducing to them is not causing any stress.
April is the perfect time to implement mental stimulation into your dog's daily routine making it as habitual as feeding them. Check out my complimentary enrichment planner, available for download, designed to assist you in establishing a structured schedule. This planner includes valuable tips, tricks, and engaging ideas to integrate into your dog's everyday activities.