Tips for Keeping Your Dog Mentally Stimulated

 Mental stimulation is an extremely important aspect to the overall health of your dog. If dogs were not able to engage in any sort of mental stimulation, they would simply be bored out of their mind all day. They would also not be enjoying the greatest quality of life. Fortunately, as a dog parent, there are many simple options available to enhance your dog’s mental stimulation. Read on for 5 simple and practical examples that can do just that!

What is Mental Stimulation?

Before we start discussing ways to enhance your dog's mental stimulation , it's pertinent to examine what it is. Mental stimulation for canines is any activity or occasion that stimulates, challenges or captivates their brain.

There are many reasons that mental stimulation is important for dogs. As stated before, it helps keep your pup from boredom and it may enhance their quality of happiness. Additionally, when dogs are cognitively stimulated they are using their brain more to think which may help them become smarter. Possibly one of the best things that come from engaging in an activity that will keep your four legged friend cognitively engaged is that you are strengthening your bond together. You may ask yourself, how do I keep my furry companion mentally stimulated? Keep reading to find out.

Engage in Physical exercise Activities

As contradictory as it sounds, one of the best ways to provide your dog's mental stimulation is to give them various physical exercises every day. For example, walks, runs, hikes etc. When they are outside, let them sniff and explore freely. When your pup uses their nose to figure out a new scent, they are giving their brain a workout.

Ideally, if you can take them to new places such as a local park or hiking trail, that you haven't taken before, would also be physically challenging to them, as they cannot simply walk along a trail without thinking. They will also have to consciously pay attention to where they are going, which will contribute to added mental stimulation.

As a note of caution, exploring new trails with difficult terrain can be treacherous for your dog so please be prepared by taking a look at dog insurance ahead of time. Exercise injuries are unfortunately common among all dog breeds, and hiking trails can also be rife with loose rocks and roots, which can cause accidents and injuries. Having dog insurance would cover any medical bills, and get them the care they need for a sprain.

Bring Your Dog to Daycare

One of the greatest ways to keep your pup mentally stimulated is to allow them to socialize and make new friends. Where better to do that than at doggy daycare? Taking your dog to daycare is one of the best things you do for them because they are able to socialize with so many other dogs which creates mental stimulation and makes them happy. They will also learn how to share toys, how they are expected to behave while there, and how to settle differences of opinion.  All of these things will help to reduce boredom and heighten their potential mentally.

Puzzle feeders allow your dog to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the process of getting their food. When dogs become isolated and never have interactions with any other animals, they not only can become bored but they can also become aggressive towards animals and humans! At the very least, they can have higher anxiety and higher stress responses when they have to interact with others and are not used to it. So clearly, having your dog be social or go to a doggy daycare is at least providing him mental health support within the simulations it offers.

Teach Your Dog New Commands

Teaching your dog new commands and tricks (or signs) can help elevate their physical excitement level. Each time they attempt to learn something new, they are increasing their cognitive functioning ability. Never give up on your dog, even if it seems as though they are confused and not producing satisfactory results. Each repetition will only get better, and your dog will eventually pick up more and more clues when learning, until they can do the new command or trick perfectly. 

Teaching your dog new commands or tricks is also great because you will improve their confidence level as they begin to become proficient with the new command or trick. In addition, you will build your relationship more with your dog as you will spend hours (a week, over time) working on practicing until they can perform the command or trick perfectly. Most importantly, new commands or tricks are relatively easy to teach a dog to perform, and can be quite enjoyable and helpful, regardless of their age.

Use Puzzle Feeders and Toys

Just like when you teach your dog new commands, using puzzle feeders at mealtime is another great way to give a dog some cognitive enrichment. Puzzle feeders are designed in such a way that helps your dog to use their problem-solving and critical thinking skills so that they can have their food. It keeps them busy while also preventing them from getting into a habit of eating too quickly. If you have more than one pet this may also help to keep them away from eating each other’s food!

The way Puzzle toys work in the same way as puzzle feeders also work that help your pet to develop their skills. Some are something you put food or treats into and your dog must think about the actions required to get the food. Other toys that require more mental function ,have a built in moving or interacting part that engages your dog. Some campy interacting toys make a noise in a rest position to encourage your dog to try to find out what is making the noise!