We recently saw a video where a dog was answering simple math questions using its paws. Now that’s some great training. But unlike training the dog for tasks like fetching, performing tricks, and staying, this one is more like mental training.
Apart from keeping dogs physically active, mentally stimulating them every now and then is equally important. To define mental stimulation, we can say that anything that keeps the dog’s brain active can do the job. It could be games, puzzles, learning tricks, interactive toys, obstacle courses. Dogs of all breeds, all ages, and all energy levels need mental stimulation for their well-being.
We keep saying it’s important and that it’s good for their well-being. But how exactly does mental stimulation for dogs impact them? And does it even impact your life?
Why is Mental Enrichment for Dogs Important?
There are multiple benefits to mental stimulation for dogs. They include –
No boredom = No Destruction - Dogs need to spend their mental energy as much as they need to spend their physical energy. Lack of avenues to spend either can result in destructive behaviors like digging in the yard or chewing furniture.
A sharp dog is easy to train: Mental stimulation challenges a dog's problem-solving skills, memory, and sensory abilities. This results in better training, and hence more positive behaviors.
A sharp mind is stress-free: Stress and anxiety can lead to multiple severe medical conditions in dogs. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help alleviate anxiety and stress in them.
A bonding medium: The training sessions, games, etc. can become a good avenue for you to strengthen your bond with the dog.
Free physical fitness: Agility courses, fetch games, hide-and-seek, etc. can benefit the dog both physically and mentally.
At-home workout: For dogs that spend most of their time indoors, interactive toys, food puzzles, and training sessions can provide much-needed enrichment and prevent boredom.
Fit dog = happy dog: A mentally stimulated dog is more likely to be happy, content, and well-adjusted.
These are the most important reasons why you should take mental stimulation very seriously for your puppy. P.S. we also offer puppy insurance!
What are Some Games to Stimulate Dogs?
Now that we’ve got you convinced of the multiple benefits of mental stimulation for dogs, here are some of the best ways you can do that –
Trick and treat – Teach your dogs some cool tricks. You can start with the basic ones like sitting, standing, responding to calls, etc. Once your dog starts understanding your commands, you can maybe try shaking hands, rolling over, closing the door, crossing legs, fetching the ball, grabbing a pen for you, etc. The good part here is that you can show off these tricks to your friends or maybe even your crush. Who knows that your dog could impress him/her what you couldn’t?
Hide-n-seek – This is the most common one and needs no preparation. And it is excellent for boosting your dog's problem-solving abilities, mental agility, and scent-detection skills.
Muffin-Tin – Place a treat in muffin cups, cover them with a tennis ball and pass it to your dog. They will have to figure out how to open and get the treat. You can even place a treat only in one of the tins to up the challenge.
Smelly Can – Take some cans and put a treat in only one of them. Ask your doggo to sniff the cans and point at the one containing the treat. For starters, you can poke a hole in the can.
Call out my name – An average dog can learn 165 words, including signals, and those in the top 20 per cent of dog intelligence can learn 250 words (2). You can name the toys and keep calling them by their name repeatedly to register the names in the dog’s mind and then ask your dog to get one of the toys by name.
Clean-up – This one is not only good for the dog but can also be of great help to you. Teach your dog commands like ‘drop it’ ‘put it away’, etc. and associate them with picking the toys up and putting them in the basket. Win-Win!
Obstacle race – If you want to take it outdoors, design a short obstacle course with some household items like books, chairs, blankets, etc. Make your dog jump, duck, and hop through the obstacles. Mental stimulation - ✔ Physical stimulation - ✔
Food Puzzles – There are these puzzles available in the market that dispense food for your dog but only when the dog figures out how to access it. You can start with the simple ones and then move up the difficulty gradually.
Go traditional – You can actually teach your dog how to play basketball, soccer or any other similar game. Get a lightweight ball and make them push it into a goal or a basket.
There are several other ways you can use to stimulate your dog mentally. Try to choose a different one every time or increase the difficulty level gradually to ensure the dog doesn’t get bored. Whichever game, task or trick you choose, you are also improving the physical health of the dog. Lack of mental activity can lead to a higher incidence of behavioral issues and physical ailments.
Separation anxiety is one of the most common conditions that dogs lacking enough mental stimulation experience. Pandemic pets have been seen to experience it more after the lockdown. Breeds like Labrador Retriever, Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and Toy Poodle have also been seen to experience this anxiety more than others. From destructive behaviors to chronic disorders, the impacts of anxiety and stress can be severe if not treated well. Mental stimulation acts as a prevention method.
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Audrey Halfen: Beta fish whisperer - whopping 9 months and counting! Once had a dog named Max, who I assertively claim is the cutest dog ever. Ready to throw down in a cute-off, if necessary.
Rosling, E. (2022, April 12). 7 fun brain games for dogs’ mental stimulation and happiness. Barc London. https://www.barclondon.com/blogs/dog-training-behaviour/brain-games-for-dogs
Smarter Than You Think: Renowned Canine Researcher Puts Dogs’ Intelligence on Par with 2-Year-Old Human. (2009, August 8). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2009/08/dogs-think
Lawson, L. (2024, April 23). Why mental stimulation is crucial for dogs: 6 Vet-Approved Reasons – Dogster. Dogster. https://www.dogster.com/dog-health-care/why-mental-stimulation-is-crucial-for-dogs
