We all know that part of being a good dog owner means giving your four legged friend lots of walks and exercise. But sometimes we forget the importance of mental enrichment and stimulation.
We lead busy lives and often it’s necessary for us to be away from the home for long periods of time. But just like us, dogs like to be kept entertained and can easily become bored without enough to do. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviour and even separation anxiety.
We’ve put together a list of easy ways to give your dog some enrichment by providing them with games, toys and even using things you can make yourself!
Using a puzzle or toy is a great way to slow down fast eaters and stimulate their minds. Feed your dog their normal meal in a go slow bowl or puzzle, or fill a Kong with peanut butter, cream cheese or treats!
This is a great way to make a puzzle out of things you might find around the house! Place treats/food in a muffin tray and place tennis balls on top. Your dog will have to use their nose to find all of the goodies!
Lay out a rolled-up mat or towel and sprinkle dry food or treats over it. Roll it up and let your dogs find the treats!
Freezing food or toys in ice cube trays or plastic containers can keep dogs busy for hours. This is especially useful in summer to keep them cool, hydrated and entertained!
The quickest and easiest way to create a quick game for your dog. Put treats or a toy under an upturned washing basket and let your dog figure out how to get them!
This is a great game for puppies and busy dogs. Fill up a play pool with balls or plastic bottles and throw your dog’s favourite treats or toys into the mix and watch them scurry around to find the treasures!
This is a great game for dogs who like to follow their nose and have experience with scent work. Line up three plastic cups and start by putting a treat under one of the cups while your dog watches. Give them the ok to show you which one is the right cup and let them have the treat when they choose correctly. Once they get the hang of it, you can make it more challenging by mixing up the cups after you place the treat.
Tug of war is a great way for our dogs to get a lot of meaningful play and exercise. Before you start make sure your dog has a good “drop it” or “leave it” command. If your dog gets extra rowdy or starts mouthing you it’s time to stop the game.
Providing adequate exercise and enrichment is vital for keeping your dog entertained and preventing any unwanted behaviours such as barking, digging or chewing. Mental stimulation is just as powerful as physical exercise, so make sure your pooch has an opportunity to use that clever brain of theirs!
Here’s some top toys for your dog to try:
The original Kong toy has been loved by dogs for more than 40 years. Available in several sizes and rubber strengths, from puppies through to seniors, Kong toys teach appropriate chewing behaviour while offering enrichment, satisfying a dog’s desire to forage for food and feature an erratic bounce love to chase and play with.
LickiMat feeders help calm and soothe pets as they enjoy their favourite treat by helping to release endorphins through the promotion of licking. They are excellent for reducing boredom and anxiety, helping calm pets during stressful times, including thunderstorms, fireworks, bath time and vet visits.
Puzzles offer excellent boredom busters to dogs to reduce destructive behaviours. Available in a range of styles, the puzzles will challenge your dog to discover treats through problem solving and exciting hidden rewards.
We all know that our pooches love playing with toys, but they have so many extra benefits for your dog’s health. Toys can help your dogs relax, learn new skills and counteract the effects of stress, all important for a happy and healthy pup.
For dogs, playing with toys is the equivalent of us doing a crossword or Sudoku puzzle. The mental stimulation provided by toys will tire your dog our quicker than a 30min walk, leaving them with less energy to get themselves into trouble! Toys are also fantastic at preventing problem behaviours such as excessive barking and inappropriate chewing. Quality chew toys will help stop puppies looking for alternative things to chew (like your fave pair of shoes – eek!).
Being pack animals, dogs are not built to spend extended periods of time alone. Using toys to keep your pooch entertained while you’re not there will help them build independence. They can also help promote some of their natural behaviours such as foraging, exploring and playing.
And of course, since you’re the one who gives them the toys, your pooch will associate you with the fun and excitement of play, helping to build a positive relationship between you and your dog.
Without proper preparation, dogs become bored. This can lead to many behavioural problems such as excessive barking, digging and destructive behaviour. Boredom can also contribute to more serious problems, such as separation anxiety and obsessive, compulsive behaviours.
If you are away from home for many hours a day, a very active dog may not be the best fit. Doing lots of breed research can be a great way to find out a dogs exercise requirements and how they will fit into your home.
It’s important to remember that while breeds can be an indicator of behaviour, every dog is different. You may have a very active greyhound, or a lazy kelpie! Take into consideration your dog’s unique personality and needs.
If your dog is social and likes spending time with other animals, it might be a good idea to have more than one dog. Dogs can thrive off each other’s company, playing together, eating together and sleeping together can make your dog’s life a whole lot more interesting
If you aren’t able to get another dog, think about organising a play date, visiting a dog park or a reputable doggy play centre for them to spend time with other dogs. However, it’s important to remember that adding another dog won’t cure boredom on its own – training and stimulation are always key.
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