Mental exercise for dogs: its benefits and activities that can help
We’re all well aware that physical exercise is essential for happy and healthy dogs: it supports cardiovascular, joint and muscle health, and helps maintain a healthy weight. But do we know just how important mental exercise is for them? And how do we go about mentally stimulating our pups?
Dogs are extremely intelligent animals and want to use their brains to satisfy their intrigue. The average dog can learn around 165 words, understand and react to social cues, show empathy, interpret emotions, and can think rationally. That’s impressive for something so cute and cuddly, isn’t it?!
It’s quite incredible how much we rely on a dog’s intelligence for a multitude of jobs including disability assistance, explosive detection and search and rescue missions. However, a dog’s mental capacity to learn and engage should not be ignored just because they’re a family pet: it’s essential that mental stimulation is a part of their daily routine whether they’re out in the service field or snuggled up on the sofa.
What happens when a dog doesn’t get mental exercise?
A lack of mental stimulation can sometimes lead to undesirable behaviour changes (normally due to boredom). This can be demonstrated by destructiveness, depression and anxiety, as well as other ‘problem’ behaviours. Mental exercise is also crucial for brain health and can help avoid ‘brain decay’ in ageing and senior dogs.
Fun ways to mentally exercise your dog
Hide & seek, and other games!
Hide and seek style activities are easy ways to get your dog’s brain engaged and can be integrated into many areas of their daily life. Seeking games encourage them to think critically, which is a super way to exercise their brain. This can be easily done around the home or out on walks, hiding toys, treats, special objects, or even yourself, and encouraging your dog to seek the prize out. Check out our boredom buster blog for other fun brain games too!
Sniffing
Allowing a dog to use their superpower sniffing skills is a great way to exercise their minds. When out walking, make you sure you give them time to stop and sniff, and similarly when meeting other dogs or mooching around the garden, letting them sniff and explore is hugely rewarding for their mental health. Read our dedicated post on the topic of sniffing to find out more!
Training
Teaching your dog tricks, refreshing their recall and basic commands, or smartening up their lead walking skills are all ideal ways to get your dog’s mind working and exercising their brain. Make sure you’re well stocked up on treats as training rewards. Our Leo & Wolf treats are a great choice!
Treat dispensers & games
Making your dog work for their food will give their brain a good run with the best reward possible. There are plenty of treat dispensing toys available on the market, including varieties from Kong, Pets Play and Outward Hound. Tip: they make great presents for birthdays! You can use their raw food or treats depending on the toy.
Engaging with your dog through games and activities will make your bond even stronger, which is extremely important for their (and your!) emotional health. Make sure you tag us on social media with your brain-exercising games and activities! @NutrimentRaw
