Fun Brain Games For Dogs
by Kay Mills
Every pet owner knows the joys of playing with their best friend-the four-legged kind, that is! Who doesn’t love a good game of fetch outside in the fresh air now and again or a fun game of tug-of-war with a favorite rope toy? Both are a great way to get exercise and enjoy time with your dog. Unfortunately, many games that we are used to playing with our furry friends don’t require a great deal of thinking. Brain games for dogs.
Luckily, Good Pup Life suggested these interactive games that are perfect when you want your dog to exercise his body AND his mind. Not only do interactive games build your dog’s intelligence, but they will also strengthen your bond and defeat the boredom he feels from time to time. When you are looking for fun brain games for your dog, look no further!
Hide and Seek
While we are used to playing this game as children, it’s a wonderful choice for when you want to help your dog become smarter. It’s easier to play when you have two people, and it can be played both inside and outside. One player will distract the dog while the other player hides. It’s also a great time to practice the “sit-stay” cue, especially if your dog is still in the learning phase of the command. Once the second player is securely hidden, the first player gives the dog the “release” cue. The hidden player may want to yell out for the dog just once to get him to start looking. After a few games, your dog will understand that you are hiding from him as he learns how the game is played.
Toy Hide and Seek
A great version of the classic hide and seek game is to use toys instead. This game can be played with one person and their dog. Tell your pup to sit and stay in one spot, or put them in another room and close the door for a minute. Before you hide the toy or treat, show it to them. When you are out of sight, hide the item for them to find. It’s best to choose simple hiding spots until your dog catches on. Once the item is hidden, instruct your dog to “seek” out the toy. This game makes your dog use his brain as he actively searches for his toy. It will also wear him out, making him ready for a good night’s sleep!
Food-Dispensing Toys
If you’re not quite up to playing hide or seek, your dog will love playing with a food-dispensing toy that allows him to work for his treats. There are dozens of these types of toys on the market that require your pup to work out a way to obtain the treats you insert inside. Simply fill the toy with treats or dog food before encouraging your pet to engage with the toy. This gives your dog plenty of mental stimulation as his natural scavenging abilities become engaged. Why does this happen? In the wild, dogs spend hours searching and hunting for their food, so it doesn’t hurt them to have to work for some treats at home. Don’t be surprised if you have to change up the toys now and again when your dog becomes adept at getting his treats quickly!
Brain Games- Snuffle Mat
While you can find them online, you can easily make what is known as a snuffle mat. They are easy to make and allow your dog to use his keen sense of smell to seek out his favorite treats. With just a rubber mat and a fleece blanket, you can make a mat that gives your dog hours of stimulation. Simply hide the treats inside the mat and encourage your pup to start searching. Using a snuffle mat will offer a reward for working harder. Simply look for do-it-yourself snuffle mat instructions, or you can order a mat from an online store. Either way, your dog will thank you for the fun and stimulation these brain games gives him.
Hide the Treats
Have you ever seen the cup game played in the movies or on a television show? You have a few plastic cups on a table, but only one cup has something in it. There is a version of this game that works for your doggy to have some mental stimulation.
Simply grab three or four plastic cups (think red Solo cups or the like!) and put them on the floor right in front of your pup. Let him see you put treats in just one of the cups before moving them around to mix them up. Then, ask your dog to “pick” the right cup. Let him smell the cups until he starts nudging one. Pick up the one he nudges and show him whether or not the treat is there. When he chooses the right cup, he gets the treat!
Brain Games: Toy Puzzles
Your dog is likely much smarter than you think! Let him prove it to you with some dog treat puzzles that allow your canine to use his brain to get the treats. You’ll find plenty of places that sell puzzles specifically designed to make your dog work for his favorite treats. For example, look for a puzzle that requires an action from your dog. Dog puzzles teach your pup how to solve problems by using their favorite food or treats as a reward. Another perk of these types of puzzles is that they can be used to teach your dog to eat slower. Many dogs eat too quickly, causing them to experience intestinal issues. A food puzzle toy can teach them how to slow down and eat properly.
These fun brain games will be enjoyable for you and your dog. They are simple to play, yet offer hours of mental stimulation for your pet. You will improve your dog’s confidence, relieve boredom, and reinforce your bond, all while expanding his brain! You can’t go wrong when you choose one of these fun brain games to play with your best friend.
