Brain Training For Dogs || Training Games To Make Your Dog Smarter!
You probably picture walks, trail treks, and retrieve games when you think of ways to exercise your dog, but you might be surprised to learn that your dog also needs mental exercise.
Playing brain games is an excellent method to engage a dog's mind, which is just as vital as exercising their body. And the best thing about giving dogs mental games to play? Utilizing your dog's distinct cognitive ability is a crucial and simple form of enrichment!
What Is Brain Training For Dogs?
While brain training for dogs can be applied to regular obedience classes, true brain training involves your dog's head in a slightly different way. The purpose of the dog training exercises in traditional obedience training is to teach your dog basic skills like arriving when called, walking nicely on a leash, and keeping a stay.
The purpose of brain training is to help your dog solve problems creatively and enjoy himself. Brain training offers various advantages, according to Steve Dale, licensed animal behavior consultant, pet radio host, and co-editor of Decoding Your Dog (written by members of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists).
Reducing boredom.
allowing them to participate in activities unique to their breed, such as resource-finding or digging.
giving nervousness a release.
aiding in the reduction of age-related cognitive alterations.
Brain training is a fun method to deepen your bond with your dog in addition to behavioral benefits including reducing inappropriate behaviors and keeping your senior bright. You two ought to be having fun if you're engaging in the proper brain-training games!
Fun Brain Games for Dogs to Try at Home
Dogs can play a variety of games that are sold commercially, but they can also be engaged in DIY cognitive exercises. With your dog, try these easy brain training exercises for dogs.
Have a game of hide the toy.
Instructing your dog to search for a concealed toy harnesses their innate capacity to detect scents and is an excellent method for using up extra energy both indoors and outdoors. Put your dog in a "stay" position or have a helper hold him gently while you start teaching it. Allow him to observe you placing a toy a few feet away in a visible area, such as on the side of a chair. Then, exhort your dog to "find it" with a happy squeak and help him retrieve the toy.
After spending a few minutes playing together with the toy, hide it again in a visible location and restart the process.
Your dog will eventually learn what "find it" means after a few tries. At that point, you can move him to a new area and do a "blind find," which involves hiding the toy somewhere he can't see it. After playing a few rounds, your dog will be thoroughly exhausted because the only sense he has left is his nose!
Create an Indoor Excavation Pit
Many dogs enjoy digging, but they don't have enough chances to do so. To satisfy that drive and exercise your dog's brain at the same time, create a safe space for them to participate in this innate behavior.
Simply use a box with low sides or a plastic storage container to create a dig hole, then fill it with dog-safe things such as cardboard paper towel rolls, bathroom tissue rolls, and rags cut into different lengths. Be sure to choose filler materials that your dog won't be interested in consuming!
Next, distribute some treats or your dog's daily food ration inside and mix it up. If your dog is motivated by toys, you may also hide balls and toys within. When they find toys, a lot of toy-driven dogs will appreciate spending playtime with you.
Learn to Spin with Your Dog
Teaching tricks to your dog is a low-stress, just-for-fun kind of training that's a terrific way to engage their brain. Puppies can learn to "spin" quickly, making it one of the simplest (and cutest!) tricks to teach.
Start by putting a little treat in front of your dog's nose so he can sniff it without having to jump up and four paws on the ground. To get your dog to follow the reward lure more slowly, trace a halo-shaped circle in the air above his nose. After your dog has finished the circle, give him the goodie. It may be necessary to provide the treat to dogs who are unwilling to follow the lure both halfway through and at the end.
Train Your Dog to Concentrate
Teaching your dog the "watch" command to establish eye contact is an entertaining brainteaser with practical implications. This is a talent that is enjoyable to master and has many practical uses, such as calming nervous dogs by getting them to focus on you rather than possible threats.
Since the first steps of this behavior move swiftly, it is helpful to teach it with a clicker. To start, just throw a treat on the ground close to your dog. When she finishes it and looks up at you, click to get her attention before throwing another treat. Continue doing this, marking each time your dog looks at you with the clicker.
Then request more from your dog. Throw the treat after you've waited for your dog to look up into your eyes. Waiting a few seconds before you click and give your dog a treat can allow them to retain your gaze for longer. Saying "watch" as soon as your dog lifts her gaze to meet yours will help you name the behavior.
To assist the habit become more broad, practice it in various areas of your home and outdoors. Then, try applying it in an actual situation, such as going on a stroll.
Other Strategies to Promote the Brain Health of Your Dog
A healthy lifestyle is the foundation for healthy brain function, and eating plays a significant role in this. Providing your dog high-quality food that has real meats as the main ingredient and no additives or fillers helps promote general wellness from the inside out.
When you don't have time to play with your dog, puzzle toys for dogs can serve as excellent brain teasers. Brain-boosting activities for dogs include hiding treats in their toys and training them to solve puzzles and find rewards.
Additionally, you may assist your dog's mental health by giving them supplements designed by veterinarians that employ natural components to boost cognitive wellbeing. To ensure your dog is happy and healthy well into his golden years, keep his mind stimulated, involved, and supported!