Just like it’s important for your dog to get daily physical exercise, it’s also important for them to get some regular mental exercise, too! Keeping your pup mentally challenged and stimulated helps prevent destructive behaviors and ensures that your dog stays sharp and well-behaved. It also helps expose them to new sights and sounds, which is great for their minds as well.
Below I’ve compiled a list of five simple ways to challenge and stimulate your dog’s mind!
1. Teach a new trick.
Is your dog bored of the same old tricks? Try teaching your dog a new trick! There are tons of cool tricks you can find online that are also not too difficult to teach! When teaching a new trick, remember to have patience and to reward your pup with either treats or affection.
2. Introduce your dog to new faces.
Meeting a new friend can be super exciting for your dog! Every time you introduce your pup to a new face, they are introduced to a new experience that can help them with their social skills. They are exposed to new and different sights and sounds, which is great for their development and social behavior. One great and easy way for your dog to meet new faces is to go to a dog park — but make sure to check online first to see if any are currently open in your area due to the pandemic.
3. Get rid of old toys and replace them with new ones.
Playing with the same old toy every day can get boring for your pup, so try getting them a new toy to keep them occupied and happy. There are tons of great and affordable toys out there — check out my blog post “My 10 Favorite Amazon Dog Toys Under $15” for some of my favorite dog toys!
4. Run errands with your dog.
Although there aren’t many places to go due to the pandemic, there are still some places open for business that are also dog-friendly! Even just bringing your dog with you on a short drive is a great way for them to get out of the house while also being exposed to new experiences. One great idea is taking your dog with you in the car when you go to the car wash! Although you and your pup stay inside the car, your dog will be exposed to new sights and sounds that are really great for their brain health.
5. Try playing interactive games.
Purchase a doggie board game or puzzle to challenge your pup and get their brain working! Interactive games are a great challenge for dogs and really keeps them engaged.
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