Pets need attention, affection, food, warmth, and the list goes on and on. But most of all, you need to keep them active and healthy. My personal favorite way to stimulate my dogs is by playing enriching brain games with them. Here are some of our family favorites.
1. Hide and Seek
Who can say no to good ol’ hide and seek? I love it, my toddler loves it, and most of all – my border collies love it. It’s a fun way to spend time with the kids (both two- and four- legged), and it comes with many benefits.
First of all, as with any other game on this list, hide and seek is a fantastic way to bond with your dog. Secondly, it comes with both physical and mental exercise and you don’t need any equipment. This is especially great if you’re dealing with high energy dog breeds. It also boosts their confidence and reinforces those basic commands (that would be sit, roll over, stay, come, wait, seek, etc.).
2. Find the Treats
All you need is your dog’s ability to smell their snackies from a mile away. It only takes a couple of minutes to find a good hiding spot for some treats. Then you send them on a little solo adventure to find the hidden treasures while you sit back and wait.
What I usually do is create my own mix-and-match game with Find the Treats and Hot and Cold. When they’re close, you say hot. When they move further away from the hidden treats, you say cold. I know it sounds complicated (for your dog), but they catch on much faster than you think.
Your pals will learn to use their natural hunting instincts, and they’ll also gain confidence doing so. Not to mention the yummy treats they get when the hunt is over. All in all, it’s a win if you’re looking for cheap and easy mental stimulation.
3. Which Cup?
This game is pretty much the same as Find the Treats, but you don’t have to find hiding spots. For this one, you’ll need nothing more than some treats and your hands. I personally have small hands, so I use two or three of those red plastic beer pong cups to make things interesting. If you’re actually able to fit treats in your hands without them sticking out at the ends, you don’t need the cups.
Anyhow, turn the cups upside down and let your dog watch as you hide a treat under one of them. Do a quick shuffle and tell your dog to guess which cup has the treat. All you have to say is “find” and they’ll work their magic. It’s fairly simple but I guarantee bucketloads of excitement. Plus, you’ll end up teaching them to use their senses, to be patient, and to concentrate for longer than two seconds. Bonus, right?
4. Obstacle Course
You can use things you have lying around in your house for this one. Seriously, don’t skip this game because you think you’re going to need K9-training-school-grade equipment. I usually gather some small pieces of furniture, like a coffee table and ottoman, and a few cardboard boxes. Maybe a few chairs too if I’m in the mood. Honestly, it depends on how much time we have because I’m not lugging everything outside for 5 minutes of play time.
For this game to work, you need to get creative with the objects you choose to use. I’m talking cardboard box tunnels, coffee table ramps, and chairs as launching pads. The busier and the more obstacles the better because dogs need all the exercise they can get. Your hyperactive dog is really going to reap the benefits of the game, which includes increased endurance, improved cardiovascular health, and sharpened focus.
5. Scavenger Hunt
If you and your dog have gotten the hang of Find the Treats, you’ll love this game just as much. Instead of treats, we’ll be using your dog’s favorite toys. Think stuffed animals, balls, rope toys, and even your chewed up shoes. Hide them everywhere, from the garden to the bathroom, and let your dog do the rest. Less boredom, improved scent work, and reduced anxiety are just some of the benefits that this game brings to the table.
6. Stuffed Kong
I know dealing with a chewer can be tough and unfortunately it’s one of the most common behavioral problems in dogs. Kong toys are getting pretty popular because they’re the perfect solution. Do yourself a favor and get one for your pup (or adult dog) if you don’t own one yet. Then, you can join in on the action and satisfy your dog’s natural chewing instincts before they get to the TV remote. Stuff it with peanut butter, kibble, or even your own tasty DIY frozen treats. Chewing on a Kong toy with frozen snacks inside can also help cool them down on a hot day.
7. Muffin Tin Game
Did you know you can nip inappropriate behavior in the bud with something as simple as a muffin tin? Or that you can help your dog relax with a few tennis balls? Combine them and you have everything you need for the Muffin Tin Game. Stuff the holes with tasty treats and prop a tennis ball on each of them. Let your dog move the tennis ball to hunt for the snacks underneath.
This game incorporates slow feeding with mental stimulation to benefit your dog in the sense of eased anxiety, problem solving skills, and heaps of fun.
8. Puzzle Toys
Now that I’ve given you plenty of cheap or no-equipment games that you can play, it’s time for one that needs special toys. My dogs adore their interactive speaker toys, treat dispensing balls, and their colorful snuffle mats. But don’t worry, you can order these toys online or find them at your nearest pet store. You can use puzzle toys or interactive toys to enrich your dog’s mind, keep them busy, and build their confidence. Plus, you can always teach them to communicate with those nifty little talking buttons that record your own voice.
9. New Tricks
I know teaching your pup new tricks or training your older dogs can feel like a chore, but you can turn it into a fun and enriching game. Actually, you can use all of the games we just went through and work in a new trick or two while you’re playing. Teach them to roll over before they get to play with their stuffed Kong or to give paw after each round on the obstacle course. Maybe you could even teach them to high five every time they get something right. The possibilities are endless!
New tricks can be a bonding opportunity, help improve your canine’s behavior, and even develop a new sense of patience in both of you.
