Dog Brain Games

There are some dogs that need more stimulation than others. We do all we can as pet owners to ensure they have enough exercise and playtime. But it’s really discipline that is needed or thinking on the dogs part to take that boredom away.

Working a Dog’s Brain

A game of fetch or running around the yard sniffing is fun but it does not work the brain. If playing fetch is what you and your dog love to do, but your dog is still chewing on your favorite Nike sneakers, step it up a notch or two. Have dog sit and wait after ball is thrown until you give the command to fetch, have dog spin in a circle before you throw the ball or anything that makes dog have to think deeper. Some other good practices are sitting before eating, waiting until told to eat, waiting for humans to go first in or out of doorways, waiting to get into the car, all of these daily rituals will make the dog use its brain for something other than wrecking the house.

Dog Agility

Agility is a great tool to get your dogs brain working. They have to think, jump, weave, wait, they are racing a clock, they have to watch for what is expected. Dogs love to be challenged! A disciplined walk where dog is expected to walk by your side rather than sniffing about is another great way to make dog think as well as practice self control. These challenges also build confidence, making fear less of an issue for those dogs with less of a dominant personality.

So even though you and your dog played in the yard for hours, and you’re exhausted, the game may not have been challenging the dogs brain enough in order to prevent them from getting into trouble at home❤️