Why K9 Mental Stimulation?
All dog parents know how important physical exercise is for their dogs every day. But did you know mental stimulation is just as important?
Learn why your dog’s mental stimulation is critical!
K9 Mental Stimulation
You already know you need to exercise your dog’s body (along with your own!). But it’s just as important to regularly exercise your dog’s mind too! But why is K9 mental stimulation so critical?
Daily mental challenges for your dog help alleviate boredom, stress and anxiety and even the development of bad habits! Just like young children who are not mentally challenged enough, the pent-up energy has to find an outlet!
For your dog, all this pent-up energy can come out through negative behaviors including:
· Hyperactivity.
· Boredom.
· Stress and anxiety.
· Destructiveness.
· Sadness or depression.
The K9 Brain Needs Mental Stimulation
Just like your brain, your K9’s brain needs a regular “workout” to maintain its proper function, learning and overall intelligence. Hence, the old adage, “use it or lose it.”
Bored dogs are unhappy dogs. In the wild, our dog’s ancestors had to think and problem-solve every day, their survival depended upon it! Our domesticated dogs have this same need to stay sharp!
K9 Mental Stimulation: How Much?
According to HolistaPet.com, “most dogs should have at least 20 minutes of active mental stimulation each day.” Activities that help stimulate the dog’s brain include walks, interactive games with your dog, training sessions, and even fetch!
EXCEPTIONS:
There are dog breeds that require more mental stimulation than other K9 breeds. Herding, sporting, and hunting dogs all require more mental exercise each day.
Breeds include:
· Jack Russell Terriers.
· Border Collies.
· Corgis.
· Shepherds (German, Australian and Belgian).
· Dalmatians.
· Newfoundlands.
· Irish Setters.
· Weimaraners.
· Huskies.
· Pointers.
· And more!
If you own one of these breeds, you will need to step up their mental stimulation for a happier, stress-free dog!
K9 Mental Stimulation: Enrichment Games & Products
When you can’t be around, dog enrichment games can induce mental stimulation for your dog!
Use items like:
· Dog Snuffle Mats.
· Interactive Treat Puzzles, Dispensers, or Kong toys.
· Dog Puzzle Toys.
· Chew Toys with Sound.
· Toys that move or make sounds.
These toys will not only alleviate a dog’s boredom, but they can also improve your dog’s:
· IQ.
· Cognitive ability.
· Problem-solving skills.
Other activities that excel in K9 physical and mental stimulation include:
Does Your Dog Need More Mental Exercise?
How can you tell if your dog needs more mental stimulation? The following symptoms are a clue:
· Sleeping more often than usual.
· Frequent whining/barking.
· Destroying things or digging holes.
· Pacing, unable to settle down.
· Chasing their tail.
· Unable to focus.
If you start seeing any of these symptoms in your family canine, use the suggestions above to increase their daily mental stimulation. Enroll them in dog training, doggy daycare, dog sports, or daily hikes to fulfill their need for mental exercise!
Engaging in regular mental stimulation with your dog also helps your dog’s aging mind and strengthens your overall bond with your dog!
Now THAT is a win-win for the human and dog!
A tired dog is a happy dog!
Does your Dog Need More Mental Stimulation?
Check out our:
– Day Training Program.
– Board to Train Program.
– Daycare.
– Swim Lessons.
– Scent Work Classes.
Call 480-382-0144 or send us an email to schedule.
Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and East Valley areas of Arizona.
