Did you know that mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise for your dog? It makes sense, doesn't it?
Just like we humans, a long, mentally-challenging day can leave us tired. And without mental stimulation our brains are not keeping those connections fresh and we cannot think as fast. For dogs, it is quite similar. Not being able to exercise their minds can be frustrating. And when they do, it can be very satisfying.
If your doggo has a lot of energy, and even after a 4-mile hike or 60 minutes of playing chase, they still want to run around, try mental games. Try hiding a treat, or teaching him/her a new trick.
There are many mental stimulating games at various price points and difficulty levels from local pet stores and even Amazon.com. Start with something basic where your pup can find it find and they can be successful. Then add in more difficult games and toys as they progress. Even spending 15-30 minutes a day learning new tricks or solving puzzles for treats can make a big difference in your dog's overall health.
Here are some of our favorite puzzles.
1. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Hide N' Slide
This puzzle requires your dog to learn the concepts of sliding and swinging lids. It will take your dog a while to figure this out...which is great for tiring it out!