Brain games
These brain games are ideal for situations where you or your dog are unable to engage in physical activity. Whether this is due to illness, injury, bad weather or other circumstances, mentally stimulating games can alleviate boredom and strengthen your bond with your dog. By using their senses to locate food or toys, dogs can engage in problem solving, which not only engages their minds but also taps into their natural instincts. You can use common household items to play these types of games, or use existing toys, avoiding the need to spend money!
Hide and Seek
Get your dog to stay in one room while you hide elsewhere in the house. Release them and let them use their scent and sound to find you. For added fun, offer treats or a toy when they locate you. This game also serves as an engaging way to practice recall training.
Toilet Roll Puzzle
Save around 10 empty toilet rolls. Place treats inside each one and fold both ends. You can either scatter the rolls around the house or put them in a box. This activity lets your dog work for their food, stimulating their problem-solving skills.
Towel Roll-Up
If you’re like me, you have a pile of dog towels sitting at home. These are ideal for this Towel roll up brain game. Lay a couple of towels flat on the floor and scatter treats over them. Roll the towels up from a corner, tie them into a loose knot, and let your dog figure out how to retrieve the treats. This challenge is perfect for mentally engaging your dog while staying indoors.
Recycling Box
Grab a box of non-hazardous recycling items (avoid metal or glass), and toss in a handful of treats. Your dog will love sniffing through the variety of smells, making it a fun sensory game. If your dog enjoys chewing, a cardboard box is ideal. 3
Cups Game
Place a high-value treat under one of three cups, shuffle them around, and have your dog guess which one hides the reward. Start simple with one cup, then gradually increase the difficulty by adding more cups and moving them. This game helps strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Find the Food
Place your dog in another room and either close the door or have them stay. Scatter treats around your home, hiding them in shoes, under tables, or on shelves. Your dog will be challenged to use their nose to locate the treats.
Find the Toy
Similar to the “Find the Food” game, but with a toy instead. If your dog loves toys, this will engage their natural instincts. I use a possum-tailed toy from Ruff and Wooly
Cupcake Tin Challenge
If you’re an avid op shopper like myself, you will know there are always cheap cupcake tins or similar waiting at the op shop for you. Grab a cupcake tin and place treats in each cup. Cover them with small toys, cardboard, or balls to add complexity. This game will keep your dog entertained as they search for hidden food among their favorite objects.
Food Containers
Use a jar or container with remnants of peanut butter or yogurt (ensure the ingredients are dog-safe). Peanut butter must be xylitol free and preferably low salt content. Place treats inside and let your dog figure out how to access them. This puzzle challenges their problem-solving abilities and helps tire them out mentally.
Encouraged chewing
Chewing not only fulfills a dog's natural predatory instincts but also serves as an effective stress reliever. While this behavior is beneficial, it is important to supervise, particularly with puppies and older dogs, to ensure safety. Gnawing and chewing are instinctual habits that promote dental health by supporting clean teeth and healthy gums, while also stimulating cognitive function. My collies love deer antlers which are rich in nutrients and minerals, offering additional health benefits for your dog.
Need help occupying your dog’s mind or have an anxious dog that needs some help, get in touch! We can give you the tools needed to make your dog a calmer and more confident dog.