Pet ownership is on the rise around the world. It’s no surprise, as many people have transitioned to working from home and have more time to devote to taking care of their pets. There’s also an increasing need for the companionship that an animal can provide, as people want to take care of their mental health.
In light of this, people looking at pets for sale will often choose to get a dog because of the affection and attention that dogs show towards humans. However, they also need affection and attention in return, as most dogs are very social animals.
Dogs that are bored and do not get enough mental stimulation may also be prone to developing behavioural problems, such as barking, digging and peeing in the wrong spot. This mental stimulation is crucial for your dog’s health and overall well being, even if they’re indoors for most of the day.
How to Keep Your Dog Entertained
Let’s check out creative ways to give your dog some vital mental and physical stimulation:
1. Practice some creative feeding
While most dogs will get their food in a bowl, that’s not how dogs in the wild get their food. Feeding can be a stimulating experience if you get a little creative. There are lots of options and it’s definitely possible to find a solution that works for your dog. Some of more popular choices include:
- Snuffle mat
- Kong toys
- Puzzle feeders
You’re not limited by what you can buy, either. Even just scatter feeding, where you scatter food on the floor or hide it around the house, can be a great way for your dog to keep themselves entertained. If you want to travel with your dog, don’t forget to buy Bulldogology dog hammock car.
2. Play some basic nose games
A dog’s nose is often their main way of navigating the world. Dog’s noses can sniff out and discern hundreds of different scents that we humans could never hope to experience. However, this is something that needs to be learned and trained.
Think of your dog’s nose as a muscle – it needs exercise too! Basic nose games aren’t only mentally stimulating for your pooch, they’re also fun and make your dog better at interacting with the world.
One of our favourites is the cup game. The cup game works like this:
- Pick one of your dog’s tastiest, smelliest treats
- Turn three plastic or paper cups upside-down and place them on the floor
- Put one of your dog’s treats under one of the cups
- Get your dog’s attention and point to the cups while telling your dog to find the treat
- When your dog tips over the correct cup and finds their treat, give them lots of praise and pats
This is just the start of the cup game, and it’s easy to increase the difficulty for dogs that are getting better at it. You can start switching around the cups like in a magic trick, or use less smelly treats. Instead of cups, you can use boxes that the dog will have to open. Be creative!
Of course, there are lots of other nose games to play, and dogs with a more advanced sense of smell, such as the Bloodhound, will need more challenging tasks.
3. Do basic obedience training
While the idea of training may seem like it isn’t play, for many dogs it’s a fun way to bond with their owners and get lots of treats. Learning new commands and tricks is also inherently rewarding for your dog. It’s not uncommon for them to start practising what they’ve learned on their own!
There are a lot of basic obedience commands that every dog should know:
- Sit
- Stay
- Down
- Come back
- Drop it
- Leave it
- Heel
- Quiet
Training your dog to perform each one of these commands isn’t just a one-and-done deal. These are commands that your dog will need to practise all throughout their lives. Getting back to the basics regularly is a good idea even if your dog is already well-trained and obedient.
4. Play indoor games
There are a lot of games to play with your dog even if you’re indoors. While larger pooches may need a bit of space to really play, most dogs will be fine with games such as tug-of-war or hide and seek.
If your dog is small enough, you can even construct an obstacle course for them inside your house, similar to what you’d see with agility training. Have them hop over broomsticks or run through tunnels made of chairs and blankets. There’s really no limit to what you can do.
If you have a wide enough area and your dog has a strong hunting instinct, you can buy (or make) a flirt stick – basically just a lure attached to a rope, which is fastened to the end of a long stick.
The idea is that the flirt stick replicates some of the small animals that dogs typically hunt, such as birds or rodents. Most dogs go nuts at the sight of the lure hopping and floating around, and will happily chase it for as long as you’re willing to let them.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
A healthy mix of activities and training will ensure your dog’s energy is directed towards positive things during the day, while also letting them burn off enough energy to sleep soundly during the night. Sufficient exercise and stimulation also relieves canine anxiety.
However, it’s also important for the owner to have fun, as the more you enjoy spending time with your pet, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to give them the attention they deserve. Find a game or activity that really resonates with you, and make it a part of your routine. Your pet will thank you for it.
