Cognitive Training Games for Your Dogs
Dogs are some of the most beloved animals on the planet. They are loyal, friendly, and make great companions. One of the best things about owning a dog is training them to be well-behaved members of society. A big part of this training process is ensuring that your dog stays mentally stimulated and active. You can do this by playing fun games with them. On this blog post, we will discuss some cognitive dog training tips that you can do with your furry friend.
Teach Your Dog to Look at You
One of the most important things you can do when training your dog is to get their attention. This is why one of the first games we will discuss is teaching your dog to look at you. Start by sitting in front of your dog and holding a treat in front of their nose. Slowly move the treat up and away from their face until they look directly into your eyes. As soon as they make eye contact, say “yes!” and give them the treat. Repeat this process until your dog is consistently making eye contact with you.
Change Your Dog Walking Routine
One of the best ways to keep your dog’s mind active is to change your walking routine. Instead of taking the same route every day, mix things up and explore new areas. =This will provide mental stimulation for your dog, but it will also be a great bonding experience for the two of you. Another way to keep your dog’s mind active is to introduce new and challenging toys. Puzzle toys are a great way to do this. There are a variety of puzzle toys available on the market, so be sure to find one that is appropriate for your dog’s age and size.
Hot & Cold Game
One of the most popular games with your pup is the Hot & Cold game. This is a great way to teach your basic dog commands, such as ‘come’ and ‘stay,’ as well as helping them to learn how to follow directions. Start by hiding a treat somewhere in the room. Once your dog is watching you, give the command to ‘come’ and then lead them towards the treat. Give them the command to ‘stay’ and then let them enjoy their prize.
Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat is a great way to keep your dog’s mind active and engaged. It is essentially a mat with a variety of small, treat-sized pockets. To use it, place treats in the pockets and let your dog sniff them out. This type of activity is mentally stimulating and physically taxing as your dog will need to use his nose and paws to search for the treats. There are several different snuffle mat designs available, so be sure to find one that best suits your dog’s size and activity level.
The cognitive games and activities mentioned in this blog post are just a few options available to keep your dog’s mind active. Be sure to experiment and find what works best for you and your furry friend. After all, the most important thing is that you both have fun.…
Read More