So what to do? We'll help you. Even if the weather outside isn't the best , there are many activities you can share with your dog at home.
Continue reading the article to discover all the types of mental activation games for dogs to do at home to keep your pet's mood high and energy low even during the winter.
In this article…
- Mental activation games for dogs: what they are and what they are for
- What are the mind-activating dog toys? Chew toys and chewing toys: train chewing and relieve tension
- Interactive Dog Games: Physical and Mental Stimulation
- Educational Dog Games: To Build a Positive Relationship. How to Get Your Dog to Give You a Paw?
Mental activation games for dogs: what they are and what they are for
Brain training games for dogs are activities designed to stimulate your dog’s mind and are a smart and fun way to train them. These games involve cognitive challenges that require concentration, problem solving, and mental skills.
Their goal is to provide a form of mental entertainment for dogs, helping to prevent boredom and destructive behavior, especially in situations like winter when outdoor activities are limited.
In addition, mental activation games help improve the relationship between the owner and the dog, promoting obedience, trust and mutual fun. Regularly performing these activities promotes the psychological well-being of dogs, encouraging them to use their cognitive skills in a positive and rewarding way.
What are mind-activating dog games?
There are different types of intelligence games for dogs and they differ based on the type of activity and the level of difficulty. Intelligence games must be suitable for the level of the dog, a puppy for example should not find itself facing challenges that are too difficult for him, otherwise he would encounter discouragement.
Chewing and chewing aids: trains chewing and relieves tension
The most used mental activation game is the chew toy ; a safe rubber toy into which you can insert small quantities of dog snacks that will become the final reward.
The dog will have to be resourceful in getting out the small snacks using his teeth, mouth and paws. It is the ideal game for dogs who suffer from separation anxiety or who tend to get bored easily, this type of game will keep him busy for a long time, venting all the tension and energy accumulated.
Games that offer snacks and rewards are very popular with our four-legged friends, especially the greediest dogs who will be encouraged to exercise.
Chewing toys are another useful tool for this purpose, all products such as dental sticks have the same function and at the same time take care of the animal's dental hygiene, also training chewing.
Interactive Dog Games: Physical and Mental Stimulation
Interactive dog toys are a fun and engaging way to entertain our four-legged friends. They are toys that physically and mentally stimulate the dog, helping him develop cognitive skills and maintain a healthy and relaxed state of mind.
Among the most popular games are those with an internal sound that is activated every time the dog presses with his paws or mouth the exact point where the squeaker is positioned. This type of sound activates an area of the brain where the hunting instinct is located; in fact, it seems that the squeaking of the toy reminds him of the sounds made by prey in danger.
Another example is lifting games , which are real wooden boards made up of different compartments, levers and buttons under which small treats are placed. These games require the dog to make a cognitive effort to understand how to solve the problem and in this case too, they will keep him busy for a long time.
Educational games for dogs: to establish a positive relationship
If the bad weather outside persists, you can also think about trying to teach your dog something to improve his education and make him more obedient. Educational games for dogs are a fundamental component in the training process and in establishing a positive connection between the owner and the animal.
These games are designed to teach basic commands such as “sit,” “down,” or “fetch.” Through the use of positive reinforcement, dogs learn in a fun and motivated way.
How to get a dog to give you a paw?
To teach your dog to shake hands, use positive reinforcement such as treats or petting.
Start by asking the dog to sit, once he sits, show a treat in your hand and bring it near the dog's paw. Say "paw" and gently touch the paw with your hand. Now when the dog lifts his paw reward him.
Repeat the process, gradually increasing the duration of the pose, in these cases patience and consistency are keys to success.
Mental activation games also help prevent unwanted behavior by providing your dog with a healthy and stimulating alternative. Investing time in this type of activity with your dog not only improves his behavior, but also creates a positive learning environment that fosters a strong and lasting relationship between the owner and his faithful four-legged friend.
