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 indoors.
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 mental activation dog games? Chewer and chews: trains chewing and relieves tension
- Interactive games for dogs: physical and mental stimulation
- Educational games for dogs: to establish a positive relationship. How to get a dog to paw you?
Mental activation games for dogs: what they are and what they are for
Mental activation games for dogs are activities designed to stimulate your four-legged friend's mind and are a smart and fun way to educate them. These games involve cognitive challenges that require concentration, problem solving, and mental skills.
Their aim is to provide a form of mental entertainment for dogs, helping to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour, especially in situations such as winter when outdoor activities are limited.
Additionally, mental activation games help improve the relationship between owner and dog, promoting obedience, trust and mutual enjoyment. Performing these activities regularly promotes the psychological well-being of dogs, encouraging them to use their cognitive skills in a positive and rewarding way.
What are mental activation dog games?
There are different types of intelligence games for dogs and they differ based on the type of activity and level of difficulty. Intelligence games must be suitable for the dog's level; for example, a puppy should not have to face challenges that are too difficult for him, otherwise he would become discouraged.
Chewer and chews: trains chewing and relieves tension
The most used mental activation game is chewing ; a safe rubber toy in which small quantities of dog snacks can be inserted which will become the final reward.
The dog will have to work hard to get the small snacks out 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 accumulated energy.
Games that offer snacks and rewards are very popular with our four-legged friends, especially greedy dogs who will be encouraged to exercise.
Chews 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 games for dogs: physical and mental stimulation
Interactive dog toys are a fun and engaging way to entertain our four-legged friends. They are games that physically and mentally stimulate the dog, helping him to develop cognitive skills and maintain a healthy and relaxed mental state.
Among the most popular games are the games with the internal sound that is activated every time the dog presses with his paws or mouth the precise point where the squeaker is positioned. This type of sound activates an area of the brain where the hunting instinct is found; in fact, it seems that the squeaking of the toy reminds him of the sounds that prey in danger make.
Another example are, however, lifting games , real wooden tablets made up of different compartments, levers and buttons under which small prizes are placed. These games require the dog to make a cognitive effort to understand how to solve the problem and even in this case it will keep him busy for a long time.
Educational games for dogs: to establish a positive relationship
If the bad weather persists outside 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 like “sit,” “down,” or “fetch.” Through the use of positive reinforcement, dogs learn in a fun and motivated way.
How to get a dog to paw you?
To teach your dog to paw, use positive reinforcements such as treats or petting.
Start by asking the dog to sit, once sitting, display a treat in your hand and bring it close to the dog's paw. Say “paw” and gently touch the paw with your hand. At this point, when the dog raises 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 behaviors 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.
