Mental enrichment for your dog is one of the most powerful ways to reduce troublesome behaviors like barking, digging, and chewing!
In this video, Amber Aquart CPDT-KA teaches 3 simple and powerful games that will help you give your pup some extra mental enrichment.
An important thing to remember about mental exercise is that there isn't a set amount you need to give each day, but often our dogs need more than what we are currently giving them.
Shop easy-to-use Enrichment Toys here.
3 MENTAL ENRICHMENT IDEAS FOR YOUR DOG
ENRICHMENT TOY BASICS (Starts at 00:37)
If you're looking for some easy to use Enrichment Toys, head here.
But there are also so many activities that you can do, with objects that you have lying around your house. Check out these three games.
MENTAL ENRICHMENT IDEA #1 - ROLLED UP TOWEL (Starts at 00:54)
This game is relatively simple to play but packs an enriching punch for your dog!
Step 1- Find a towel, shirt, or rag that you don't mind getting dirty or destroyed
Step 2- Sprinkle 10-20 treats in the towel
Step 3- Roll up the towel and even twist the ends
Step 4- Release your dog to move the towel around and hunt for all of the plants
Related Reading: 5 Types of Enrichment for Dogs
MENTAL ENRICHMENT IDEA #2 - HIDE AND SEEK (Starts at 01:28)
If you're looking for an enrichment game that doesn't include food or treats, this is for you!
Step 1- Get your dog's favorite toy
Step 2- Get your dog into a stay and go hide your dog's toy
Step 3- Release your dog to go find the toy
Note: Be sure to start simple so that your dog feels confident and understands the game before making it too difficult
MENTAL ENRICHMENT IDEA #3- BOX OF ENRICHMENT (Starts at 02:20)
Remember to monitor your dog so that they don't chew up or swallow the box.
Step 1- Get a box and place treats and toys into the box
Step 2- Release your dog to forage through the box and get all the toys and treats
Related Reading: Enrichment for Dogs DIY Ideas
RECAP
Remember that mental enrichment is not a "silver bullet" solution to get rid of bad behavior, BUT it can help tremendously. It can even help with your dog's mental health!
Giving your dog enough mental enrichment each day can make them happier, healthier, and better behaved!
Wanna learn more Enrichment Activities or even fun Trick Training from Amber? Check out Pupford Academy here.
