The Importance of Keeping Your Dog Mentally Stimulated
The Difference Between Physical and Mental Exercise
Don't Let Your Dog Go Crazy! The Importance of Mental Stimulation
Have you ever walked into your dog’s room only to find them staring at the same spot, breathing heavily and drooling? This dog may have been suffering from boredom-induced separation anxiety, which can also be described as kennel depression or kennel psychosis. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog mentally stimulated while they’re home alone, or when they need to be separated from you in some other way such as going to the vet, or even while you’re gone all day at work or school!
The Difference Between Physical and Mental Exercise
Physical exercise helps build muscle and burn calories, but mental exercise is just as important.
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Dogs are smart animals, and they need stimulation to keep their minds sharp. Here are some ways to do that:
- Teach your dog new tricks or commands.
- Play games with him like fetch or hide-and-seek.
- Take him for a walk around the neighborhood on a leash or let him run free in an enclosed area.
As much as we love our dogs, it's easy to forget how big an impact they can have on our lives. Physical activity is key for maintaining their health, but what about their mental wellbeing? Dogs require both physical and mental stimulation in order to be happy and healthy members of society, so don't neglect either one!
Benefits of mental stimulation
Mental stimulation is not just for humans. Dogs need to be stimulated as well. In fact, according to the ASPCA, Activities that provide mental exercise are imperative. A dog's brain needs a workout in order to keep it healthy and happy. Without it, the dog will become bored and frustrated which can lead to destructive behaviors such as chewing furniture or tearing up carpeting.
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Strategies to keep your dog mentally stimulated
Mental stimulation is just as important for your dog as physical exercise. Just like people, when dogs have a job to do and something to learn, their brains will be stimulated and they will be happier. These are some ways you can stimulate your dog's brain:
-Keep your dog in the house during the day instead of outside in the backyard or on a leash at all times. This gives them more space to explore and provides new smells to investigate.
-Put together puzzles from pet stores or make your own with cardboard boxes and treats inside.
-Hide food around the house so that your dog has to hunt for it--this also helps with potty training.
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Ways to find time to keep your dog mentally stimulated
1. Fetch the newspaper.
2. Scratch your dog's ears. 2. Teach your dog a trick, like shake.
3. Give your dog puzzle toys to work on, like Kongs or Kibble Nibble Balls that can be stuffed with peanut butter or other treats
4. Take them for a car ride every day and make it an adventure by going to different places each time (and taking them out to sniff along the way)
5. Play hide-and-seek with them in the house or yard; they'll never tire of this game because they always want to find you and you can change things up by playing inside or outside
Some examples of physical vs. mental exercises
Physical exercises include games like fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek. These activities are a great way to get your pup's heart rate up and burn off some energy. They also provide exercise for the whole body and strengthen muscles. Mental exercises include teaching your dog how to perform tricks such as sit or shake paws. These exercises keep your pup's mind busy and teach them new skills.
CLCKHERE! To start your new life with your dog today
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