Whether you’re helping your dog readjust to being home alone while you’re heading back to work or struggling to keep them from getting bored and frustrated as the nights become shorter, here’s our best ideas for keeping your dog happy, content and stress-free no matter what their age, breed or activity level!
Brainteasers
Keep those neurons firing and log some quality time with your dog by playing games that exercise their mind and break up their boredom!
• Nose Work: An easy way to add some change and excitement is “sniffy work”. While your dog is in a sit/stay, hide a treat or toy, then release her to find it. (Cheering her on every time they find a new treat or smell a new place encourages the play and ups the excitement level.)
• Balancing Act: perfect for seniors and puppies! Keep your dog’s mind healthy by teaching them a new trick. Teach your dog to balance a treat on her paw or muzzle.
• Puzzles: Treats hidden behind panels or under sliding blocks motivate dogs to use both their noses and paws. Swedish-made Nina Ottosson puzzles set the benchmark in this category. Alternatively, you can use old toilet roll holders with smelly treats hidden and fold either end in to make it more of a challenge for your dog.
Keep an eye on your dog’s body language while they’re using their brain. You’ll see a nice swishy tail level to their body (not too high or too low or tucked in which can be signs of discomfort or stress), they’re ears will be floppy or forward in concentration and their brow will be furrowed. Their body won’t be stiff or rigid but relaxed. These are all signs of a content and happy dog happy to use all their primary senses!
