3 Exercises That Stimulate Your Dog's Mental Muscles

Every dog needs exercise to be physically and mentally fit. While it is common for dog parents to focus on physically demanding training when giving their dogs exercise, it doesn't have to be that way all the time. The following are exercises that help stimulate your dog mentally:

1. Behavior Training

Teaching your dog to follow orders requires them to pay attention, stimulating their brain. While you may think that only puppies can learn new tricks, that is not the case. Senior dogs can be taught a trick or two. The key to training dogs, regardless of their age, is maintaining a routine and employing positive reinforcement.

2. Interactive Games or Toys

There are diverse dog toys in the market today and some engage your dog's mind. For instance, some puzzle toys let you hide treats while your dog must figure out how to retrieve them. If you have plenty of free time, you may engage your dog in games such as frisbee, fetch, or tug of war.

3. Sense Training 

Sense training is another way to stimulate your dog mentally. The beauty of this training is that it brings your dog's sharp senses to full bear. For instance, scent training can enhance how your dog uses their nose to locate things. Not only does this training teaches your dog new skills, but it also deepens the relationship you share with them.