When we think about our dog’s health, our attention often turns to their physical wellbeing. For example, making sure they receive enough exercise and consume a diet that contributes to the development of their muscles, bones and body is usually top of mind.
However, in addition to maintaining their physical health, we should also prioritize our dog’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Just as humans need more than simply going for a run for all-round health, our dogs need more than just a short walk each day. Providing your dog with constant mental stimulation and enrichment is vital to building a confident, stable and well-behaved pup.
What is mental stimulation?
In short, mental stimulation is any activity or initiative that encourages your dog to truly think about what they are doing. When dogs are engaged in enrichment activities, it unlocks a number of critical benefits that are crucial to their overall behavior. On the converse, neglecting mental stimulation can often lead to boredom – and boredom can often lead to unwanted behaviors.
What are the benefits of mental stimulation?
Mental stimulation can bring several benefits for dogs and their owners, as outlined below.
Reduces the chances of destructive behavior
When dogs are bored, and lacking an outlet for their brainpower and energy, they will usually find a way to ‘entertain’ themselves. Unfortunately, for the pet dog owner hoping for a well-mannered companion, what counts as entertainment for the dog can manifest itself into a number of behavioral issues for the owner to resolve. Nuisance barking, chewing and digging are just examples of behaviors that can arise from a lack of mental stimulation.
Helps brain development
Encouraging our dogs to think is incredibly beneficial for the development of their brain. As puppies, the activities they partake in from an early age will help to shape them for the remainder of their lives. Throughout a dog’s life, engaging in enrichment activities can help to keep a dog’s mind sharp and reduce the potential of premature aging or dementia.
Increases their confidence
As dogs are provided with opportunities to test themselves, they are often introduced to new activities and acquire new skills. These can be used as an ongoing development tool. As one example, a dog who engages in a dog sport like AKC Scent Work can be provided with ever more challenging problems to solve. In turn, this increases the dog’s confidence – not just while doing that activity, but applied to their behavior in general.
Contributes to a more harmonious household
Have you ever been faced with a restless dog, pacing up and down your hallways? The tip-tap of claws on your wooden floor or kitchen tiles as your dog stares out of every window, looking for something to do? This is frustrating for both of you. As their owner, you may just want to sit there and relax at the end of a long work day, or concentrate on your favorite streaming show. The incessant pacing can be distracting. But think about it from your dog’s perspective! They’ve spent all day longing for something – anything – to make them think. Providing them with a mentally stimulating activity can reduce the frustration on both sides.
Improves the bond between dog and handler
Often, the activities that provide your dog with enrichment can be fun for both dogs and their owners. You’ll sometimes be surprised by how quickly your dog catches on to new activities, and the process can be rewarding when you both can bask in the joy of completing a new experience together (for example, you may take part in search and rescue training – something that is a challenge for dogs and their handlers!).
Ideas for how to offer mental stimulation
We’ve discussed why mental stimulation is important – but what are some practical ways you can implement this with your dog? Take a look at our list below for inspiration.
Obedience training
Teaching your dog their basic obedience commands is all about mental stimulation. When you instruct your dog to sit, stay or remain in place, they are having to think about that command – particularly if it is new to them. Private lessons or group classes can be a great option to build these foundational cues.
Socialization
New sights, new sounds, new smells, new people, new experiences – socialization can be a great way to provide your dog with enrichment opportunities. Here in Indiana, there are several dog-friendly events throughout the year which offer great socialization opportunities for your dog.
Puzzle toys
Puzzles aren’t just for humans! A puzzle toy can keep your dog occupied for a while. Often, these involve hiding your dog’s favorite treat within the toy, and the dog then has to move the puzzle around with their nose to locate it. You can play a similar game with ‘hide the treat’, by scattering your dog’s treats around your home and then encouraging them to find them.
Trick training
If your dog already has its basic obedience training, taking things a step further with trick training can be a great next step. Not only is this a great opportunity for mental stimulation, but it also builds the bond between you and your pup. You’ll be amazed how quickly they can catch on to seemingly complex tricks.
Dog sports
Trying out a dog sport can be very enjoyable for both dog and owner alike. You could try AKC Scent Work (where your dog has to use their highly-refined olfactory system to find essential oils), or even try out Search and Rescue. Agility may sound like a purely physical endeavor, but your dog has to think how to navigate the various obstacles on the course. And who knows – if your dog excels at it, it could become a hobby for both of you.
In conclusion
There is truly no escaping the importance of mental stimulation. It matters so much in the bigger picture of your dog’s behavior, and plays a significant role in your dog’s mental and emotional health.
Wondering how you can incorporate mental stimulation into your dog’s daily routine? Need help because your under-stimulated dog has become destructive around your home? Please speak to our team of professionals at Greenside Canine – we’re happy to help you resolve any behavioral issues so you can live a happier life with your dog.