They say variety is the spice of life – true for humans, and certainly crucial for maintaining a healthy and happy life for dogs. Both physical and mental activities are important for their overall well-being and can help prevent behavioural issues resulting from boredom or excess energy. Here are some tips to achieve a good balance:
Physical Stimulation:
Regular Exercise:
Dogs, depending on their breed and age, require different amounts of exercise. Ensure your dog gets suitable daily walks, playtime, or runs in a safe environment.
Interactive Play:
Engage in activities like fetch, tug-of-war, or agility training. Set up a mini-obstacle course at home using chairs, cushions and boxes and hide favourite toys to be found. These games not only provide physical exercise but also stimulate their minds.
Dog Sports:
Consider enrolling your dog in activities like agility courses, obedience training, or even canine sports like flyball or dock diving.
Scheduled Playdates:
Arrange playdates with other suitable dogs to encourage socialization and physical activity.
Toys for Physical Activity:
Provide toys like balls, frisbees, or chew toys that encourage movement.
Mental Stimulation:
Interactive Toys:
Use puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or toys that require problem-solving skills. This engages their mind and keeps them entertained.
Training Sessions:
Regular training sessions not only reinforce good behaviour but also provide mental stimulation. Teach new tricks or work on obedience commands.
Scavenger Hunts:
Hide treats or toys around the house or yard for your dog to find. This taps into their natural instincts and provides mental exercise.
Rotate Toys:
Instead of giving all toys at once, rotate them. This keeps the toys novel and interesting, preventing boredom.
Change the Walk Routine:
Vary your walking routes to expose your dog to different smells and environments, keeping their mind engaged.
Combined Activities:
Combine Mental and Physical Exercises:
Integrate mental exercises into physical activities. For example, ask your dog to perform tricks during a walk or incorporate obedience training into playtime.
Use Feeding as Enrichment:
Instead of serving meals in a bowl, use puzzle feeders or toys to make them work for their food, combining mental and physical efforts.
Explore New Environments:
Take your dog to new places, like parks, beaches, or hiking trails. Exploring unfamiliar environments stimulates their senses and keeps them mentally engaged.
Interactive Play with You:
Spend quality time playing with your dog. Whether it’s a game of fetch or practicing tricks, the interaction with you enhances the mental and emotional aspect of their stimulation.
Book daycare:
There are many Dog Daycare centres around Melbourne that offer your dog the chance to meet other dogs, explore new environments and interact with new people (and the Dogdayz dog daycare centres at Silvan and Toolern Vale are great options with huge outdoor areas to enjoy).
You know your dog best, so observe their behaviour and adjust the level of stimulation accordingly. Regular exercise, mental challenges, and social interaction contribute to a well-balanced and happy canine companion.
