How To Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated

I’m sure we’ve all heard it before, if you want a dog, you have to walk it! If you don’t, they’ll become pent up and destroy your house. But what happens when you are walking the dog and they still seem stir crazy? 

As pet parents, we often think this means they aren’t getting enough exercise, and our solution is usually to make those walks longer and longer. You may still be coming home to find that your dog has chewed up something that they know they shouldn’t have. But wait, you might be saying, what does my dog destroying my shoes have to do with exercise? The answer: everything!

Let’s break up a dog’s exercise needs into two categories: physical and mental. 

Now physical exercise, that’s anything that involves movement and cardiovascular health: walks, running, playing fetch, wrestling with other dogs, etc. It’s that second one that often gets forgotten: mental simulation. 

Mental stimulation is anything that challenges your dog cognitively—problem solving and critical thinking. It’s simultaneously one of the most important and underestimated aspects in our dogs’ lives. 
Here are a few common examples of destructive–and let’s face it, annoying–behaviors our dogs do, that’s actually their attempt to seek out mental stimulation.

Your dog trying to sneak a bite from that cake on the counter, tipping over the trash can, and stealing your socks are all examples of their scavenging instinct. Which, you guessed it: is mental stimulation! 

Barking at the delivery driver, lunging at the door when the mailman comes, and looking very proud that they definitely made them go away—yup, that could be them seeking entertainment! 

Digging in those freshly planted flowers in the garden? That smell of new mulch is oh so sweet... What a good time!

To be clear, these unwanted behaviors do not paint a picture of a bad dog, but it does a bored one. Don’t worry, they’re some simple things you can do to replace those destructive habits with more positive ones. 

Offering your dog a variety of interactive toys that requires you to hide treats inside is always a good start! There’s a plethora of great dog toys on the market that fit this category, such as the classic KONG. Having to work at getting the food out is problem solving, which tires out the brain. It's kind of like a doggy crossword puzzle! 

Having your dog engage their nose is another fantastic mental outlet. Try tossing some kibble out in the grass for a scavenger hunt, or if you’re an urban pet parent, try a snuffle mat! Forging for food is a natural behavior for dogs, so it's all about tapping into that scavenging instinct. Having your dog seek out their meal offers them an exciting challenge, and because of how complex their nose is, scenting is a great way to satisfy their needs.

At the end of the day, there are countless ways to stimulate your dog mentally. If you think your dog may be struggling with finding proper outlets, consider seeking further professional advice. A dog trainer can offer great insights tailored to you and your dog’s lifestyle!

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