While many people take care to provide the physical exercise their dogs need, they don’t consider the importance of metal exercise in keeping their dogs happy and healthy (and well-behaved). Most dog breeds were developed with a specific task in mind: think retrieving (Goldens and Labs), protection (Rottweilers), hunting (Dachshunds, Weimeraners), and herding (Shepherds). Even mixed breed dogs still have a need to feel a “purpose” in life – and if they can’t fulfill that purpose, they will create another one – probably one you do not want. Dogs were bred to master their tasks both physically and mentally, so it’s important that both of these needs are addressed on a daily basis.
Every dog needs to have at least one form of physical exercise per day, like playing at the park or daycare, chasing a ball, or going for a walk with you. Most dogs spend the time that you are gone sleeping and relaxing, waiting for you to get home so that she can do her “work.” You, on the other hand, have worked all day and come home mentally fatigued. So you can see how this can quickly turn frustrating for your dog.
Saying that your dog needs to “get a job” does not necessarily mean you need to join an Agility class or Flyball team. Agility and Flyball are excellent ways to give your dog a job but they are not right for all dogs. Some dogs do not have a natural affinity to these exercises. In addition, few people have the time in their busy lives to set aside an hour a day to train with their dog.
So what can you do? Rather than setting additional time to train with your dog, make better use of the time you already spend with her. Every dog needs to eat, go out to potty, go for a walk, play, get treats, and get petted and cuddled on a daily basis. Use these times to require your dog to use her brain.
5 ideas to give your dog mental exercise while also encouraging positive behaviors
Idea 1: Instead of putting your dog’s food bowl on the floor and allowing her to dive right in, have your dog perform a 2-minute “Down-Stay” while the bowl sits on the floor. This activity requires your dog to exercise self-control and burn mental energy.
Idea 2: When your dog goes out to potty, make him wait at the door until you release him. You also can take this exercise to a higher level: require him to wait with the door wide open while you step through and wait on the other side for one minute. Then increase the time. |
Idea 3: When you give your dog a treat or chew bone, always ask her to “Sit” or “Down-Stay” before you let them have it.
Idea 4: Get in the habit of asking your dog to “Sit” for a pet or cuddle. Before you know it, your dog will be offering a “Sit” for your attention. When this happens, you know your dog is thinking!
Idea 5: The same can be done with playing fetch. Require your dog to sit before each throw. Soon your dog will drop the ball and sit to await the next throw. For a more advanced exercise, have your dog “Sit and stay” while you throw. Release him to fetch the ball after the ball has landed.
These five ideas will adequately saturate the mental needs of most dogs. If you and your dog has not mastered “Sit-Stay” or “Down-Stay,” you may want to join an obedience class to get started on the right track. For some dogs, however, these ideas will merely scratch the surface of their mental needs!
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