Your Dog's Mental Health

Is your dog getting enough exercise? The answer is probably yes. But what about mental exercise? The answer is probably no! Most dogs do not get enough mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy. Dogs, like humans, need to be mentally stimulated or they become mentally lazy. Can you imagine just laying around the house all day, eating and sleeping? It might sound wonderful for a few days but after awhile you would feel like your brain was turning to mush! Dogs are no different. When they become bored that's when the behavioral problems, like chewing shoes and furniture, start.

It's not necessary to spend hours each day providing mental stimulation. You can exercise your dog's brain as easily as teaching them a few tricks and practising them a few minutes each day. Simple tricks like sit, stay, come and rollover will get them using their grey matter. Patience is the key and in no time at all they will have learned the commands. Even if they do not master them perfectly they'll have been working their brain and obedience will improve. Everybody wins!

You can also exercise body and brain at the same time by playing simple games like fetch with your pooch. For a change, instead of just tossing the ball and waiting for it to be returned, try hiding it in some tall grass or behind a tree. Let Rover try using his keen sense of smell to sniff it out. Again, even if the ball isn't returned every time at least your dog is being challenged mentally and all that running around will keep them in good shape physically. And as a bonus he'll be ready for a nap when he comes back inside.

Another easy way to get them thinking is to provide one of the readily available food dispensing toys. These rubber toys can be stuffed with tasty treats and offer relief from boredom as your dog tries to figure out how to retrieve the snack. This is a great way for a little mental stimulation on rainy days when outdoor activities aren't possible.

Whatever you choose to do to keep your dog healthy both physically and mentally, remember, it is an ongoing process. Doing a little something with them everyday throughout their whole life will lead to a strong and rewarding relationship between the both of you. Your dog will love the training and exercise sessions because, most of all, all he wants is to spend time with you!

Lenore Buckley is the founder of Pooches N Claws.com, an online pet shop featuring products for pet safety, health and wellness. The site also specializes in pet travel accessories, cat furniture and the latest in dog fashions.