We spend a lot more time at home due to the obligations to work from home, which means we also spend a lot more time with our four-legged friend. Keep yourself and your four-legged friend busy and active. With dogs, they do not feel challenged, they become bored and can become less loyal. So always make sure your dog feels comfortable and play some challenging games with it!
A dog needs a challenge
You can walk your dog as much as you want, but if your dog is not a challenge in life, your dog will become bored and remain restless. By putting his brain to work, your dog will become relaxed and satisfied. Did you also know that dogs often tire more quickly from a mentally challenging puzzle than from a long walk?!
A fun way to challenge your dog mentally is to turn mealtime into a game. We have selected fun and easy ways that you can easily fit into your daily routine. Because normally mealtime is something your four-legged friend really looks forward to, but it will be over within a minute or a few minutes.
When there is food in front of them, they will want to eat it quickly, like real hunters. Time to offer your dog more stimulating and creative ways to eat! Not only is this fun, but it also gives your dog more confidence as he learns to overcome obstacles.
The box game
Not only cats like boxes, dogs certainly do too. And you can do really fun things with it. Collect some boxes and hide cookies or kibble in the boxes. In this way, your four-legged friend will actively use his brain in combination with his sight and smell and he will learn step by step how and where to find the treats! If you are just starting out with this assignment, make sure you hide the kibble or cookies in an easy place, the more and the faster your dog can find them, the more difficult you can make this assignment.
The Slow Feeder
Does your dog have a good brain and does the box assignment not work, but does your dog quickly eat the kibble and treats you give? Try a Slow Feeder !
With a Slow Feeder you can make this ordinary meal a challenge. The puzzle on the inside of the bowl allows your dog to take longer to eat his food and can prevent gobbling. Slow Feeders are available in different types and levels of difficulty, and found perfectly suitable for large and small four-legged friends!
The Snuffle Mat
In addition to these options, there are also products with a nice appearance, such as the Snuffelmat !
These mats are ideal for active dogs or puppies who like to sniff around and discover new things. Let them find their favorite kibble or sweets by opening flaps while it trains their brain and keeps them moving. Nice for when you are at home, but also for when you are away so that your dog can have fun looking for the food. These exercises also help reduce stress and help your dog relax more.
Candies in the towel
Do you still have old towels or pieces of cloth lying around the house? They are an ideal way to keep your dog busy and get active brain work done.
Sprinkle sweets or chunks on the towel and roll it up. To make it easier, especially in the beginning, make sure that the towel is placed on a non-slip surface, such as an anti-slip mat or a carpet. Sliding the towel away can be bad for the joints and also causes frustration for your four-legged friend. Some dogs find this very difficult at first. Guide your dog and praise him profusely if he manages to find a treat!
We wish you and your four-legged friend lots of fun and success with these activities!
