Mental stimulation

[lovenotwar149]

Hi, I just want to ask how are people mentally stimulating their dog when at home with perhaps everyday household objects?

Worst thing is having an overstimulated dog. It's actually more important to teach them to switch off and settle.
Correct daily training should provide sufficient mental stimulation. Nothing wrong with an occasional snuffle mat but you don't want to be doing it constantly and that just creates a dog that can't switch off.

thats a good point, thx

Household objects are usually out of bounce. That's because they are either unsafe, unsuitable or difficult to replace if the dog decides to play/ chew them.

Having said that, I use upturned flower pots, cushions ect for scent training. But my dogs have to indicate that there is something (treat or scented item) for me to retrieve & reward the dog. At no point is the dog allowed to paw ot mouth the objects.

Puzzles- Hiding tiny treats in these - Licky mats , training-
Sniffing really seems to tire them out if they can’t go for a long walk for whatever reason.

100% agree with this.

Can we end the thread here?😁

The only mental stimulation we really do is scatter-feed two of his meals, otherwise he spends most of his time sleeping, pottering around the garden or playing with the cats.