Keeping a dog mentally stimulated and happy

aw

I am looking for suggestions people may have about keeping a dog mentally stimulated and happy.

Up to now, our Golden Retriever was our baby, the sole focus of our attention. However, we have just had a human baby so now he is sharing

He is super with the baby and he has accepted her into the house with no hassle and we have made a point of including him in most things and he still gets his daily walks.

He still gets cuddles and playtime but I can't help feeling he feels a little bit left out sometimes, when he sits with a big mournful look on his face with big sad eyes (I'm sure you other dog owners will know the look I mean ).

We have a great toy which releases a small amount of dog nuts when he moves it around the floor with his nose. Something new and exciting would be great for him.

Any suggestions for things that can keep him entertained or games he can play or that I can play with him?

Nody

Frozen kong comes to mind (freeze some peanut butter or jelly in a kong toy; takes ages to lick it out); esp. in this weather.

Hide part of his dinner around the apartment; under bowls so he has to go hunt for it.

Socializing with other dogs (if he's that type of dog) is also a great way to stimulate him.

Taking him swimming.

fatmammycat

aw wrote: »

I am looking for suggestions people may have about keeping a dog mentally stimulated and happy.

Up to now, our Golden Retriever was our baby, the sole focus of our attention. However, we have just had a human baby so now he is sharing

He is super with the baby and he has accepted her into the house with no hassle and we have made a point of including him in most things and he still gets his daily walks.

He still gets cuddles and playtime but I can't help feeling he feels a little bit left out sometimes, when he sits with a big mournful look on his face with big sad eyes (I'm sure you other dog owners will know the look I mean ).

We have a great toy which releases a small amount of dog nuts when he moves it around the floor with his nose. Something new and exciting would be great for him.

Any suggestions for things that can keep him entertained or games he can play or that I can play with him?

1st, congratulations on the new baby.
2nd, Games, does your dog like finding things? Like his toys if you hide them? My dog loves this game and it wears him out both mentally and physically. He has a large squeaky pull toy that's he mad about and is ONLY allowed for this game. I put him in stay in the living room, hide the toy in the garden somewhere, come back and release him to find it. He LOVES this game.
He loves pulling games too, especially rope pulls (super cheap toy), again really tiring and you don't have to leave the garden. He likes finding people too (I know I'm starting to sound nuts) but one of us will hide and the other will send him to find. I think anything where they need to think really wears them out. Best of luck!

Hooked

Firstly, its always great to read threads like these from responsible, loving and inclusive owners...

Here's what we get up to with our husky...

1. Tug of war - with a big chunky rope. Cost a fiver in TK Maxx I think. Hugo loves it. And I can play it while crashed out on the couch. I just say 'where's your rope' and off he goes to get it.

2. Frisbee. I picked up a KONG frisbee and Hugo loves it. Like above... Little exercise involved on my part!

3. Hiding food. I place food under cups and mix them up, watching him, watch and find the 'food cup' - stimulates him no end.

4. Bikejoring. I've a sledding harness and made a rig for the front of my bike for my 'days off' from running. Hugo turns, stops and speeds up when I tell him - so it's a good physical and mental work out.

5. Kicking ball or playing fetch with smaller balls, his ropes or a plastic bottle. Jaysus he goes mad at the sound of a crushed plastic bottle.

6. From above - I use a plastic bottle to aid in training. He's rewarded with it for sitting, lying down, rolling over etc... And jumps (up command) and snatches it off me when instructed to. Reward, release and start again. I let him have a small chew on it but never for too long.

7. Raw feeding. He gets about a half hour out of chewing a brisket bone or similar. Nackers him mentally and physically and leaves him with spotless teeth!!!

8. Having a good old play. Rough housing, clapping hands for a chase, grabbing him and softly pinning him down or letting him hold my hand or arm (with his mouth) while messing about or rubbing his sides or tummy reinforces his 'soft mouth' technique.

9. Similar to above, hand feeding treats or other items, lets him distinguish between my fingers and the food. Don't laugh but I often place a treat or similar between my lips and have him take it from me. He does it so carefully and slowly and has never nipped me. Means I can let kids feed him knowing they won't have items snapped from them.

10. A good auld walk! Nothing beats letting him wander, sniff and record or replay all the days events through his senses while out for a stroll. And we nearly always stop to socialise with passing dogs!

Congrats on the new arrival. Best get back to the office!

Ms Tootsie

fatmammycat wrote: »

He likes finding people too (I know I'm starting to sound nuts) but one of us will hide and the other will send him to find. I think anything where they need to think really wears them out. Best of luck!

haha not nuts to me! Our dog absolutely LOVES playing hide and seek with his. Goes bonkers. Tail wags so much I swear some day it will cause him to take off in flight.

Mr. Flibble

I find the Kong Wobbler great for some mental stimulation. It turns a 1 minute feed into a 15 minute game.

A dog trainer suggested to me to scatter food in the garden for the dog to find and eat as a good way to keep their mind occupied also.

boardbrowser

Well done on making sure that your dog has adjusted well to your new addition to the family and i hope that your dog continues to enjoy being a big part of your family for many years to come.
There is a new book on the market that might interest you. i have yet to read it but have heard good reviews. ' beyond squeaky toys' innovative ideas for eliminating problem behaviours and enriching the lives if dogs and cats!- cinthia mitchell+ nicole Nicassio.
One word about 'freezing kongs', this makes me a little nervous to be honest-depending on how long you freeze kong it can become extremely tough if left in freezer too long and i would be worried about potential tooth fractures/ wearing down of teeth if it's rock hard.
I prefer layering kongs with a variety of food stuffs and plugging the hole with something like soft ligament type chewies( port strips etc) for extra difficulty when it comes to extracting the contents.
Also placing kong inside something- old pillow case for example and have your dog figure out how to get to the prize inside.

elenak

Hi, just a quick message to dog owners. I bought a rubber ring for my puppy, thought it would be great entertainment. The dog got very sick the whole evening after playing with it. The ring started shedding little pieces after a few bites and was very bitter to taste. I had to wash my hands few times with soap to get rid of the bitterness!! I wouldn't recommend anybody to buy them!