I often ask clients "How much exercise per day does your dog get, and what type of exercise?" Clients tend to answer with "I walk fido around the block one or two times a day or play fetch in the backyard for a few minutes." I always ask this because dogs that develop behavioral issues often aren't having their needs met. Without daily exercise AND mental stimulation, all that pent up energy tends to come out in stressful situations and in bad ways.
When I say dogs need physical exercise, I don't mean a leisurely stroll around the block to just let fido sniff and get their potty out. I mean fast paced, heart pumping 15 - 20 minute miles(this could vary by dogs age/breed and physical abilities - herding/working dogs need way more). I walk my dogs a mile in the AM and a mile in the PM, and average about 20 minute miles to get some of their energy out. Just those walks though, are not enough to meet their needs.
In comes MENTAL STIMULATION/ENRICHMENT. Mental stimulation/enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. What is mental stimulation? Anything that makes your dog stop and think - such as making them work for their food, regular food bowls are boring! 15 Minutes of mental enrichment is equivalent to about 60 minutes of physical exercise.
Top ways to tire your dog out using mental enrichment
Obedience training - teaching your dog new cues or tricks
Food Puzzles - make them work for their food
Stuffed kongs - make them work for their food
Lick mat - lick mats are soothing and mentally stimulating
Snuffle mat - make them work for their food
Scatter feeding - make them work for their food
Chews - give them an outlet for chewing with things like bully sticks
Sniffy walks - a short 10 minute walk that your dog leads, let him sniff and go where he wants to go, even if its zig zagging across a field!
Nose work games - hide things in boxes and let your dog sniff and find which box the treats are in!
Check out our RECOMMENDATIONS page for food puzzles, chews and training tools we recommend!
Physical exercise and mental enrichment go hand in hand. Make sure you're providing your dog with BOTH in order to meet their needs, they'll thank you for it with better behavior!
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