Welcome to the Pet Fit Post, the official newsletter of Pet Fit - your friendly neighborhood dog walking service!
Now that it’s May, everyone is out enjoying the warm weather. Spring has sprung and summer is right around the corner! It’s a perfect time to grab your canine companion and explore a local hiking trail, neighborhood path, or a dog-friendly park.
But perhaps you have a high-energy dog that always seems restless, no matter how many walks or trips to the park you take them on.
Introducing the topic of the month: Enrichment! Let’s go over some valuable tips and tricks on how to incorporate mental enrichment into your dog's life.
Tools for Mental Enrichment:
While physical activities like walks, runs, and playtime are essential for your furry friend's well-being, they alone may not be enough to tire out their racing minds. Dogs require mental stimulation to stay happy and content. Even during walks, when your dog insists on stopping every few seconds to investigate scents on the ground, they are engaging in natural behaviors that stimulate their brains.
You can introduce mental enrichment through puzzles and activities. For example, snuffle mats can be a fantastic way to tire out your dog. Instead of simply placing their meals or treats in a bowl, hide them within the folds and crevices of the mat. This encourages your dog to use their nose and navigate the mat to find their rewards. You can also create DIY activities such as using an old towel and treats/food. Sprinkle a few pieces on one end of the towel, fold it over, and repeat until the towel is completely folded into itself. Then, fold it in half and tie it into a knot. Your dog will have to unravel the knot and unfold the towel to access the treats or food pieces!
Training and Mental Stimulation:
Another effective way to keep your canine mentally occupied is through training. Teaching your dog simple commands such as "sit," "stay," "lie down," or "paw" not only gives them a sense of purpose but also fulfills their need to think and use their brains. Here's how you can incorporate training into your dog's daily life:
- Choose one or two simple commands and a release command (e.g., "ok," "break," or "free") to signal they can resume movement.
- Use these commands firmly to redirect your dog's attention to you. For example, let's say you choose "sit" and "wait" as your primary commands.
- Begin training in a controlled environment, either in your yard or inside your home, using your dog's favorite toy or treats as rewards.
- Give the "sit" command and, once your dog complies, take a step back or toss their toy a short distance away. Use the command "wait" to signal they should remain seated.
- You may need to repeat the commands if your dog is impatient or wiggly, but be cautious not to overuse them, as it may diminish their effectiveness.
- Once your dog has successfully sat and waited, use their release word, such as "ok," to let them know they can proceed. Reinforce their learning by offering treats throughout the process to create positive associations.
These puzzles, activities, and training tactics provide your dog with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Remember, there are countless options for mentally stimulating and enriching activities.
For more tips and tricks, like and follow our page. Additionally, check out the attached links for more information on the above topics!
Thank you for being a part of our community of pet lovers. Together, we can ensure our furry companions lead happy and fulfilling lives.
