training & behaviour
Frozen food fun
On a hot summer’ s day, place a portion of their food in a two-litre ice cream tub, add water( or stock for some added flavour) and put it in the freezer. Pop the ice block out onto the grass and let your pup eat and play the day away.
Yoghurt tub treat
To that last bit of yoghurt, add some pellets to the tub, shake it, place it in the freezer and let your dog lick it out.
Stuffed toy puzzles
Placing food pellets, treats or dog-safe peanut butter in a Kong( or homemade version using an egg carton or toiletpaper rolls) gives your dog the challenge of moving it around to release their food.
Training time = brain time
Training not only improves obedience, it is also a mental workout. It could involve simple commands such as‘ sit’, a new challenge like‘ spin’, or teaching them the names of their toys.
Rotate the toys
If you are anything like me, your dog has a crate full of toys. Another way to mentally stimulate them is to rotate their toys. Keep a few toys out for them to play with, but put the rest away and swap them every week or two.
Sniff-worthy walks
A simple walk, but let them‘ stop and smell the roses’. Letting them take in the sights and smells on their walk will help tire out their minds as well as their muscles. Even better if you don’ t always take the same route.
Scent recognition games
Play interactive scent games. An example would be placing
a lemon in one hand and an orange in the other. Let your dog sniff the lemon while you say the word‘ lemon’, and the same with the orange, rewarding them for sniffing. You can then change hands or keep them in the same hands and, offering both the orange and the lemon, ask your dog to place their nose on the lemon. This involves problemsolving and tests their memory.
DIY obstacle course
Create an obstacle course with everyday items such as tables, chairs, and pillows. This helps build body awareness, confidence and mental fulfilment. Start easy and make it more challenging as they improve.
“ Find It!” game
Whether it’ s a treat in one closed hand, treats hidden around the house or a treat under one cup and not the others, this fun scent game is simple yet much loved. You can make it more advanced by using a teabag or spices, starting slowly and then teaching them to detect the scent.
A mentally satisfied dog is often more relaxed, less clingy, and happier to settle at home. And for owners, there’ s something incredibly rewarding about watching your dog figure something out, tail wagging with pride. Because when it comes to our dogs, playtime isn’ t just fun – it’ s powerful.
Letting them take in the sights and smells on their walk will help tire out their minds as well as their muscles. www. petpals. co. za 35