Mental Exercise?

Looking for a way to keep your dog mentally stimulated on these dog days of summer? It’s easy; exercise his mind! Mental exercise like trick training is just as exhausting as physical exercise. Baby pools and shade is what your dog is looking for to cool down. But that’s not enough to tire him out. Regular mental and physical exercise means dogs have fewer health and behavior problems. When you marry the two of them together, you get a pooped pup. But many of our dogs are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to exercising their minds.  

Trick training is fantastic fun for all skill levels, ages and types of dogs. Kids and adults can all join in the fun. Most Trick Classes don’t require prior training. If your dog can tolerate a group trick class environment, why not join in on the fun fad? While canine whiz kids such as poodles and border collies will pick up things quickly, any dog will catch on if you’re patient, consistent, and encouraging. You can teach tricks one at a time or a couple at once, as long as you and your dog are having fun. If you get frustrated, stop.

Some dogs are better at some tricks than others. A small, agile terrier may find jumping through hoops easier than a bulldog would. And a retriever is probably more willing to hold things in his mouth than is a Pekinese. A Basset Hound can probably roll over but may find begging a little hard, being a little top-heavy. So think about your dog’s form and aptitudes before you start. You may notice something special your dog does that would be entertaining if you can get him to do it on command. You can. Give it a name, use that word when he’s most likely to do his thing, and praise him for “obeying.” He’ll make the connection soon enough. 

Showing off tricks like bow, wave hello, say your prayers, jump through my arms, peek-a-boo are some show stoppers. If your dog shows a true aptitude and is the friendly easygoing sort, you might find that joining a pet therapy group can be something you’ll both enjoy, an activity that gives your dog a job while brightening the lives of other people.