8 Best Mind Games for Dogs That Actually Help With Boredom

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1. Hide and Seek

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Hide treats or toys around your house or yard and encourage your dog to find them using their sense of smell. Start with easy hiding spots and gradually increase the difficulty.

2. Interactive Puzzle Toys

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Invest in puzzle toys designed for dogs. These toys often have hidden compartments where you can hide treats or kibble, and your dog has to figure out how to access the rewards.

3. Fetch with a Twist

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Add a twist to a traditional game of fetch by hiding treats or toys in different areas of your yard or house. Send your dog to find the hidden items, combining physical and mental exercise.

4. Tug-of-War

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Tug-of-war is not only a physical game but also a mental one. It teaches your dog impulse control and requires them to think about how to win the game.

5. Scent Work

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Engage your dog's keen sense of smell by creating scent trails using treats or their favorite toy. Start with short trails and make them longer and more complex as your dog becomes more proficient.

6. Shell Game

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Place a treat under one of three cups or containers and shuffle them around. Challenge your dog to find the treat by pawing or nosing the correct cup.

7. Obstacle Course

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Set up a mini obstacle course in your backyard or living room using items like cones, hoops, and tunnels. Guide your dog through the course with treats or toys.

8. Name That Toy

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Teach your dog the names of their toys and then ask them to fetch specific toys by name. This game challenges their memory and vocabulary.

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