When humans become bored, they\u2019re able to find ways to occupy themselves: watching TV, playing on their phone, running errands, or taking up hobbies. Dogs are not able to do these things themselves, so they resort to what they can do \u2013 which is usually destructive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the best ways to cure boredom is to mentally stimulate your pup, and there are many kinds of activities that will do just the trick. It’s important to remember that pups are most stimulated when using their five senses, especially smell. If you\u2019re not sure what will work, give the following activities a try.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember: all pups are different and are not motivated by the same things. Test some things out and see what works!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Socializing your dog is one of the most important parts of a dog\u2019s brain development and mental stimulation. There are several aspects that go into socializing your dog: exposure to different environments, meeting people, interacting with other dogs, and professional training.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These constant forms of socialization will surely mentally stimulate your pup and assist in brain development, which as a result, will build confidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is important to ensure, especially in the early puppy stages, that each experience is positive. Every form of learning, interaction, and exposure will have an impact on a young puppy. Taking your pup on fun road trips, to family members\u2019 houses, a good trainer, and to a doggie daycare like Dogtopia is sure to result in positive and exciting experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n Licks mats are a great method for not only mental stimulation, but anxiety relief.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Lick mats are basically little pads with crevices in it (kind of like a maze), and you can spread any kind of food onto it. Then, the dogs will lick away and try to get all the food out of the holes and cracks. Dogs often find comfort in the licking motion, and therefore it helps anxiety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Also, hunting for pieces of food in the small crevices of the lick mat is almost like a puzzle, and the ability to figure out puzzles is great for brain health in dogs!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Lick mats are available on most online and dog retailers. They\u2019re usually made of rubber and are easy to clean.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As stated previously, dogs are stimulated by their sense of smell, and dogs absolutely love discovering new smells. Smell in dogs is about 40 times better than in humans, and their nose is a key element in their brain\u2019s function.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The same old smells in a pup\u2019s home may be boring, which may cause them to find destructive ways to cure that boredom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the best ways to stimulate your pup\u2019s sense of smell, give them exercise, and make them happy is letting them explore nature. This might entail exploring your neighborhood, going on walks on a nature trail (maybe one you haven\u2019t tried before!), or going on hikes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Breeds like the Belgian Malinois, German Shorthaired Pointer, Retrievers, Weimaraner, Doberman, and other high-energy breeds might have more stamina for rigorous hikes, but most other breeds wouldn\u2019t mind a stroll in the park.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Yes, dog puzzles and games exist, and there are some creative ones out there. Most dog games focus on food motivation, where the goal of the puzzle is that the dog has to find the treat or piece of food. The act of solving the puzzle is a simple way of encouraging learning in your pup, and therefore increasing mental stimulation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It will also boost confidence; pups enjoy learning new things and love forms of affirmation!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSocialization\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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<\/p>\nLick mats\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Long walks, especially on new, nature trails!\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Puzzles and games\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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