Creating an enriching indoor playtime environment is a great way to keep dogs mentally sharp. You can start by focusing on their senses, providing a variety of textures and sounds in their environment to keep them stimulated. See below for a few helpful examples.
Senior dogs can experience cognitive decline as part of aging, while boredom can play a significant role in depression and anxiety. By keeping dogs’ brains active through enriching activities, you can help combat these unwanted feelings and emotions.
Try out different activities to see what your furry family member likes, such as:
– Puzzle toys and snuffle mats: These can help keep them alert and focused. Plus, there are a variety of versions you can get that will keep the activity novel. That way, they won’t eventually remember the pattern and become bored.
– New tricks: Turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks! In fact, with their older age, it can be a critical time to maintain the tricks they learn to keep their mind sharp. As they learn, their confidence can skyrocket. Also, teaching your dog tricks can be a time to bond with them, which is important in maintaining their wellbeing. Remember, the tricks you implement should align with their mobility capacity, as it’s important not to cause strain.
– Obstacle courses: If you’re looking to target their physical and mental health while maintaining their paw-eye coordination, an indoor/outdoor obstacle course designed just for them can help keep them active and engaged. Start easy and then continue to level-up their abilities.
