Intelligence games for dogs
Our dogs need mental and physical stimulation as well as exercise – and you can easily incorporate a few simple yet ingenious games into your daily routine. We’ve compiled seven clever intelligence games for dogs that will provide both playful and mental stimulation for your four-legged friend.
What are intelligence games for dogs?
In addition to sufficient physical activity, such as romping in the park, jogging, hiking, or dog sports. Our dogs also need mental stimulation. Intelligence games for dogs aim to promote their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. They are a great way to challenge and mentally stimulate dogs.
Examples of intelligence games for dogs include:
- Sniffing games, in which the dog has to search for treats or toys in various hiding places.
- Brain games that challenge the dog’s logical thinking and concentration, as well as interactive toys, which allow the dog to receive rewards for specific actions.
Advantages: Fun and mental stimulation
Intelligence games are not only fun for dogs; they also challenge and develop their mental abilities, thus increasing the well-being of our four-legged friends. Furthermore, they add variety to your dog’s daily routine and prevent boredom and under-stimulation, which can often lead to unwanted or even problematic behavior.
Dogs that are physically and mentally stimulated, able to use all their abilities and fulfill their needs, are more balanced. Regular play sessions together also strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Mental stimulation doesn’t have to be complicated. Even in bad weather and with limited space, you can try out many exciting intelligence games for dogs with your furry friend – there’s so much more play potential hidden within your own four walls than you might think.
Intelligence games are enriching for dogs of all ages. They are especially excellent, age-appropriate activities for senior dogs who are no longer quite as physically fit.
DIY brain games for dogs: Creative ideas for home
Intelligence games for dogs can often be implemented spontaneously and simply in any home, whether indoors or outdoors. What’s more, you (usually) need nothing more than one or two things you probably already have at home: towels, paper rolls, boxes, or even a muffin tin – you can use many everyday items to entertain your dog without much effort.
Over time, you will become increasingly creative and discover new ways to create exciting brain games for your dog.
The sniffing mat
The snuffle mat is one of the most popular scent toys for dogs. The mat consists of many overlapping fabric pieces. Small treats are hidden between these pieces. Your dog then has to sniff them out and dig them out with its paw or snout.
The sniffing box
A snuffle box is a good alternative to a snuffle mat. All you need is a larger cardboard box or crate and sufficient filling material such as paper, cardboard, cloths, or fabric scraps.
Crumple up the paper/fabric and fill the box with it in layers. Hidden small treats in between the layers. Your dog will then have to sniff out these treats in the paper maze and dig their way through to them.
Caution: Make sure the paper or cardboard is not sharp-edged so your dog doesn’t get hurt!
The treat hunt
It couldn’t be simpler: For this search game, all you really need are a few tasty treats. And of course, good hiding places.
Start by simply hiding the treats in obvious places, for example, on the floor. Your dog’s nose will definitely graze it.
Then send your dog on a search, encouraging him along the way.
Over time, you can increase the difficulty. For example, hide the treats in elevated places, behind or under furniture.
However, make sure your furry friend can always reach it; frustration will result if they can’t.
The dummy pull
Now it gets a little trickier. For this intelligence game for dogs, you’ll need a treat pouch. and some string or rope, about one meter long. Attach this to the treat dummy.
Show your dog how to fill the dummy with a delicious treat. Then place the bag under a piece of furniture (e.g., a sofa or a low cabinet) so that your dog can see it but can’t reach it directly with its nose or paw. The string should be sticking out sufficiently.
To get to the dummy, your four-legged friend will have to pull it out using the string. Let your dog think about it for a while.
If he needs help, show him how to pull the dummy out using the rope – but without giving him treats. Dogs are good observers and learn quickly this way.
Once he understands the game and pulls the string, praise him extensively, then reward him directly from the treat bag.
The Muffin Intelligence Game for Dogs
Muffins? Almost! For this sniffing game, you need a typical muffin tin and some small (tennis) balls. And of course, more treats.
Show your little sniffer how to fill the individual cups of the muffin tin with treats. Then place a tennis ball on top of each one.
Now your dog must try to get to the treats by lifting the tennis balls out of the mold one at a time with his paw or, ideally, with his mouth.
Tip: If you don’t have tennis balls on hand, you can also use crumpled paper to fill the hollows.
The towel intelligence game for dogs
This intelligence game for dogs is also super easy – at least to prepare. Please don’t underestimate the challenge it presents for your four-legged friend.
You will need a towel (one that can get damaged) and treats.
First, lay the towel flat on the floor. Then show your dog how to place treats on it. Next, fold or roll the towel so that the treat is hidden inside.
Your dog should now try to dig the treat out of the towel. Whether with a paw or snout – anything goes. Except biting it! Ideally, the towel should remain intact.