A bored dog doesn’t always look bored. Sometimes it looks like extra barking, restlessness, or that familiar “I’m up to something” stare. Many dog parents quietly worry their pup’s brain isn’t getting enough of a workout.
Here’s where things get interesting: mental stimulation doesn’t require fancy puzzle toys, or even toys at all. Some dogs (like my, Henry) turn their noses up at store-bought brain games entirely, yet still crave mental challenges in their own way.
The good news is that there are simple, surprisingly effective mind games that work for every type of dog, including the ones who ignore toys. Let’s dig in and uncover the easy brain-boosting games that turn bored dogs into happier, calmer pups (and yes, one of them is Henry’s all-time favorite).
Does your dog hate dog toys? In this article, I share how your dog really wants to play.
Budget tip: A great aspect of dogs is that they don’t need extra things to be engaged. You can create it easily. As such, even if your dog doesn’t like toys, you can still stimulate your dog’s mind daily. I’ve learned how to do it for Henry. Honestly, it’s rather easy and it’s free. That’s a huge win-win for Henry and for my pocketbook! What could be better?
Why is metal stimulation for dogs important?
It’s like anything, when the brain isn’t fully engaged, issues will begin to develop. However, when your dog is mentally stimulated, the benefits can unfold and issues can be avoided or resolved altogether.
Discover how much brain stimulation your dog actually needs with this free online tool.
What are the benefits of using mind games for dogs?
You might be surprised by all the benefits that simple mental stimulation for your dog can provide. They include:
- Confidence boost
- Decline in negative behaviors (such as barking, digging, chewing, and jumping)
- Reduce separation anxiety
- Increase cognitive functions, especially important for the senior dog
- Balance overly energetic dogs
- Decrease depression
- Give dogs a job
- Increases mental stamina (much like aerobic exercise)
- Helps to provide a healthy calm outlet for growing puppies
- Decreases boredom, especially when housebound or recovering from surgery
- Encourages picky eaters to eat
Honestly, Henry often won’t eat without playing a brain game.
Note: If your dog loves toys you can purchase a mental stimulation dog toy like a dog puzzle toy.
What kind of mind games for dogs would be easy to implement for my dog?
There are a multitude of dog simulation games available on the market. Additionally, there are various dog mental stimulation toys. However, if your dog is like Henry and refuses to play with toys, then you need to get a bit clever with your mind games. Personally, I like mealtime games. Thus, the ones I’m sharing today are all focused around mealtime. However, you could easily play them at different times. Here are five great ideas that work very nicely as a mind game at mealtime for your dog. Plus, every dog seems to love them equally well, which is a huge bonus!
1. Scavenger hunt mealtime mind games for dogs
Admittedly, Henry loves this game. I swear he’s part bloodhound. Honestly, besides a basset hound or beagle, I’ve never seen a dog lead by his nose as much. In short, this game is very easy.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Dog food (yep, like I said, this is mealtime)
Multiple small plates or bowls (optional). Actually, I usually just hide his food without a plate or bowl. I have wood floors, and Henry’s pretty quick. But this also depends on the type of food you feed.
How to play:
Hide the food throughout the house (or in one specific room, which is what I generally do). Remember, under and behind chairs and tables is great to challenge your dog.
Remember, don’t let your dog see where you hide the goodies.
Thus, when the food is discovered, it becomes a found or hidden treat!
Finally, let your dog enter the room and have a go at sniffing out the food treats. Henry gets such joy out of finding bits and pieces here and there. It’s almost like a kid at Christmas.
Bonus: I’ve even placed some food in Henry’s bed, which always thrills him!
2. Catch (or get) the food is a great mind game for dogs
Without a doubt, this is Henry’s favorite mealtime brain game. It’s super simple! The best part is that Henry gets to be active and search for his food a bit. Besides, he loves it when he finds his treasures of food.
Here’s what you’ll need for this mealtime brain game:
Dog food (simple, right?)
Here’s how to play:
Also, you’ll want to play in a room or space with flooring that can handle food being thrown. Thus, you probably will want to avoid a carpeted room. As I mentioned, my floors are wood and work well for this game. Although you could go outside if you have a clean patio free of chemicals, ants, and other harmful products and items.
In short, what I do for Henry is throw a few pieces of food out to him. I try to get the food to places where he’ll have to work to get to it, such as under a chair or behind a table. As a result, it makes it extra fun for him and more stimulating and challenging as well.
3. Which hand also works well for mealtime mind games for dogs
This is kind of a combo of games. Or, at least, it is the way I play it with Henry.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Dog food (I know, easy, yet effective).
Here’s how to play:
First, have your dog sit or at least get your dog’s attention.
Then grab some food, place it in one of your hands, and then close both hands.
Show your dog both hands closed and say “Choose” or “Which hand?”.
When your dog touches the hand with the food, give him/ her the food.
Then throw some more food out for an additional brain game engagement activity. Remember to try to get the food to challenging locations, such as under tables.
Once the thrown food has been eaten, call your dog back and repeat.
4. Shell game is great for a mealtime mind game for dogs
This is a fun game that your dog will love and add mental stimulation no matter if your dog is a puppy, an older dog, or anywhere in between.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Dog food
At least 3 cups or some cover for the food
Here’s how to play:
To play, simply have your dog sit and watch you.
First, show your dog the food and the cups.
Next, place the food under one cup with at least two others turned over, with nothing under them.
Move all three cups slowly around.
Stop and let your dog discover which cup has the hidden food treats.
NOTE: If your dog loses interest, then introduce a high-value dog treat. Once your dog is back in the game, then rotate back to dog food. Remember, this is a mealtime brain game.
5. Training can also be an excellent way to play mind games for dogs
Honestly, Henry loves any chance he gets to train or learn a new trick. I’m the same way. We’re both learning nerds.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Dog food (optional high-value dog treats if teaching a difficult trick)
Leash
Training aids (optional)
Here’s how to play:
This is a super easy idea. Instead of using dog treats as rewards for training, you use your dog’s food. Thus, this is best done at mealtime. However, keep in mind that your dog may not be able to train for the entire bowl full of food.
Therefore, you may want to combine this method with a scavenger hunt or throwing food mind games. Moreover, you could even set up an obstacle course and reward your dog each time he/she accomplishes a new task within the course. An obstacle course provides even more mental exercise for your dog.
Can providing my pup with dog mind games cut my overall dog’s expenses?
In short, yes! I really do love the numbers part. It always brings everything home. As such, consider the following costs:
| Separation anxiety | $200-1500 |
| Dementia | $300-500 |
| Depression | $300-800 |
| Dog behaviorist | $50-200 (per session) |
Related articles:
- This Is How A Dog Who Doesn’t Like Toys Plays!
- Is Overfeeding A Dog Harmful?
- Shocking Guide of How Homemade Dog Treats Save BIG!
- How Can Fish Oil Cut Dog Costs?
- Do You Know The Easy Way Pumpkin Can Cut Dog Costs?
- Is There a Cheap Easy Way to Train Your Dog?
Mind games for dogs every dog loves!
You might think if your dog refuses to play with toys, you can’t stimulate his/her mind. Conversely, it’s actually very easy to provide your dog with “brain exercise”. Heck, we exercise their bodies, so why not their minds?
In fact, you can do it for free and in association with mealtime and especially dog training sessions. Henry loves his mealtime dog brain games. It keeps his mind engaged. Additionally, it encourages him to eat his entire meal, which is a bonus. I couldn’t be more thrilled with these stimulating games for my furry friend. Moreover, I think Henry loves them too!
