Brain Games for Dogs: Part 5

Throughout this series, we have brought to you a number of tips designed to promote mental stimulation for your pet. These brain games have ranged from solo endeavors, such as playing with an interactive toy, to fun for the whole family, such as hide and go seek. Here, we will discuss two final brain games you can play with your pet.

Brain Game #8:
Toy Naming

Every time you work on teaching your dog a new trick or command, you are stretching your dog’s mental muscle. One fun brain game involves teaching your dog individual names for each toy. 

To begin, pick up your dog’s favorite toy. Hold it out in front of your body and say the toy’s name. When your dog looks at the toy or takes it from you, immediately reward with a treat. Repeat this step 10 or more times each day. Once your dog has mastered the name of one toy, move on to the next.  

Brain Game #9:
Clean Up

Another fun game that challenges your dog’s brain involves teaching your pet to clean up his or her toys. This game is especially fun once your dog has mastered the name of each toy. 

First, place your dog’s toy box in an area of your house where it can stay for a long duration of time. Once you start teaching this command, you should not move the box until your dog has mastered the game. 

Next, give your dog a favorite toy and bring your pet to the empty toy box. Make a sound near the toy box, such as by snapping your fingers, so that your dog looks into the empty box. Once your dog is focused on the box, say “drop it, clean up” and offer a treat. Your dog will drop the toy into the box in order to receive the tasty reward. Repeat this command until your dog learns that “clean up” means to drop toys in the box. Over time, increase the distance your dog stands away from the box when you give the cleanup command. 

The final step is to lay a toy on the floor and encourage your dog to pick up the item when you say “clean up” and bring it to the box. 

Have you enjoyed this series on brain games? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive other interesting blog posts delivered directly to your inbox! 

Please note: all dogs should be treated as individuals. The Actijoy™ blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only. In the case of emergency, always seek qualified healthcare from a local veterinarian or emergency facility. Actijoy™ blogs are not designed to treat, diagnose, or prescribe medication for your pet.