Have any of you experienced your dog have a tank full of energy, even after a physically demanding walk? I used to experience this all the time! In fact, many people I know still have this problem.
Have you ever had a busy day when you are filled with work or studying, but you are just doing it all at a desk? You aren't moving much PHYSICALLY but you are moving a lot MENTALLY. A dog needs mental stimulation, just as much as physical stimulation.
On our K9X Hiking excursions, we go for very physically exhausting hikes, but during the hike and after the hike, the dogs get their minds put to work so that they get the mental stimulation they need. Here are a few ways to mentally stimulate your dog:
1. Work on a new trick, or perfect an old one.
Every training session with your dog is a mental challenge for him. Have you noticed that after you spend 20 minutes doing tricks with your dog, he is usually quite settled and satisfied after the session.
2. Obstacles.
This is Reba and she picked up a log that was just too wide to get through the path. She had spent so much energy picking up the log, but trying to get it past all of the surrounding trees really challenged her mind and exhausted her!
3. Fetch.
Every dog loves fetch! Fetch is a good way to challenge your dog, but you have to make them work for it! We often fake throws and throw the ball or stick behind a tree. This is a lot more fun for them and it will tire them out much faster!
4. Hide and Seek!
This one might be our favourite. We love playing hide and seek with the dogs on our hikes. Sometimes we play for an hour! One of the best things to do is to hide behind a tree if they keep walking too far ahead during your hike. This will really make them work hard to find you!