How to Provide Enough Stimulation for Large Dogs
With winter coming in, cold weather may have you and your pooch staring longingly out your window, remembering the warm weather days. If you’re looking for ideas on how to provide enough stimulation for a large dog, you’ve come to the right place. We may be longing for warmer weather, but there are plenty of activities you can do both inside and outside with your lively pup.
How to Provide Enough Stimulation for Big Dogs
It’s usually pretty easy to get most small dogs enough exercise. Simply playing a game of catch down the hallway might be enough depending on their size. But when it comes to big dogs, that just won’t be enough. Big dogs can easily become bored if they do not get enough exercise. That boredom can turn toward unwanted and sometimes even destructive behaviors.
Make Walk Time an Adventure
One of the most exciting parts of your dog’s day is their walk. They go to go outside and enjoy the sun and the smells. It’s also a great chance for you to relinquish some of your control to your dog. When a dog is out walking, they are constantly exploring. They are on high alert to see if anything grabs their attention. You can help them enjoy this time by letting them explore.
Teach Them Some New Tricks
Did you know that teaching your dog new tricks can actually help improve their confidence? It’s also a great way to get their mind working while making them work their bodies as well. Once you’ve mastered the simple commands like sit and paw, try out some more advanced commands. You can give clicker training a try or simply train them to ring a bell when they want to go out. Just trying new things is sure to keep your dog burning through some energy.
Let Them Use Their Nose
Basic nose work games are a great way to get your dog active. Playing “go find it” is also such an easy game to play and is great for your dog’s mind and nose. It might be easy to start with something like a carrot as they can have a much more pungent aroma than some dry dog treats. Cut the carrot up into small pieces and place them around the room. Bring your dog into the room and tell them to “go find it.” Encourage them to find the pieces you’ve hidden, and don’t make it easy on them! Hide pieces all over the room. On tables, under magazines or couch cushions. Whatever you can think of that will get your dog working is a great idea.
Start Naming Their Toys
Once your dog has gotten the hang of a few simple tricks, now’s the time to really step it up. An easy game like “fetch” can be fun to play for a while, but some dogs can quickly grow bored of this.
To keep interest in these easy games, you can start naming their toys. If fetching a simple tennis ball doesn’t keep your dog’s attention, give it a name. Then their chewy bone can have a different name. Their favorite stuffed toy can be called something different. Soon enough, teaching your dog these different names can turn into a game of fetch the right toy. By teaching your dog these names, you’re working out their mind. Then you can release your dog to fetch the proper toy for you.
Practice Agility with an Obstacle Course
If you’re looking for a way to get your big dog’s energy out, you should try out an obstacle course. Many outdoor dog parks have objects that you can consider using in your course. If you can’t get out to a dog park or if you don’t feel safe going to one, make one at home. Here are some household items you can use to create your obstacle course:
- Pillows
- Chairs
- Stools
- Blankets
- Ottomans
- Sofa Cushions
Get creative with how you structure the course and feel free to change up the order in which you complete the course.
Try the Shell Game
You’ve probably seen this game before. This is where you have three cups. You place an object under one cup and move them around. The goal is for another person to guess which cup the object is under. You can play the same game with your dog at home.
Show your dog a treat and place a cup over it. Now mix it up and spin it around with two other cups. Let your dog watch you and tell them to find the treat. It’s great for working on their problem-solving skills and it really gives them a mental workout. When your dog guesses right, give them the treat. If they guess wrong, show them the right cup but try playing the game again.
Providing both mental and physical stimulation for your dog is an important part of their life. Without being occupied, their pent-up energy can turn to destructive behaviors. Big dogs have more energy to burn, so you’ll need to get creative when entertaining them.