Dogs are man’s best companions, and much effort goes into raising them. Part of the dog rearing process involves physical and mental exercises. Unfortunately, most owners focus on the physical, leaving out mental workouts.
However, brain training for dogs is still crucial for maintaining a healthy relationship between the dog, its owner, and the people around them. Just as health practitioners insist on mental health, dog training specialists insist on the same for beloved pets.
Nonetheless, it is equally important to choose the best mind training program to give your dog the best training. Here are reasons to invest in brain stimulation exercises for your loyal pet.
- Eradicate Behavioral Issues
Just like humans, dogs get bored without enough mental stimulation. Eventually, depression sets in, and they start misbehaving. Many pet owners would see this as a reason to get rid of their loyal friend. However, destroying the furniture, unnecessary barking, or being inactive indicates that your canine needs brain training. So, do not be too quick to write them off. Brain training has proven to improve and eliminate misbehavior in dogs.
- Reduces Premature Aging
Younger dogs tend to be mentally alert, but in recent times, they have been aging faster. Less mental activity is one of the causes of your dog’s early aging. The brain, just like any part of the body, needs regular exercise. You have heard of the saying, “Old dogs can’t learn new tricks.”
However, this adage is false, for it has been proven that aged dogs can also learn new tricks. Yet, in this case, it has been proven that cognitive training can be tailored for old dogs too. Try new tricks, purchase new toys, use new routes while walking them, etc. Simply put, find ways to keep the dog’s mind occupied in the right way.
- Calms Dogs
Imagine getting home from work tired and being greeted by an overzealous pet right at the door. An overactive dog can be more of a nuisance than a companion. Pent-up energy produces restless dogs.
Fortunately, brain training for dogs ensures all that energy is spent. With some of the training available, dogs can be preoccupied even when you are away. Eventually, they will be relaxed and alert.
- Happy Dogs
Research has shown that active dogs tend to be happier than inactive, obese ones. It is not just about physical exercising, but also mental, as continuous brain stimulation makes a happy dog. Repetitive physical exercises produce boredom and eventual depression in dogs.
Mental stimulating activities help spice up the dog’s life, in turn, makes them happy. There are several brain games and toys to purchase to improve the dog’s mood and overall life quality.
- Bonding With Your Dog
Spending time training your dog produces a greater bond. Dogs enjoy spending time with their owner as much as the owners do. Do not take any form of training for granted. Even something as mundane as fetching creates an unbreakable bond.
Mental training is the same for your furry friends. Most of the training tools available require your physical presence. Thus, purposefully allocate time for those interactive games and playtime.
- Improves Enthusiasm
Nothing beats a happy and enthusiastic dog’s looks. Mostly, enthusiasm is a sign of a healthy pet. As the dogs learn to overcome certain obstacles in the training program, the confidence levels skyrocket, and so does their motivation.
So, it is important to involve positive affirmation when they succeed in puzzles and games. Try giving them treats and patting them to express your satisfaction. Words can also work as long as you express them positively. Dogs are very intelligent and will likely pick up your verbal expressions.
- Reduced Obesity
Obesity is one of the leading causes of health complications in pets. Most owners assume that a healthy dog should have a large, fat body. However, that is false. Like in humans, physical exercise is good for a healthy dog.
However, mental training is even better since it can burn more calories, even within your home’s comfort. By offering them treats for the good work, they will eat less, and the activity itself will keep them fit. Additionally, find a training program that works well for your dog.
- Eliminate Unnecessary Aggression
Many dogs have been ‘put down’ simply because they were overly aggressive to their children, neighbors, or other animals. Such instances can be avoided by implementing a training regime that focuses on the dogs’ cognitive attitude. Capitalize on their mental fitness to ensure that the pent up energy is spent and there is no aggression.
Different dogs require different physical training. Nevertheless, brain training for dogs is vital for every dog’s healthy development. It doesn’t have to be a costly and complex affair. There are several mental training programs online that will work wonders on your dog and are affordable.
If you are too busy at times, involve your kids in the process. This way, you also give kids time to bond and familiarize themselves with the dog. However, make sure it is an approved training regimen that will leave you and your dog happy.
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