6 Brain Games for Dogs

The cold season is here! It may be the perfect weather to curl up on the couch with a blanket and snacks, but your pet is begging for some activities. Instead of lounging around, get your pet motivated and excited with these 6 brain games for dogs. These games are perfect for indoor fun and can involve the entire family. Get this winter season started with some entertaining brain games for dogs. 

The Cup Game

Your dog will use their nose and judgment to figure out this game. 

Place dog food under a cup. Ask your dog which cup has the food. Your pet will need to look at or place their nose to a cup that they think has the treat. Make sure they wait until you reveal the prize and give them the command to munch down on the food. 

Food Puzzles

These games can already be purchased pre-assembled and designed. No DIY is needed. Puzzles can be purchased at pet stores or online (check out some of the holiday deals starting now). There are several levels of difficulty depending on the game. Puzzles are great if you are away or need to preoccupy your pet, your dog will have fun puzzle-solving and memorizing. 

Clean Up Game

Teach your dog to clean their mess! This is a fun and convenient game to teach pets when toys are their life (Bring along the kids and have them learn along as well). This may take some time, but it will fill up the extra time in the day to accomplish something new and educational. 

First, teach the ‘drop it’ command to your dog. Once they understand the term and can successfully drop items, then transition to having them pick up their toys and drop them in their toy bin. Always reward them every time they accomplish each step. 

Agility Course

This game will require some DIY strategies. Make sure to have safe equipment and a large enough space for movement. Your dog will enjoy the energetic game. 

First, your pet will need to learn basic commands so they understand to go over, under, weave, and walk narrow in places. Up the stakes, once your pet understands the commands and bam! your pet is accomplishing the agility course. 

Word Game

This is another convenient game to play when your pet needs to pick things up. Similar to the Clean Up game, the word game will get your dog to associate objects with their names. The game will get their mind thinking and expanding their knowledge of common items around the house. With patience and the right training for your pet, your dog can one day communicate with buttons and objects. 

First, get a toy & name it. Use that name whenever you want your pet to play. Leave the toy somewhere and ask your pet to look for it using the toy's name. Reward them whenever they listen and understand the toy's name.

Now you can start naming other things for your pet to know the item. Up the stakes with buttons. Use buttons with the word and image and teach your pet which button says what. Soon your pet will talk back to you. 

Looking for some new treats and toys, check out the holiday deals on Chewy!

Have fun with these games, from the Fire Hydrant Team!