Alina Jumabhoy – Page 4
logo

8 Creative Kong Recipes to Try

By Alina Jumabhoy

8 Creative Kong Recipes to Try

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Kapa65 @ Pixabay

Kongs are a great way to mentally stimulate your dog, but they can quickly get bored of the same fillings. If you want to really give your dog a mental challenge, here are eight creative Kong recipes to try.

  1. THE JERKY POP

This Kong recipe is so much fun to watch your dog eat. However, it can sometimes get a little messy, so you may want to save this one for outdoors.

Ice pops are great in the summer, and jerky ice pops are a doggy dream come true.

To begin with, you need to seal the end of the Kong. A small amount of peanut butter is usually enough to do the trick. Place the Kong into a paper cup.

Then, fill the Kong with some broth. Make sure that it is one that doesn't contain any added salt.

Place a couple of sticks of dog-friendly jerky inside the Kong, before placing the cup into the freezer for a few hours.

Don't have any jerky?
You can make this yourself easily by drying thin slices of meat in your oven.

Meat jerky
Photo by Show 131/ CC

  1. FRUIT AND VEG CHUNKS

Stuffing a Kong with fruit and vegetable chunks is a great option if you have multiple dogs.

Why?

Well, you have likely noticed that some of your dogs know how to empty a Kong in a matter of minutes, while others tend to take their time.

By using chunks of fruit and veg, you can vary the chunk size for each dog's Kong. For the dogs that take longer to finish a Kong, use smaller chunks to make it slightly easier. For Kong-savvy dogs, go with larger chunks that they really have to work for.

Need fruit and veg ideas?

Here are a few fruits and vegetables that are safe and healthy for dogs to eat:

  • Blueberries

  • Apples, without the core, seeds or stem

  • Blackberries

  • Broccoli

  • Celery

  • Cucumber

  • Zucchini

  • Pineapple

  • Carrots

  • Cauliflower

  1. SARDINES IN SPRING WATER

Short on time?

This Kong filling is perfect for when you're in a hurry.

All you need to do is stock up on tinned sardines. However, make sure that they have been preserved in spring water, rather than oil or brine, especially if you plan on using this as a treat on a regular basis.

Then, simply open up a tin of sardines and use this to fill the Kong.

Freeze the Kong for a few hours to make it even more of a challenge for your dog.

  1. KIBBLE AND CREAM CHEESE

Looking for a way to make your dog's mealtime last even longer?

It doesn't take long for them to work out how to get their kibble out of a Kong, so give this trick a try...

Mix some of your dog's kibble with a small amount of cream cheese. Stuff this into a Kong and then freeze.

The cheese acts like a cement, holding everything together so firmly. This will make it much harder for your dog to empty the Kong.

  1. A FESTIVE FEAST

If you are looking for festive Kong recipes, look no further than your kitchen...

You are likely buying plenty of festive foods during the holiday season. Chances are, many of these would make a delicious and healthy Kong stuffing.

Need some ideas?

Turkey, whether cooked or raw, works well in a Kong. Raw or cooked chicken and beef are great options too.

You can pair this with some winter vegetables, from Brussel sprouts and carrots to peas and sweet potato. These can all be fed both raw or cooked, with the exception of the sweet potato which should always be cooked.

  1. A KONG OMELET

Got some extra eggs that need to be used?

A Kong omelet will always be appreciated by your pooch!

All you need is an egg and some vegetables that your dog likes. A small amount of cheese is optional.

Then, cook up the egg, scrambling it at first and then folding in the veg. Mix in the cheese before filling the Kong with the mixture. Alternatively, use a small chunk of cheese to seal in the large hole.

You can either wait for it to cool before giving it to your dog, or freeze it to feed later.

  1. OATMEAL, FRUIT AND HONEY

Want to give your dog a special breakfast treat?

This is one of the best Kong recipes for doing so.

A Kong stuffed with oatmeal, fruit and honey will definitely get that tail wagging.

Begin with the oatmeal, making sure that this is cooked. Use a spoonful of this to seal the small hole at the end of the Kong.

Then, add in a few small fruit chunks. Alternatively, if you use a juicer, you can use the fruit pulp leftover from this. Just make sure that this does not contain any fruits that are harmful to dogs.

Continue layering the oatmeal and the fruits. If you want to get even more creative, add in a few layers of yogurt too.

Once you reach the top, give the Kong a drizzle of honey. Your dog will go crazy for this, but use the honey in moderation since it is a sugar.

Either feed immediately or freeze and feed later.

  1. YOGURT AND BANANA

When it comes to Kong recipes, this is an easy one to throw together at the last minute. Of course, it does become even more challenging if you freeze it.

All you need to do is...

  • Slice a banana in half or thirds, depending on the size of Kong you are using

  • Stuff the banana straight into the Kong

  • Fill in the gaps around the banana with some plain yogurt

Make sure that you do not use a flavored yogurt. These often contain sweeteners that can be harmful to dogs.

In order to keep your dog interested in his Kong, and to make sure that it remains challenging for your pooch, you need to mix it up when it comes to the fillings you use. You can stuff a Kong with just about any food that is safe for a dog to eat, so get creative the next time you are looking into Kong recipes for your dog. 

Related Articles

Popular Articles

Muzzle Training Your Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

Muzzle Training Your Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Pranidchakan @ Pexels

The majority of people out there who own a friendly, happy dog think that muzzle training is pointless, because muzzles tend to be associated with aggression. However, there are a number of reasons as to why your dog may need to wear a muzzle at some stage in his life, making muzzle training one of the best things that you can do for your pooch.

WHY WOULD MY DOG NEED TO WEAR A MUZZLE?

Even if your dog may not be aggressive, you may need to turn to a muzzle at some stage in your dog's life.

Reasons could include:

  • An injury – a dog may bite when in severe pain

  • Grooming – even if you desensitize your dog to the grooming process, he could still experience a negative situation at some point in his life that may require you to keep him muzzled when being groomed

  • Laws – these could be due to breed specific legislation, or even geographical location

  • Preventing unwanted eating while out – many dogs love to eat the strangest things while out on their walk, but this can often be dangerous. A muzzle prevents this from happening

If, for whatever reason, your dog does need to wear a muzzle, you want this to be something that your dog is happy to do.

Don't think that your dog would ever be happy wearing a muzzle?

Think again...

It all comes down to how you muzzle train your dog.

CHOOSING A MUZZLE

Before you begin muzzle training, you need to first choose a good muzzle for your dog.

There are several different types out there, but the best tends to be the basket muzzle. This is usually made from plastic or rubber, and fits like a basket over the dogs nose and mouth.

Why are these muzzles best?

Because not only can you easily slide treats through the gaps in the muzzle, but its shape and size enables your dog to drink and pant as well. Panting is extremely important, as this is how your dog cools down. 

Whichever type you choose, you need to make sure that the muzzle fits your dog properly. Check that it isn't rubbing against your dog's face anywhere, especially the nose and the eyes.

If you are buying the muzzle online...

Make sure that you take the time to properly measure your dog. The wrong size could lead to painful chafing.

GETTING STARTED WITH MUZZLE TRAINING

There are a few different stages involved when it comes to successfully muzzle training a dog.

Keep in mind that all dogs progress at different rates, so be patient and consistent in your methods.

Begin with Treats

High value treats are key when it comes to muzzle training. Make sure you have something that your dog absolutely loves, such as cheese or meat. This is important when it comes to helping your dog associate the muzzle with positive experiences.

Then, follow these steps:

  • Show your dog the muzzle and then immediately give him a few treats

  • Hide the muzzle behind your bag for a few seconds

  • Bring it back out, show it to your dog, and give him more treats. Verbal praise is also important. Repeat this a few more times

  • Place some treats inside the muzzle and allow your dog to eat them from within the muzzle

  • Once they are finished, repeat that step a few more times

Keep going over those steps over several different training sessions. This will really help to cement your dog's positive reaction to the muzzle.

Adding in Vocal Cues

As your dog slowly begins to learn that the muzzle leads to treats, you can begin to add in vocal cues.

Say the word “muzzle” when your dog is about to place his face into the muzzle. The more you do this, the quicker he will learn what you want him to do when you say the cue word. This will make it so much easier to place the muzzle onto your dog in the future.

Securing the Muzzle

Once your dog gets excited at the sight of the muzzle, you can then move on to the next stage.

After your dog has placed his face into the muzzle to eat the treat, gently fasten it behind his head, but then unfasten it and take it off straight away.

Repeat this a few times, making sure that you are still placing treats into the muzzle for your dog. It could be worth mixing up the treats that you are using at this point, adding in a few different high value treats to keep your dog interested.

As you continue on, slowly start leaving the muzzle on for longer periods of time. Begin with 15 seconds, then 30, then 45, and so on.

Aim to have your dog happily wearing the muzzle for around 15 minutes by the end of your training. However, make sure that you always do something fun with your dog, whether this may be a walk or play, while he is wearing the muzzle. This will help him to see the muzzle as a good thing.

SHORT BUT SUCCESSFUL TRAINING SESSIONS

Whether you are muzzle training your dog or trying to teach your dog anything else, it is important to keep your training sessions short and sweet.

Why?

Because you don't want your dog to get bored or frustrated. This will only bring negative connotations to whatever it is you are trying to teach.

You don't need to muzzle train for more than a few minutes at a time. You can then repeat these sessions several times throughout the day.

Don't forget...

Always set your dog up for success. If you don't think that he is progressing enough, start again and go back to basics. It is so important to make this fun for your dog throughout the whole process.

You never know what may happen in life, which is why it is always important to be as prepared as possible. Muzzle training your dog may not be something that you have considered, but could really make a huge difference in your dog's life further down the line. Muzzle training is easy, as well as fun, so go ahead and give it a try!

Related Articles

Popular Articles

Protect Those Dog Paws This Winter!

By Alina Jumabhoy

Protect Those Dog Paws This Winter!

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of StockSnap @ Pixabay

From frostbite to ice balls to chemical burns, the winter months can be so harsh on delicate dog paws.

Keep your pooch's paws safe this winter by following these tips.

WASH THOSE DOG PAWS AFTER EVERY WALK

Even if your dog's paws don't seem too dirty, it isimportant to give them a wash after each walk in the winter months.

Why?

Because sidewalks are often treated with chemical de-icers in the winter, and these can lead to chemical burns on paw pads. Not only that, but if your dog happens to lick his paws and therefore ingest the de-icer, the consequences could be fatal.

Keep a small bucket or bowl of warm water by your front door, and dip your dog's paws into this before entering the house.

It goes without saying that you should never let your pooch eat or drink any ice or water from sidewalks that could have been treated with salt or a de-icer. If possible, try to have your dog walk on the grass or snow next to you, rather than a treated sidewalk.

Wondering if there are any dog-friendly de-icers around?

Yes, there are quite a few available, whether you opt to use just sand or an actual dog-friendly de-icer. If there are quite a few dogs in your neighborhood, speaking to your neighbors and informing them about this issue could definitely be worthwhile.

MAKE SURE THOSE DOG PAWS ARE WELL-PREPPED AND TRIMMED FOR WINTER

Dog paws
Photo by Show 131/ CC

You may think that your pooch could do with as much extra hair as possible in the winter. This will help to keep him warm, right?

Well, if that hair is on your dog's body, then yes.

However, extra hair on your dog's paws can cause problems in the winter...

When those hairs touch the ground, it doesn't take long for ice balls to form around them. These then get larger the more the dog walks. If you own a long-haired dog, then you are likely well familiar with this!

Fortunately, there's a simple way to stop this from happening.

Use some clippers or scissors to trim away any excess hair from around and in between the paw pads. Make sure that the length of any hairs are the same height as the paw pad itself.

Well-trimmed nails will also help to prevent snow or ice from accumulating on those dog paws. You can either trim them yourself, or pay a visit to your local vet or groomer to have them trimmed for you.

INVEST IN A PAW BALM

A paw balm may seem like an unnecessary extravagance, but they don't cost much and can make a huge difference to the health of dog paws.

How?

Well, to begin with, you may have noticed that your own skin tends to dry out in the winter.

The same happens to your dog too. Dry and cracked paw pads are an extremely common winter problem for dogs.

A paw balm can help with this.

How?

By providing the cracked pad with the moisture and nutrients needed to speed up healing.

Before using a paw balm, you need to make sure that you have trimmed away any excess hairs from around the paw pads. You can read more about this above.

When should you use a paw balm on your dog?

The times when a paw balm would be most beneficial are:

  • Before a walk – applying a paw balm before a walk will provide an extra layer of protection between your dog's paws and the cold environment around him

  • After a walk – after washing your dog's paws post-walk, apply a layer of the paw balm to seal in any cracks and prevent dryness

Where can you get a paw balm from?

You will find one at your local pet shop. There are plenty to be found online too, and you will likely have more options on the internet. You may need to try a few different brands before you find one that both you and your pooch like.

DOG BOOTS

If you live in an area that experiences quite a severe winter, then dog boots may be just what your dog needs.

These are placed over dog paws like a sock, and have straps to help hold them in place. They keep the paws completely dry, preventing them from coming into contact with ice, chemical de-icers or anything else.

Before you rush out to purchase some boots for your dog...

There is no denying that your pooch will look super cute in a pair of dog boots. However, be aware that your dog is not going to enjoy wearing them at first.

It will take quite a bit of persistence and training on your part in order to help your dog associate the boots with positive experiences. 

How should you train your dog to get used to winter boots?

Begin by putting them on your pooch for short periods of time, with lots of encouragement, praise and high value treats. You may need to begin with two boots rather than four. Each time you bring the boots out, give your dog a treat. Keep doing this each time you put a boot on or make any other sort of progression. 

You can then build on this slowly as your dog gets more accustomed to the boots.

Still think your dog could do with some boots?

Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing some winter boots for your dog:

  • Fit – make sure that the boots fit properly. They need to be loose enough to allow movement but not too tight that they restrict your pup's natural stride

  • Traction – think about where your dog will be wearing the boots and how much traction will be needed in those areas

  • Height – higher boots will keep more of your dog's leg dry, but can take even longer to get accustomed to

While dog paws are relatively tough, they are no match for all that winter throws at them. Following these tips will help to keep your dog's paws fit and healthy throughout the season.

Dog playing in the snow
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Related Articles

Popular Articles

Dog Training Treats: High Value vs Low Value

By Alina Jumabhoy

Dog Training Treats: High Value vs Low Value

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Nicooografie @ Pixabay

While just about every dog loves to learn, training treats give them that extra bit of motivation. Whether you’re working on basic obedience training or something more advanced, understanding the difference between low- and high-value dog treats for training can make all the difference when it comes to your dog’s success.

What Are Training Treats?

Let’s begin with a quick look at training treats in general (later on we’ll give you examples of low- and high-reward dog treats).

In general, low- and high-value dog treats are ones you can use to help train a dog, meaning that they need to be quick and easy for a dog to eat.

They also need to be portable so you can carry them around to train in a variety of locations. As a bonus, they should be relatively tidy, especially if you’re going to keep them in your pocket.

Ideally, a good training treat should also be one that the owner physically delivers to the dog, rather than dropping or crumbling it onto the floor. Why? Because the drop or crumble distracts your dog and prevents him from fully focusing on you.

What’s the Difference Between Low- and High-Value Dog Treats?

side view of brown and white Chihuahua wearing a blue sweater straining for a treat
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Place a piece of meat in one hand, and a slice of carrot in the other. Hold both hands out to your dog, and see which one your pooch picks.

Chances are, they’re going for the meat, meaning that the meat would be an example of a high-reward dog treat.

In a nutshell, that’s the difference between low- and high-value dog treats for training.

Low-value treats are ones your dog is used to. While your dog will still work for them, their motivation will be less and they may lose interest over time.

High-value dog treats are ones that your dog absolutely loves, and will pretty much do anything to get. They should be treats that your dog doesn’t get on a regular basis, so they’re exciting each time.

Of course, every dog is different and will have different tastes. What may be a high-value treat for one dog could be a very low-value treat for another.

When Should You Use Each Type of Training Treat?

After reading the differences between the training treat values, you might be wondering why you’d use low-value treats at all, if high-value ones motivate your dog more?

Well, if you’re only giving high-value dog treats to your pup, then it won’t be long before these become low-value to them. The novelty wears off, and your dog will get bored.

Plus, you don’t need to be giving your dog an extra-special treat each time. Using these to mark significant learning moments will be much more rewarding when it comes to teaching new things.

So, when’s an example of a time to use high-reward dog treats?

When you’re first beginning to shape a certain behavior, stick to high-value treats only. After your dog has begun to get the hang of it, you can then switch to a mix of low- and high-value dog treats. This means that your dog will never be quite sure as to what treat they will get next, giving them plenty of motivation to keep trying.

What Are Examples of Low- and High-Value Dog Treats for Training?

outdoor photo of woman in red vest bent over holding out treat to shaggy black dog
Photo by Show 131/ CC
As mentioned earlier, training treats need to be quickly and easily eaten, as well as portable. These requirements can sometimes make it difficult to find a wide selection of both high- and low-value treats.

Mixing things up and keeping your dog guessing is always a good idea when it comes to training treats. Here are some ideas to incorporate low- and high-value dog treats into your training routine:

Low-Value Dog Training Treats

Low-value training treats could include:

  • Dried dog food: if you can find these in small sample bags, then you can mix and match different brands and flavors to keep things more interesting

  • Fruit and vegetable chunks or slices: if you find yourself having to use a lot of treats, healthy raw bites of a fruit or vegetable could be a good low-calorie option

  • Dog biscuits: many people use dog biscuits as a daily snack for theirdogsg. While your dog will still enjoy these as a training treat, they’re low-value because your dog is used to eating them

High-Value Dog Training Treats

Examples of high-reward dog treats could include:

  • Sausages or hot dogs: make sure you choose ones free of nitrates/nitrites, as well as low in sodium. Cut sausage up into multiple pieces to make it last longer

  • Freeze-dried meat: this is something that just about every dog loves. You can find them in both training treat sizes as well as larger pieces that you can cut up yourself

  • Cheese: mix a few small chunks of different cheeses into your dog’s training treats. You don’t need to use much as the smell from the cheese will rub off onto the other high-value dog treats. This will give even the low-value treats a cheesier appeal. Alternatively, opt for cheese in a tube, giving your dog a small lick as a reward

  • Dehydrated meat: you can easily do this yourself at home by placing thin slices of meat into the oven or a dehydrator for a few hours until they’re brittle enough to be easily snapped into small, training-sized pieces. You can do this with just about any cut of meat

  • Liver cake: this may not sound very appetizing to you, but it’s something your dog will definitely work hard for

There are many low- and high-value dog treats available at pet stores too. As you’re shopping, how do you know if the treats are high- or low-value?

This is completely up to your dog. If you’re doing a lot of training, it’s worth purchasing a selection of different treats to see how much your dog actually likes each one.

Understanding how to mix-and-match different low- and high-value dog treats for training is crucial when it comes to succeeding in training your dog. No matter what type of skill you’re trying to teach your pooch, the reward you provide them for learning new behaviors will help to speed up the rate at which they learn, while also keeping their enthusiasm at an all-time high.

Related Articles

Popular Articles

Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth

By Alina Jumabhoy

Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of JACLOU-DL @ Pixabay

Caring for your dog's teeth is so important.

Why?

Because not only does poor oral health lead to bad breath and a build-up of plaque, but many dog dental issues can actually cause a variety of serious health problems, from heart disease to kidney failure.

By knowing how to properly care for your dog's teeth, you will be able to avoid all of these problems and keep your pooch's overall health in the best possible shape.

BRUSHING YOUR DOG'S TEETH

One of the easiest ways to keep your dog's teeth in good condition is by brushing them regularly.

How do you do this?

By purchasing a special toothbrush. Finger toothbrushes can be especially useful, as they allow you to ensure that every tooth is getting enough attention.

When it comes to toothpaste...

A toothpaste designed for pets is crucial. These are available in a variety of different flavors so that your dog enjoys the experience more, and will also feature a formula that is safe for your dog to swallow.

You will need to hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle, so that the bristles are pointing towards your dog's gums. Move this in circular motions, spending around a minute in total on the whole mouth.

Are you brushing your dog's teeth for the first time?

Make sure that you do it after your dog has had some exercise, as this will mean that your pooch will be more relaxed, and therefore more likely to stay still. Keep the first few sessions short and enjoyable, ending them with a treat, as you need this to be a positive experience for your dog if you want to be able to brush your dog's teeth in the long term.

How often should you be brushing your dog's teeth?

Ideally, you should be brushing your dog's teeth every day. This is especially important for breeds that are prone to peridontal disease, such as:

  • Yorkshire terriers

  • Pugs

  • Chihuahuas

  • Poodles

  • Pomeranians

  • Dachshunds

  • Greyhounds 

However, if your dog's oral health is already pretty good, and your dog's breed isn't prone to dental diseases, you could get away with brushing your dog's teeth three times a week.

TEETH-CLEANING CHEW TOYS

There are many dog toys out there that are designed to help you with caring for your dog's teeth.

How do they do this?

It all comes down to their texture, which is able to clean away excess plaque and tartar when the teeth rub against it. These toys are also great for strengthening and cleaning the gums, and can be especially useful for puppy teeth. 

However, keep in mind that not any old toy will do...

Toys that are too hard can lead to tooth breakages, while abrasive toys can mechanically wear away the surface of your dog's teeth. Toys that have been designed for teeth cleaning are best, but any non-abrasive toy can help to keep your pooch's teeth sparkly white.

RAW BONES

There are so many dental dog treats out there, but the majority of these will actually do more harm than good.

Why?

Because many of these contain high amounts of sugar and other unwanted ingredients, all of which will only contribute to further dental problems. https://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/894768/dog-treats-warning-pets-fat-sugar-study

Fortunately, nature has provided a solution to this...

Raw meaty bones are great for naturally cleaning a dog's teeth, while also providing a dog with hours of enjoyment. The key here is to make sure that the bones are completely raw. Any form of cooking at all can cause the bones to turn brittle, meaning that they may end up splintering and causing problems as they make their way down your dog's digestive system. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_raw_bones_or_cooked_bones

Wondering if your dog's dry food will help with caring for your dog's teeth?

This is a huge myth, meaning that no, your dog's kibble will not clean their teeth. That would be the same as saying that any crunchy foods will keep human teeth clean, and, as you likely already know, that isn't true at all.

On the other hand, if you feed your pet a raw food diet, you have an advantage. The enzymes found in raw meat are quite effective at breaking down tartar and plaque. This is another reason as to why raw bones are useful when it comes to caring for your dog's teeth.

PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING

It is important for your pooch to regularly visit the vet when it comes to preventing dental disease and properly caring for your dog's teeth. Ideally, you should be paying the vet a visit every six months to a year, depending on your dog's overall health.

Your vet will be able to identify any early signs of dental disease, and then treat your pet accordingly. You may even notice some of the symptoms yourself, making a vet visit even more crucial.

What are the signs of dental disease in dogs?

They include:

  • Yellow or brown tartar

  • Reddened or bleeding gums

  • Loose teeth

  • Lumps or bumps in the mouth

  • Bad breath

If your vet notices any of these symptoms, they will likely need to sedate your pet in order to perform a full dental exam and take X-rays. Sedation is also necessary for your vet to clean your dog's teeth and examine your dog for any signs of oral cancer. Of course, sedation does come with risks, which is something that you can avoid by ensuring that your dog's teeth are kept as healthy as possible by you.

What about teeth cleaning procedures that don't require anesthesia?

These are becoming increasingly popular, but tend to only bring about cosmetic results. This means that the deeper oral problems your dog faces will still be present, and will only end up getting worse as time goes on.

Around 80% of dogs over the age of 3 suffer from an oral disease, and this will only end up worsening if left untreated. Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to oral health, so taking the time now to properly care for your dog's teeth will really pay off for the both of you in the long run.

Related Articles

Popular Articles

Mental Stimulation for Dogs – 5 Creative Ideas

By Alina Jumabhoy

Mental Stimulation for Dogs – 5 Creative Ideas

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Kat Jane @ Pexels

While physical exercise is definitely important, mental stimulation for dogs will enrich your pup's life in a different way, keeping their brains focused and challenged. A mentally stimulated dog is one that won't get bored and become destructive – something that many frustrated dog owners are struggling with.

Since every dog is individual, different brain games will have different effects on each dog. This makes it important to experiment with a variety to ensure that you find a few that really keep your dog's brain challenged. 

Need some inspiration?

Here are five creative ways to mentally stimulate your pooch:

A TREASURE HUNT

Dogs naturally love to hunt, so setting up a treasure hunt at home for your pooch is a great way to encourage your dog to use his nose as well as his brain.

Make it easy to start with, telling your dog to sit and stay while you hide one of your pooch's favorite treats somewhere around your home. It can help to have your dog see where you hide the treat the first few times, as this will teach him what the game is all about. 

Once the treat is hidden, give your dog a cue to go and find it.

It won't take long for your pup to figure this game out. Once he does, you can then make it more difficult. Try hiding the treat in places where your pooch has to really use his nose to find them. Underneath food dishes or at the bottom of a pile of laundry are places that work well. 

This is a great brain game for dogs to play outdoors too, although you may need to place the treats in a closer proximity, as there are so many other distracting scents outside!

Have a multi-dog household?

This is a form of mental stimulation for dogs that they can all play together – just hide multiple treats around your home and let them all hunt for them at the same time.

THE CUP GAME

The cup game is one that you have probably seen before. It requires at least three identical plastic cups, along with dog treats.

All you need to do is hide a treat underneath a cup, letting your dog watch you do this. Then, shuffle the cups around so that your dog doesn't know which cup the treat is hiding under.

Once you are done, allow your dog to sniff the cups and choose which one is hiding the treat.

This is an effective method for enhancing a dog's problem solving skills, while keeping the brain active and attentive.

Is your dog finding the treats too easily?

Add more cups into the game to amp up the challenge a bit. When it comes to mental stimulation for dogs, you will need to always tailor your methods to your dog's individual needs. 

THE MUFFIN TIN GAME

For this brain game, you will need:

  • A muffin tin
  • Enough dog balls or toys to fill each hole in the tin

Place a treat into a few of the holes.

Wondering what treats to use?

Try a biscuit, a dollop of peanut butter, or small pieces of dried meat. Then, cover all of the holes with the dog toys you have selected. Tennis balls work great. They tend to fit perfectly into each hole, requiring the dog to really concentrate when removing each ball.

Your dog will then need to figure out where the treats are hiding, and remove each toy in order to access the treats. 

THE NAME GAME

How many words does your dog know?

For many pets, this will only be a handful of words, usually the ones that are used most commonly, such as “sit”, “stay”, “food”, and other similar terms.

However, did you know that the average well-trained dog knows around 160 different words? In fact, there is one famous border collie who knows over 1000 words, including 800 of her toys.

Teaching your dog different words is a fantastic form of mental stimulation for dogs, and is such an easy way to keep their brains active.

Begin with your dog's toys, making sure that they are visually different enough for your dog to be able to distinguish between them.

Choose one toy to begin with, such as “brown bear”. Then, encourage your dog to play with you and that toy, repeating the name brown bear constantly as you play. The repetition is important, as this will help to drill the name of the toy into your dog's head.

Once you have repeated the name around 30 times, place the toy next to another one. Then, ask your dog to go and get the brown bear. Give your pooch plenty of praise and a treat if he gets it right immediately. 

What happens if your pup picks the wrong toy?

Don't say anything, and instead just place the toy back next to the brown bear and repeat your command. When he does reach for the right toy, showering your pooch with praise will cement the toy's name in his brain.

Once your dog knows the name of one toy, you can then move on to the next. Don't rush things - take it slowly to work on steadily building up your dog's vocabulary. This is such an effective form of mental stimulation for dogs, as it will really keep your dog thinking. 

TAKE YOUR DOG WITH YOU WHEN RUNNING ERRANDS

Many people tend to leave their dogs at home when off running errands, whether this may be heading to the post office, a friend's house, or even the car wash.

However, all of these are activities that will stimulate your dog's brain. 

Even if it is just a car ride, your dog's brain will be working so hard to process all that he sees around him. You will likely find that you have a pooped out pooch once you return home.

Don't have any errands to run?

Try taking your dog for a quick drive through some varied areas. Stopping off at a drive-through car wash will add even more excitement to your pup's day. 

Many underestimate the importance of mental stimulation for dogs, but this could really have a huge impact on your dog's behaviour. Each of the brain games mentioned above can be adapted and tailored to your dog's specific needs, so give them a try the next time you think your pooch may be getting bored. There are many other techniques out there when it comes to mental stimulation for dogs, so get creative!

Does your dog have any favorite brain games? We would love to hear about them, so please do share your ideas in the comments section below!

Related Articles

Popular Articles

How to Choose a High Quality Dog Food

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Choose a High Quality Dog Food

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Marek Szturc @ Unsplash

There are hundreds upon hundreds of different dog food options out there, making it no surprise that an increasing number of owners are so confused about what to feed their beloved pooch.

So, how do you figure out the differences between each of these brands to know which one is the best?

Well, there are a few key things to look out for when choosing a high quality dog food...

BEGIN BY IDENTIFYING YOUR DOG'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Every dog is different, and that's partly why there are so many different dog food diets out there.

Each dog will have its own unique needs, and these can depend on:

  • Age – puppies require more calories, while senior dogs require less

  • Energy Levels – active dogs will need a higher calorie intake than less active dogs

  • Reproductive Status – pregnant pooches will need a special diet as they near their due date, while lactating mothers will also need an increase in calories

  • Allergies – food allergies are becoming increasingly common in dogs, with many pooches now requiring a grain-free diet

Wondering if your dog's breed makes a difference to the dog food you pick?

No, not really. It can be easy to believe that breed matters, with so many foods marketed towards specific breeds. However, the only real difference between these is the size of each piece of food. Small breed foods will feature smaller pieces to make it easier for small dogs to eat, while large breed foods will feature larger pieces to give the dog more to chew.

ASSESS THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOG FOOD AVAILABLE

Once you have identified your dog's nutritional needs, you can then start to look at the various dog food types out there.

These are some of the most popular:

  • Dry Food – the most popular and convenient type of dog food, dry foods are processed at high temperatures. This then destroys many of the nutrients within the natural ingredients, requiring several supplements to be added. Dry foods also tend to contain a coating of fats and oils, as well as colorings, to make it palatable to a dog

  • Wet Food – these are usually packaged in pouches, trays or tins. Wet foods are pasteurized, meaning no preservatives are needed, and also contain higher moisture levels

  • Raw Food – the fastest growing dog food trend, a raw food diet is the most natural for your dog. However, it does take a fair amount of research, as well as freezer space, to ensure that you are feeding a balanced raw diet

  • Fresh Food – these are gently cooked in order to preserve nutrients, and are usually found in pouches or trays. Although shelf life is short due to a lack of preservatives, the ingredients used tend to be of a high quality

Of course, you don't have to pick just one of these...

Mixing and matching different options is absolutely fine, so long as you ensure that your pooch is still getting all of the nutrients needed.

READ THE INGREDIENTS

Choosing the type of dog food you want to feed helps to narrow down your options. You can now begin to look at the different versions of your chosen food type, whether this may be dry, wet or anything else.

The key to understanding the difference in quality is knowing how to read the ingredients list.

The ingredients will always be listed in order of weight, meaning that the most prevalent ingredients will be higher up on the list.

Since dogs are omnivores, meat needs to make up the majority of their diet. Make sure that the first ingredient in the food you choose is meat.

How about meat meal?

Meat meal is made by using meat remnants that aren't fit for human consumption. It often contains scraps of meat, bones, fur and feathers that you wouldn't usually choose to feed your dog. While some sources of meat meal can be of a high quality, the majority are extremely low-grade, making meat meal best avoided.

In addition to avoiding meat meal, here are a few other ingredients to stay away from:

  • Wheat and corn gluten

  • Meat by-products

  • Preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin

  • Food dyes

  • Rendered fat

How about fruits and vegetables?

These can provide some fantastic health benefits to a dog. Just make sure that they are used in moderation, and don't consist of the majority of your chosen food.

ALWAYS CHECK THE NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY STATEMENT

Some dog foods are designed to be complementary. This means that they need to be mixed with something else in order to create a balanced diet.

If you want the food you feed to provide a complete and balanced meal for your pooch, check that it says this on the packaging. It will usually state the words “complete and balanced”, and will also say which stage of a dog's life it is designed for. For example, if you are feeding a puppy, you need a food that provides a balanced diet for pups.

What about foods that are designed for all life stages?

You would be best off avoiding these, because dogs do need different foods for different life stages.

RESEARCH THE BRAND

Think you've found a dog food that meets all of the above criteria?

One last thing to look into is the brand itself...

You need to ensure that the brand you pick makes use of high quality ingredients in their food. Adequate quality control in their manufacturing process is also important. Their websites should provide more information on this, along with exactly where their food has been sourced.

Can't find this information anywhere?

Then you may be best off opting for another brand that is able to be more open about how they source and make their dog food.

The food that you feed your dog is what will determine your pooch's quality of life, as well as length of lifespan. In order to keep your dog as healthy as possible for as long as possible, taking the time to ensure that you are feeding a high quality dog food is so important.

Related Articles

Popular Articles

5 Fun Dog Tricks to Teach Your Dog

By Alina Jumabhoy

5 Fun Dog Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Snap_it @ Pixabay

Teaching your dog some new dog tricks is not only a great way for the two of you to bond, but it also provides a great form of mental stimulation for your pooch.

If you and your dog have already got the basics covered, here are 5 fun dog tricks that you can move on to next.

GIVE ME A KISS

Is your dog particularly affectionate?

If so, this is a trick that you will both no doubt love, and it's actually quite easy to teach.

All you need to do is encourage your dog to lick your face. With each lick, immediately say the word “kiss” and shower your dog with plenty of praise. A treat at this stage may also be helpful for dogs that aren't naturally fond of licking.

Keep repeating that process, saying the word “kiss” each time your dog licks your face.

It won't be long before your pooch associates the two and gives you a kiss whenever you ask for one.

To test it out, simply say the word “kiss” and wait for your dog to come over and give you a lick. If your dog simply stares at you blankly, this means that you need to spend more time on cementing the cue word into your dog's brain.

SPEAK

Teaching your dog to bark on command requires a little patience on your part...

It all comes down to waiting for your dog to bark naturally on his own. Each time he does, you need to be ready with a treat. Make sure that you say your cue word, such as “speak” as soon as your dog has barked, and follow this up immediately with a treat.

Since you aren't able to trigger this behavior yourself at the start, it can take a while for a dog to associate the cue word with the barking.

However, consistency really does pay off with this trick, so be patient and allow your dog to learn this one in his own time.

BALANCING A TREAT ON THE NOSE

You have likely seen numerous photos and videos of dogs with all sorts of food items balanced on their nose.

Ever wondered how this trick is taught?

It's not actually that difficult, so long as your dog knows the “leave it” command.

Begin by asking your dog to sit in front of you, and then gently rub your hands over his nose to get him used to the sensation of an item being placed there.

Then, hold a dog treat near to your dog's nose and repeat the phrase “leave it”. Once your dog understands that he can't eat the treat right away, move your hand directly above your dog's nose and continue with the “leave it” command. Make sure that you consistently praise your dog so that he knows that he is on the right track.

The final step is to place the treat onto your dog's nose, repeating the “leave it” command. Wait a couple of seconds before giving your dog a cue to let him know that he can now eat the treat. Alternatively, remove the treat yourself before feeding it to your dog.

This trick can take some time to learn, especially if you have a food-obsessed dog. However, once your pooch masters it, this is one of those dog tricks that will really impress your friends and family.

SIT PRETTY

Also often known as “beg”, this is one of the easiest dog tricks to teach your pooch.

Ask your dog to sit, and then kneel down so the two of you are at the same level. Hold a treat out for your dog to sniff, and then slowly lift this above your dog's head.

Your dog should naturally lift their front paws off the ground in order to reach the treat. As soon as those paws come up, say your cue word, such as “sit pretty”, and give your dog the treat.

Repeat this process about five more times and then end the training session. It is important not to overdo this trick, as it can strain your dog's muscles. However, performing this trick in moderation is a great way to strengthen your dog's core.

Is your dog not strong enough to support his body weight when sitting pretty?

Your pooch may need a helping hand at first, at least until his muscles have strengthened. You can do this in two ways:

  • Stand behind your dog when practicing this trick, so that your dog can use your legs as a back support when sitting up

  • Use your hands to support your dog's paws once he has lifted them himself

HUG

This is one of the cutest dog tricks out there. After all, who wouldn't want their beloved pooch to give them a hug?

If your dog naturally loves to wrap his paws around your neck, then teaching this trick is extremely easy. All you will need to do is repeat the word “hug” and follow this up with a treat each time your pup naturally performs this behavior.

For everyone else...

Ask your dog to sit on the floor in front of you. You can then either use the “sit pretty” command mentioned above to encourage your dog to lift his paws himself, or you can lift them for him, placing your dog's front paws onto your shoulders once they are in the air.

Once your dog is in this hugging position, say your cue word before giving your dog a treat. Then, say “okay”, or any other release word that you use, before removing your dog's paws from your shoulders.

Repeat the process a couple more times before ending the training session.

Does your dog get too excited when you try to teach this trick?

It may help to keep your pooch on a lead while practicing. This will enable you to prevent your dog from jumping all over you.

When it comes to teaching your dog a new trick, consistency and patience are key. Make sure that you always say your cue word at the right time, as soon as your dog has performed the desired action, as this will help to speed up the rate at which your dog learns the trick.

What are some of you and your pup's favorite dog tricks? Let us know in the comments section below!

Related Articles

Popular Articles