Dogs are captivating animals that win hearts with their loyalty and affectionate personalities. Energetic and sociable, canines need mental stimulation and regular physical activities. Therefore, providing a stimulating environment is essential for the physical and mental well-being of your dog.
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To give a fulfilling and satisfying life to pets, in addition to a complete and balanced diet tailored to their specific nutritional needs, the owner must ensure that they receive the necessary daily attention and care. By understanding its importance and meeting this need, the environment becomes more welcoming, allowing animals to express their natural instincts.
To assist owners, Mars Petcare, an expert in animal nutrition and well-being, owner of the brands ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, and WHISKAS®, shares valuable tips on how to provide a more stimulating daily life for your dog. Check it out!
Environmental Enrichment
Investing in environmental enrichment is fundamental for the pet’s well-being. Providing interactive toys in areas where they can explore and discover new things creates a welcoming environment for dogs. In addition to satisfying their physical needs, this stimulation also keeps their minds active, minimizing issues such as boredom and stress. Thus, the possibility of the pet developing unwanted behaviors due to a lack of proper stimuli is reduced.
Hunting Activities
Hunting is a natural instinct of canines. They have a strong desire to explore and sniff and love hide-and-seek games. Hiding toys or treats in different environments can be a good way to encourage them to use their keen sense of smell, stimulating their cognitive abilities and keeping pets active. Playful activities that simulate hunting can be part of the daily routine.
Interactive Toys
Toys that have hidden treats or kibbles are excellent options to stimulate the hunting instinct of canines while they have fun. Toys that make sounds when bitten or squeezed are also very positive for providing hours of entertainment. Additionally, balls or discs are excellent for fetch and retrieve interactions.
Variety of Toys
Dogs can easily get bored with familiar toys. Therefore, it is important to offer more than one option, from rubber balls to pull ropes and plush toys, always rotating them as a way to avoid boredom and destructive behaviors. For safety, when choosing a toy, check if it is intended for dogs, consider the size in relation to the animal’s size, and avoid rigid materials that can easily break, paying attention to parts that may come loose and pose risks during play.
Walks and Exploration
They love to explore new places and smell new odors. Taking the dog for regular walks in different environments provides mental stimulation and maintains the physical health of the animal. In addition to physical exercise, walks provide visual and olfactory stimuli that are essential for the well-being of the pet. Explore parks, trails, or even the local neighborhood to vary the scenery. Interaction with other dogs is also a valuable form of mental stimulation and improves their social skills. However, it is crucial to consider the timing of walks, avoiding moments of intense heat and excessive sun exposure.
Training and Tricks
Dog training is a great way to provide mental stimulation. Training basic commands and participating in obedience classes not only challenges their minds but also strengthens the bond with the owner. Teaching new tricks to the animal is also a good option. Start with basic commands like sit, shake hands, and lie down, and then progress to more complex tricks.
The use of positive rewards, such as treats, provided in limited quantities, is important to encourage learning. Additionally, seeking guidance from a professional trainer can be valuable to enhance training techniques, providing the dog with a balanced education and further reinforcing the trust and understanding between the animal and its owner.
It is relevant to remember that each dog is unique, and it may be necessary to adapt activities according to the personality, age, and physical condition of the animal. Consulting a Veterinarian is very important so that the professional can help identify the best options for your pet.
