#mental stimulation for dogs

[herespaaa]

The PAW-sitive Effects of Walking Your Dog: HereSpa's Dog Walking Service to the Rescue

Discover a world of wagging tails, joyful paws, and boundless well-being as we delve into 'The PAW-sitive Effects of Walking Your Dog: HereSpa's Dog Walking Service to the Rescue.' This enlightening guide celebrates the extraordinary bond between you and your furry companion, unraveling the profound physical, mental, and emotional benefits of regular walks.

[allfortheloveofdogs]

DIY Snuffle Ball: How to Make a Sensory Enrichment Toy at Home

Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to stimulate your pet’s senses and keep them mentally active? Look no further! A DIY snuffle ball is the perfect sensory enrichment toy that you can easily make at home. Snuffle balls are designed to tap into your pet’s natural instincts, providing them with hours of entertainment and mental stimulation. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to…

[gettingadooog]

Assess Canine Intelligence: Traditional IQ Tests for Dogs

Unleash your dog's inner genius! Assess problem-solving, memory, and sensory perception with traditional IQ tests. Strengthen your bond and provide mental stimulation. Discover brilliance within your furry friend! #CanineIntelligence #IQTestsForDogs

IntroductionUnderstanding Canine IntelligenceTraditional IQ Tests for DogsTest 1: Problem SolvingTest 2: Memory and RecallTest 3: Sensory PerceptionAdministering the TestsInterpreting the ResultsAdditional ConsiderationsConclusion Introduction Are you curious about your canine companion’s intellectual prowess? As dog owners, understanding our furry friends’ intelligence can help us tailor…

[savingourfour-leggedfriends]

Dog Training Techniques: Exploring Effective Techniques for Having a Well-Behaved Companion

Hey there, dog lovers! Are you ready to unleash the full potential of your furry friend? Look no further, because this article is packed with valuable insights and new techniques to help you train your dog to be an obedient and well-behaved companion. As a senior copywriter with expertise in dog training, I’m excited to share with you the best practices and tips that will make your training…

[mothlord00]

spoilers for celestial meridian's chapter 2!

[sorry, edit because i forgot to add who owns/writes this au D: ]

au is celestial meridian by @pluck-heartstrings!

oh my gosh i love eclipse. he is a needy cat that begs for attention and then rips your hand to shreds when you finally pet it. he is so so cool but he's totally sighing loudly whenever there's no one to traumatize and impress. PLUS oh.......... the constant noting of the heir's beauty? OH HE WAS SO SAD WHEN THEY RIPPED AWAY FROM HIM!! MY HEART!!! gosh i just wanna stick him in a jar and observe him......... fascinating specimen......

and the heir???????? incredible. i want to know EVERYTHING. ooooooh they are SO mysterious. AND they make eclipse seem like a little scheming creature in comparison, with how put-together they always are. oooooooouuuugh.....

[australianklaviergavin]

OTHER DESIGNS: Baby bunny Trucy, Uendo lizard, Prosecutors, Aura Blackquill, Clay Terran, Bobby Fulbright, Skye Sisters, Valant Gramarye, Iris Wilson, Datz Are'bel, Mael Stronghart, Enoch Drebber, Satoru Hosonaga, Wocky Kitaki

AUXILIARY POSTS: modpoppy's Uendo, okartichoke's Caracalvier, Iris 1.0

Compiled here is almost every single design sketch I've done for this... AU? It's my nonsense, take it or leave it! The tag for it is "#The Great Detective's Animal Attorney", but the prefix is mostly for filtering, I just call it "Animal Attorney".

I must disclaim that this is not meant to "compete" with any other AUs or designs! They're all real and I hope my dognix can be friends with yours.

The below post has my designs for the Gavin brothers, Maya, Fransizka, Phoenix, Athena, Sholmes, Lord van Zieks, aaand a teeny Harebrayne. Sadly, no Apollo this time, all his art is doodles and I hit image limit anyways! Him and Trucy may get their own post soon, however!

These were all done with my non-dominant hand, and Athena was done on a Magma board, if that explains the anything.

The Gavins are the first ones I really did, and they're both caracals! I've kinda wanted to go back and change Klavier a bit in regards to an insane headcanon, but caracalvier is too iconic like this, I just can't do it

Putting Maya and Fran together, cause they're both kitties! If Maya was a specific breed, then I forgot, but Fransizka (and her dad, by extension) are both oriental longhairs. If I weren't presently injured, I'd draw a scrungly Manfred, but alas your mind's eye will have to do the work.

Phoenix is a puppy dog! Very very nearly made him a hyena... But I couldn't. I couldn't reconcile it with Ryunosuke. I have a Yeenix in the back, for any interested parties

LASTLY for my main-series designs is Athena! She's a seal. I don't think I had a specific reason besides not being able to get ears to fit with that ponytail... Might change her to a sea lion, though!

AAAAND TGAA BONUSES... Aka the Barokorn Cinematic Universe

Sholmes is a lion (with his sad little low testosterone mane)! He was easily the hardest, as I went back and forth... Alot. He was a pigeon at first! I contemplated rabbit..? But I tried to steer away from the mascot designs, generally. I'm happy with the decision of lion, however, mostly cause it gives him fun symbolism with the whole Professor thing.

The van Zieks-es are unicorns, and Bunnybrain is a pony! I could go more in-depth, buuut that's kinda spoilery

Ryunosuke and Kazuma (not pictured) are both puppy dogs, and I think I settled on bunny for Susato?? To make her pops a bunny also? I also have some sketches of her as a sugar glider, but I don't really like most of their art 👎 so there's a couple gaps here

If anyone wants to (??!?!?!!) you can use these designs for pretty much anything you want (and feel free to extrapolate upon the rest of their designs, most of these are very limited), just make sure to tag me, partially for credit, but also because I'd just REAAAALLY want to see... They are my babies, my world, I think I might break down into tears (/pos) BUT ANYWAYS I LOVE YOU ALL. THANK YOU FOR STICKING WITH ME AND I HOPE THIS MAYBE MOTIVATES YOU TO DRAW SOME SILLY ANIMAL ATTORNEYS OF YOUR OWN!!

[border-collie]

IDK I guess at the end of the day, I don't think people understand the differences in energy requirements for different breeds and more importantly individual dogs. Ever is a higher energy dog than Moxie, she needs more pure physical movement to be content where as Moxie requires more mental work than Ever and likes to watch out the windows and such. Both of them spend most of the day dozing on their own accord. And both are high drive dogs when it comes to work.

Simply conflating the physical energy requirements with the mental stimulation requirements puts the dogs at a disadvantage in the human-dog relationship. I think you can generalize OK by breed, better by line, and best by individual on what the requirements are for any given dog, but I think they are still subject to change over time and circumstances.

[olivesjaw]

[moprocrastinates]

If you want the most Velcro dog of all time, please get a Dalmatian

[fjordfolk]

the amount of cat people on that behaviour post whose cats turn bitey after being fed: did you know cats are extremely driven hunters. and that they hunt for their food typically. no relation or anything i just think its neat haha

[grubus]

i thought it was a cold. it's not. it's the flu.

it's not even flu season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[allfortheloveofdogs]

From Boredom to Brilliance: Discover the Magic of Mental Stimulation Games for Dogs

As dog owners, we all want our furry companions to lead happy and fulfilling lives. One essential aspect of their well-being is mental stimulation. Dogs, just like humans, thrive on mental challenges and stimulation. Incorporating mental stimulation games into their daily routine can provide numerous benefits, keeping their minds sharp and content. In this blog post, we will explore the…

[darkwood-sleddog]

Hello, I noticed that my huskies, mostly the husky I have now has a tendency to bite like to play or to fetch in a way a little rude or annoying, he also chews and destroys many things (my first husky stop to do it so often after he had 6-7 months) instead my saarloos wolfdog never used the mouth to play with me in an annoying/slightly painful way. Could be a siberian husky thing or also other nordic breeds have this behaviour?

Mouthing is pretty common in huskies & malamutes in my experience. My dogs like to play the bitey face game with each other and with us in a more gentle version. When playing with other dogs in a group they do tend to go for the neck area a lot (part of the reason they do NOT make good dog park dogs imo, many other types of dogs actively hate this).

HOWEVER. Chewing and destroying things that are beyond the dog's specific items is a classic sign of boredom and lack of stimulation. I would say that a dog displaying these behaviors is in need of more mental tasks to do such as puzzle toys, kongs, lick mats, snuffle mats, sniffy walks, trick training etc.

[skellymom]

Hi, Skelly! Really random question here but I think your honestly the best person to ask on this topic. This is non-Star Wars related btw. Feel free to ignore.

I have these neighbours who arent the best of people. They got a dog 2 years ago I believe, a Belgian Shepherd. Unsurprisingly, she barks a lot.

We don't think the owners are abusing her or not feeding her or anything, just not taking her for a lot of walks. It's their first dog (the mum, dad and two sons, to be exact, none have ever had a dog before) and obviously shouldn't have gotten a Belgian Shepherd when they have a smallish backyard.

I was wondering if there was something I - or my family - could do? None of us blame the dog, just the inexperienced-ness of the family.

You don't have to reply to this, as I know its out of pocket and not what you expect. Was just curious.

Have a great day/night!

~Jamie.

P.S. My puppy had a scare last year when she was only 2 and a half months or so and we had to go to ER for her. Geez, that place is stressful so my thanks to you and your workers everywhere!

Buckle up and get comfortable, I have A LOT to say on this issue:

(TRIGGER WARNING-I WORK VETERINARY ER AND THERE WILL BE MENTIONS OF DEATH AND OTHER DARK ASPECTS OF WHAT VET STAFF SEE IN THE FIELD. Consider yourself warned. I am ranting as a PSA and FYI for those not familiar but REALLY need to know what we do! If you feel brave PLEASE give it the time to read. Thanks!!!)

OHHH, I LOVE SHEPPIES!!! They are SO smarticle, sweet, energetic...and extremely spirited. However, they DEFINITELY need exercise. More importantly, they need mental stimulation. A several mile walk is great for the body, but not something everyone can do daily. Plus, these guys are brilliant (only second to the esteemed Border Collie) and their mind is like a hamster on a wheel. So, training, commands, tricks, agility courses and anything that requires not just exercise, but mental stimulation is top priority. These guys were bred to run and think on their feet. THEY NEED A JOB! They AT LEAST (and this is foundational) NEED TO BE WALKED DAILY!!! Every dog needs to be walked daily as this also helps with bone density, muscle strength, balance, cardiovascular function, etc. Same with humans. If you don't exercise, you can become depressed, overweight, brittle bones, diabetic, constipated, and a host of other health issues later in life that cost money to regulate and fix.

Most owners buy a dog as a companion, and these guys can be amazing ones. However they aren't your lazy Golden Retrievers or Greyhounds (while sporting class they do a burst of energy and lay around a lot normally). Unfortunately, dogs not given mental stimulation will show the following behaviors: excessive barking, destructive chewing, inappropriate urination/defecation, escaping out of the yard and getting in trouble/injured, misbehavior to commands, possible self injury, and unfortunately even aggression towards people and other animal housemates. A LOT of working/sporting dogs wind up in shelters and euthanized due to these behaviors when all they needed was regular exercise, training, and mental stimulation. A LOT of regular non sporting dogs do too.

In order to keep their dog, they need to include them as a true member of the family. Plan family activities with the dog. Can they run errands with a family member who might just want to do a ride along and the dog comes with to sit in the car when the person goes in. They can also research places that allow shoppers to bring their dogs into the facility: Home Depot, Lowes, Michaels, some downtown shops in their area might allow it. Shop for dog snacks/food and take the dog with them to pick it up as many pet stores allow dogs in their store. Heck we have restaurants and coffee shops that cater to outdoor dining patrons who bring their dogs...and the dogs get spoiled too.

If their dog is too rambunctious, then they DEFINITELY NEED TO SIGN UP AND GO TO DOG TRAINING CLASSES. ALL THE CLASSES, and more than just puppy training. Really, this should be foundational too. Every dog needs training. Again, get the whole family involved, because the dog (like children and adults) need consistency and everyone needs to know what to do when walking, interacting, and commanding "Sheppie" to behave like a Good Canine Citizen. There is a a right way to train and a horrible way to reinforce negative behaviors in a canine. EVERYONE needs to put in the work. Everyone needs to feed the dog, fill it's water bowl, pick up the poop, and walk the dog. Everyone needs to play and pet the poochie. That's why you get a dog!

The family needs to do some honest soul searching to figure out if this dog and breed REALLY fits with their family dynamic. If not, they the dog should go back to the rescue or shelter (many shelters have a return clause in their paperwork that says they MUST return the dog to them. It's for safety reasons) or find a RESPONSIBLE new owner to adopt "Sheppie". There are rescues, shelters, and fosters online. Again, they took on the responsibility and they need to do their due diligence to find a good home for this living breathing animal.

Let me also debunk a horrible myth that still circulates: REHOMING YOUR ANIMAL IS NOT WRONG IF YOU CANNOT TAKE CARE OF OR PROVIDE FOR IT! Screaming it for the people in the back!!! I have been working in the vet field for over 8 years (general practice, shelter med, emergency, high volume TNR) and have seen some horrendous shit when people keep an animal that they no longer wish to interact with. It can be mild contempt for the perceived burden to downright neglect and abuse. Also, I have seen family members and household pets in danger or actually mauled from dogs that people refused to put more money/couldn't afford/didn't have time for training that kept/refused to rehome to a place with no children/no pets/etc. And, understandably, many of these people LOVED that dog and kept trying to fix the situation. But sometimes you cannot, and the aggression, destruction, ingestion of foreign objects (we have frequent visitors to my ER that have foreign body surgeries due to anxiety chewing/swallowing-some end as euthanasia's). I have had owner's come in with animals that needed to be euthanized for aggression due to high drive, with their housemate mauled, and the owner mauled and bleeding (trying to pull them apart)-all of them showing up together. We have had bored dogs jump the fence to find something interesting to do and get hung up on it, needing emergency surgery. We have had them run out into the street and hit by cars. These things happen to all dogs that require someone to tend to their needs EVERY DAY!

I had to rehome a Dutch Shepherd that we took on as a foster (from a not good situation-putting it mildly) when she tried to maul my elderly German Shepherds (and that was with daily walks, daily at home training, professional training, and veterinary medical evaluations), we found a rescue that deals with security/military breeds to take her to. Sometimes the animal you choose to have in your home may NOT FIT WITH YOUR FAMILY. It happens.

So, you asked what you can do? First, thank you for caring and wanting to do something. Second, you can print out information on local dog training places, agility, and specific breed information (Belgian Shepherds include: Malinois, Turveren, Laekenois, and Groenendael, so tailor it to what their dog is), and anything else you can think of to offer to the owner. Try to approach it as helping and not frustration. HOWEVER, I will warn you now that sometimes people are not open to outside help and will not take this positively. Even people seeking out medical veterinary help can get defensive when we try to help them. Unfortunately, nice people who take on a high drive/high energy breed for their first dog are unaware of the huge responsibility they have. And, not demonizing here, but they buy the dog with the ideal they have for themselves and forget this animal has needs and is languishing without proper care...even a mental/physical outlet. And from what I have seen, this is an epidemic. For those reading this: if you feel you have to "come at me" go volunteer at a shelter/rescue or go have a heart to heart discussion with ANY veterinary professional. If someone was entrusted as your guardian with the responsibility of your mental healthcare and didn't see to your mental health needs and you had no outlet, how would you feel?

Actually...that is happening now in epidemic proportions. It sucks, right???

I wish you luck @fionajames . It's NEVER bad to reach out and attempt to help. At least you tried and I LOVE YOU FOR IT!

[nabsthevulture]

I'm also going to make @bambambambino my dog stuff blog, so go there if you'd like dog content from me