Dogs need mental stimulation as well as physical. certain breeds, such as Poodles and labradors, are highly intelligent and curious. Without the necessary learning, they grow bored easily. If you need a way to cure excessive chewing and barking but can't play fetch, these games might do it.
1. Treasure hunt
Hide your dog's toys and wait for them to find the toys. Don't make the hiding places too difficult, otherwise the dog will lose interest. Once they master the game, try putting the toy in another room but with a scent on.
2. Hide and seek
At least two people are required for this game. One person uses the sit-stay command, whilst the other hides. Once the dog finds the person, give them a treat. This works wonderfully for indoors as well as outdoors.
3. The cup game
Get three opaque cups, and hide a treat under one. Mix them up, with your dog watching. Get him to put his paw on a cup, and say "yes" when he chooses the right one.
4. Tug-a-jug
This smart toy can be purchased online from pet shops and Amazon. Put treats inside the jug, and let your dog work out how to get the goodies. The jugs come in different sizes. The standard methods of getting food out, such as biting and shaking, won't work with tug a jug.
5. The name game
It's thought that dogs can understand up to 250 words. Increase your dog's vocabulary by naming their toys. First, you need to teach them the names of specific toys. Then, send him to fetch a toy; each time they select the right toy, reward them.
Dognition are an organisation that believe dogs have core skills; self-reliance, communication, empathy, reasoning and cunning. They also have personify profiles for dogs, such as Einstein, Maverick and Socialite. Members get a profile assessment and 20 games. If you sign up with Purina, you can access a couple of the games free.