Canine Behaviour Foundation Course
Module 2 - Section 1 - Physical and Mental Stimulation
Module 2 - Section 1 - Physical and Mental Stimulation
Ideas to stimulate, entertain and prevent boredom and frustration are especially important with adolescent and adult dogs where behaviour concerns are present. As behaviourists we find that the second one brings in mental and physical stimulation, especially daily walks there is a noticeable improvement in the current behaviour concerns. Not only do the following activities supply stimulation and entertainment for the dog/s they also give the dog something else to enjoy. Having this additional stimulation tends to reduce the important of the owner's presence which can reduce behaviour concerns in so many aspects e.g. resource guarding, reactive behaviour, destructive behaviour, separation anxiety etc.
In the late 1900's research was done on 45 dogs in Austria (unfortunately the original research we had was lost when our hard drive crashed some years ago and we have never found the piece again) who had very serious behaviour problems. No behaviour modification was brought in, no medication was used - all that transpired was that for a 30 day period (remembering it takes a minimum of 21 -30 days to start to change a habit) the dogs were exposed to various scenting work during the day.
Some dogs went for walks once a day, others for walks several times a day, other dogs were engaged in scenting exercises both naturally and as set up exercises - in general the dogs were all stimulated by using their sense of smell. At the end of the study there was an amazing 60% reduction in the behaviour concerns! This highlights for us exactly why it is so very important for all owners to get their dogs out for a daily walk - we have never yet seen an instance whereby there was not an immediate and considerable reduction in the problem behaviour when daily walks were brought in. Where breeds such as hounds were concerned, to stimulate the sense of smell further, treats hidden in the garden for them to find provides additional stimulation.
It is also a good idea to try to focus on ideas to stimulate which are breed related i.e. lots of balls, Frisbees being thrown for a Retriever or the Flirt Pole and Digging Pits and Tyre on Rope for the Terrier breed. Always determine from the owner what the dog enjoys doing normally and then look for ideas around this.
All dogs are natural prey animals so any games that involve chase, pulling etc will help to stimulate the natural prey drive. Below you will find ideas that can be brought in both with, and without the owner being present - this gives you ideas to help to build confidence, strengthen bond, get other people in the family involved with the dog to lessen the bond with owner and provide entertainment when owner is out.
In the late 1900's research was done on 45 dogs in Austria (unfortunately the original research we had was lost when our hard drive crashed some years ago and we have never found the piece again) who had very serious behaviour problems. No behaviour modification was brought in, no medication was used - all that transpired was that for a 30 day period (remembering it takes a minimum of 21 -30 days to start to change a habit) the dogs were exposed to various scenting work during the day.
Some dogs went for walks once a day, others for walks several times a day, other dogs were engaged in scenting exercises both naturally and as set up exercises - in general the dogs were all stimulated by using their sense of smell. At the end of the study there was an amazing 60% reduction in the behaviour concerns! This highlights for us exactly why it is so very important for all owners to get their dogs out for a daily walk - we have never yet seen an instance whereby there was not an immediate and considerable reduction in the problem behaviour when daily walks were brought in. Where breeds such as hounds were concerned, to stimulate the sense of smell further, treats hidden in the garden for them to find provides additional stimulation.
It is also a good idea to try to focus on ideas to stimulate which are breed related i.e. lots of balls, Frisbees being thrown for a Retriever or the Flirt Pole and Digging Pits and Tyre on Rope for the Terrier breed. Always determine from the owner what the dog enjoys doing normally and then look for ideas around this.
All dogs are natural prey animals so any games that involve chase, pulling etc will help to stimulate the natural prey drive. Below you will find ideas that can be brought in both with, and without the owner being present - this gives you ideas to help to build confidence, strengthen bond, get other people in the family involved with the dog to lessen the bond with owner and provide entertainment when owner is out.
Daily Walks – possible the most important aspect and what must be remembered is that this is the dogs time and the more the dog can engage in sniffing and smelling, the more stress levels will relax. Rather than a run or jog, break into sections so that the dog can scent as well.
The rest of these suggestions below should be in addition to daily walks.
Games – games of throwing the ball/Frisbee. Don’t always make these into training sessions of getting the dog to retrieve properly. Rather have a cue for a formal retrieve and then another cue for ‘fun’ where you can just throw various objects (have several with you) and up to the dog if it brings it back or not.
Stairs – if you have stairs in your home then a great game of balls being thrown up and down can be played. This is better on stairs that have carpet to prevent slipping and sliding and the dog hurting itself. Steps in the garden can also be used.
The rest of these suggestions below should be in addition to daily walks.
Games – games of throwing the ball/Frisbee. Don’t always make these into training sessions of getting the dog to retrieve properly. Rather have a cue for a formal retrieve and then another cue for ‘fun’ where you can just throw various objects (have several with you) and up to the dog if it brings it back or not.
Stairs – if you have stairs in your home then a great game of balls being thrown up and down can be played. This is better on stairs that have carpet to prevent slipping and sliding and the dog hurting itself. Steps in the garden can also be used.
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Household items such as tables and barrels can be used as tunnels in agility and you can make use of the stairs in your home for a game of ball up and down the stairs.
Tyre or Rope toy on a rope - as these become interactive they are great entertainment for a dog and it just has to be taught how to play with it by its human becoming involved initially.
Care to be taken where types are concerned as standard car tyres contain metal. Rather the smaller tyres from drag cars or ones purchased in a per shop – just check about the wire as a safe guard. This should be placed at about the dogs muzzle height.
Digging Pit - Refer to your notes on Prevention of Problem Behaviour
Chew Toys - As mentioned continually our favourite are the Busy Buddies or Kongs. Not only because these can be easily stuffed, as harder to destroy they are safer for the dog as well and when frozen can last for ages.
Other options are to take a marrow bone which is about the length of a Busy Buddy with about the same sized middle hole and give this to the dog over a few days, taking it away on a regular basis. This will result in having a hollow bone which can be stuffed like a Busy Buddy.
As mentioned before we do not recommend Rawhide products as these tend to swell up when wet – if pieces are swallowed (or even the whole rawhide), these swell up in the stomach and can cause blockages and even death. Rawhide is also an animal product and as such is treated against insect infestation which could be harmful to dogs. The treatment process is why we also do not recommend hooves plus they tend to break off into very sharp pieces and can be swallowed.
Swimming – a wonderful way to exercise a dog and most of them love a daily swim. You can add in throwing items to be retrieved in the pole to increase stimulation
Empty Bottles – better used when owner home so that pieces are not swallowed. These can be given to the dog in various ways:-
Ice Blocks - instead of a bottle as used above, prepare the mixture in the same manner and when cool add to a plastic container with some kibble/treats in it and then freeze. This can be given to the dog to lick and play with on the grass.
Flirt Pole - brilliant to provide additional exercise. These can also be used as training exercises with the Wait, Get it, Leave etc bringing brought in a the same time.
Tyre or Rope toy on a rope – as these become interactive they are great entertainment for a dog and it just has to be taught how to play with it by its human becoming involved initially. Care to be taken where types are concerned as standard car tyres contain metal. Rather the smaller tyres from drag cars or ones purchased in a per shop – just check about the wire as a safe guard. This should be placed at about the dogs muzzle height.
Metal Bowl - it you have areas of tiles or smooth paving, you can place some treats under a metal bowl and let the dog push it around. It is much harder for the dog to get to the treats.
Food Toys - These are toys where you put in some kibble or treats and the dogs has to move it around, play with it so that the treats are released. We have some examples of these in our Shop Page and they really can provide entertainment for dogs. They are of good quality and not easily destroyed, however as with all chew toys care needs to be taken to prevent swallowing if toy starts to break. There are various types available.
Scent Games - You can teach the dog to follow food put on the ground by tossing a piece on the grass in front of the dog and excitedly saying ‘findies, findies’ and praising lavishly as the dog eats it. Gradually add more and more pieces of food and make the distance longer. In no time at all you will be able to tell the dog to ‘Findies’ as you go out and this will keep the dog entertained for longer.
A variation on this is to teach the dog to Find items under objects and then leave a whole lot of them around the garden with one treat under each one – scent dogs especially love this game.
Other variations you can use to stimulate scent and here it is better to teach the dog how to play when owner is home and later these can be left for the dogs by themselves in the garden:-
Agility - putting up your own agility course at home can be great fun for dog and owner alike. There are portable jumps and tunnels which can be purchased or else you can put up buckets and poles from brushes, empty cardboard boxes etc which can be used as jumps or a small table to go under.
Cardboard box – although this can teach a dog to be destructive with a box, it is also a great way to keep a dog entertained – owner just has some tidying up to do after! Teach pups especially to climb in and out, tear at it, play with it etc – a game better to be supervised - you can use all different sizes of boxes
Hide and seek - and this is great for the hound breed and can also be played inside. Teach the dog to ‘seek’ and start easily with somebody holding the dog and you run and ‘hide; with your head sticking out. The other person then tells the dog to ‘seek’ and great fun and reward happens as the dog finds you. As the dog becomes more proficient you can really make it challenging. Additionally once the dog has learn a basic wait for about 60 seconds, you can play the game without a 3rd party by telling your dog to wait while you hide – you can even just run away and hide quickly.
Tag or Your it - as many of us played Tag or Your It when smaller this game can be played with your dog. You start off running and as your dog catches you – you turn around and chase it. I like to bring in a cue with this game so that the dog knows whether to chase of be chased. This can also be played with two people calling the dog from one to another – make sure rewarding for the dog in that it gets a treat when it Tags somebody.
Clicker – one of the very best ways to entertain a dog and create a smart dog and improve bond. The list of things that can be taught is endless. We do have Clicker Masterclass available and anybody that is serious about becoming a behaviourist should undertake a comprehensive clicker course as not only will it give you an excellent understanding of the theory involved, clicker can be used as a tool in changing behaviour.
Behaviour Games - these are normally expensive as imported into Sa but are well worth the investment. These are games which are played with your dog and not left for it to play alone. They stimulate thinking and dogs love them and are similar to the Scent ideas above. They stimulate a dog mentally, build the human/canine bond and it has been found that it helps a dog to really focus - good results have been achieved with dogs that battle to focus and also dogs that tend to be be reactive.
Excite and Calm – good fun and teaches your dog to be calm on cue. Have a great game f getting your dog very excited and then suddenly stop and say ‘calm’. Takes a bit of practice and you will probably have to initially help your dog to calm down (make play sessions very short initially) but great fun for both of you.
Care to be taken where types are concerned as standard car tyres contain metal. Rather the smaller tyres from drag cars or ones purchased in a per shop – just check about the wire as a safe guard. This should be placed at about the dogs muzzle height.
Digging Pit - Refer to your notes on Prevention of Problem Behaviour
Chew Toys - As mentioned continually our favourite are the Busy Buddies or Kongs. Not only because these can be easily stuffed, as harder to destroy they are safer for the dog as well and when frozen can last for ages.
Other options are to take a marrow bone which is about the length of a Busy Buddy with about the same sized middle hole and give this to the dog over a few days, taking it away on a regular basis. This will result in having a hollow bone which can be stuffed like a Busy Buddy.
As mentioned before we do not recommend Rawhide products as these tend to swell up when wet – if pieces are swallowed (or even the whole rawhide), these swell up in the stomach and can cause blockages and even death. Rawhide is also an animal product and as such is treated against insect infestation which could be harmful to dogs. The treatment process is why we also do not recommend hooves plus they tend to break off into very sharp pieces and can be swallowed.
Swimming – a wonderful way to exercise a dog and most of them love a daily swim. You can add in throwing items to be retrieved in the pole to increase stimulation
Empty Bottles – better used when owner home so that pieces are not swallowed. These can be given to the dog in various ways:-
- Empty just to chew on
- Make holes in them and put in some kibble – as the dogs plays with it pieces of kibble fall out entertaining the dog even more.
- Start with a 1 lit empty bottles. Boil the kettle and to about 750ml of boiling water add in a little marmite or Bovril (not if dog allergic). As this cools add to the bottle to about 3 / 4 way up (to allow for swelling when frozen) and you can even add in some kibble or treats. Place this in the freezer and give to the dog outside. As bottle tops can be chewed and swallowed we suggest leaving this off when you give the frozen item. As the dog gets used to this you can even use a 2l bottle
- Another idea is to cover the bottle in material which makes it harder for the dog to destroy. These are often available at pet shops.
Ice Blocks - instead of a bottle as used above, prepare the mixture in the same manner and when cool add to a plastic container with some kibble/treats in it and then freeze. This can be given to the dog to lick and play with on the grass.
Flirt Pole - brilliant to provide additional exercise. These can also be used as training exercises with the Wait, Get it, Leave etc bringing brought in a the same time.
Tyre or Rope toy on a rope – as these become interactive they are great entertainment for a dog and it just has to be taught how to play with it by its human becoming involved initially. Care to be taken where types are concerned as standard car tyres contain metal. Rather the smaller tyres from drag cars or ones purchased in a per shop – just check about the wire as a safe guard. This should be placed at about the dogs muzzle height.
Metal Bowl - it you have areas of tiles or smooth paving, you can place some treats under a metal bowl and let the dog push it around. It is much harder for the dog to get to the treats.
Food Toys - These are toys where you put in some kibble or treats and the dogs has to move it around, play with it so that the treats are released. We have some examples of these in our Shop Page and they really can provide entertainment for dogs. They are of good quality and not easily destroyed, however as with all chew toys care needs to be taken to prevent swallowing if toy starts to break. There are various types available.
Scent Games - You can teach the dog to follow food put on the ground by tossing a piece on the grass in front of the dog and excitedly saying ‘findies, findies’ and praising lavishly as the dog eats it. Gradually add more and more pieces of food and make the distance longer. In no time at all you will be able to tell the dog to ‘Findies’ as you go out and this will keep the dog entertained for longer.
A variation on this is to teach the dog to Find items under objects and then leave a whole lot of them around the garden with one treat under each one – scent dogs especially love this game.
Other variations you can use to stimulate scent and here it is better to teach the dog how to play when owner is home and later these can be left for the dogs by themselves in the garden:-
- a muffin or scone baking tray where a piece of food is placed under a tennis ball. These provides about 9 or 12 opportunities for the dog to get the treats below plus leaves the balls to be played with.
- a variation of above is to use either a 24 cardboard egg tray or a smaller size and engage in the same game as above.
Agility - putting up your own agility course at home can be great fun for dog and owner alike. There are portable jumps and tunnels which can be purchased or else you can put up buckets and poles from brushes, empty cardboard boxes etc which can be used as jumps or a small table to go under.
Cardboard box – although this can teach a dog to be destructive with a box, it is also a great way to keep a dog entertained – owner just has some tidying up to do after! Teach pups especially to climb in and out, tear at it, play with it etc – a game better to be supervised - you can use all different sizes of boxes
Hide and seek - and this is great for the hound breed and can also be played inside. Teach the dog to ‘seek’ and start easily with somebody holding the dog and you run and ‘hide; with your head sticking out. The other person then tells the dog to ‘seek’ and great fun and reward happens as the dog finds you. As the dog becomes more proficient you can really make it challenging. Additionally once the dog has learn a basic wait for about 60 seconds, you can play the game without a 3rd party by telling your dog to wait while you hide – you can even just run away and hide quickly.
Tag or Your it - as many of us played Tag or Your It when smaller this game can be played with your dog. You start off running and as your dog catches you – you turn around and chase it. I like to bring in a cue with this game so that the dog knows whether to chase of be chased. This can also be played with two people calling the dog from one to another – make sure rewarding for the dog in that it gets a treat when it Tags somebody.
Clicker – one of the very best ways to entertain a dog and create a smart dog and improve bond. The list of things that can be taught is endless. We do have Clicker Masterclass available and anybody that is serious about becoming a behaviourist should undertake a comprehensive clicker course as not only will it give you an excellent understanding of the theory involved, clicker can be used as a tool in changing behaviour.
Behaviour Games - these are normally expensive as imported into Sa but are well worth the investment. These are games which are played with your dog and not left for it to play alone. They stimulate thinking and dogs love them and are similar to the Scent ideas above. They stimulate a dog mentally, build the human/canine bond and it has been found that it helps a dog to really focus - good results have been achieved with dogs that battle to focus and also dogs that tend to be be reactive.
Excite and Calm – good fun and teaches your dog to be calm on cue. Have a great game f getting your dog very excited and then suddenly stop and say ‘calm’. Takes a bit of practice and you will probably have to initially help your dog to calm down (make play sessions very short initially) but great fun for both of you.
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The Daxi above has a bottle that has been covered with thick material and makes a great crunchy noise. The dog on right has a tyre to pull and chew on - the trye does not have to be as high as this.
The Flirt Pole below provides endless entertainment for a dog and is really tiring. It can also be combined with obedience in that the dog has to either Down or Sit and Wait. When the dog is allowed to catch the 'prey' a Leave can be brought in. This really stimulates the prey drive in a dog and is a wonderful method of play. We do have them available for sale in the FODS Shop. It is a Slideshow so you can go from picture to picture and there is also a You Tube example. On You Tube you can also find videos showing how to make a Flirt Pole.
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