10 methods to keep Your senior pet dog psychologically Sharp

It’s great for all of us to stay physically active as well as to continue socializing as well as discovering as we grow older. To keep utilizing our bodies as well as our brains.

I have an 11-year-old black lab mix who still seems psychologically sharp however physically he’s sluggish as well as stiff.

I take him on short, sluggish walks (15 mins) to keep his body as loose as I can, however in this publish I want to compose about keeping our senior dogs THINKING. working their minds!

If you have a senior dog, or a younger pet dog for that matter, let me understand what other concepts you have in the comments.

It’s not complicated, however right here are some ideas:

How to keep your senior pet dog psychologically sharp

1. continue with short walks.

Get out as well as sniff! My pet dog doesn’t step extremely quick however he likes to stroll around the lawn sniffing every bush, tree as well as corner. even if we’re just standing around for the majority of our walk, he’s still out as well as about vs. napping on his bed.

2. provide your pet dog different kinds of puzzle toys.

I frequently compose about exactly how puzzle toys are fantastic for high-energy, young dogs. however they’re helpful for senior dogs as well.

I notice that my senior pet dog provides up on puzzles a great deal much easier than my young pet dog so the crucial for him is to utilize additional yummy treats in the toy or to select puzzles that are relatively easy. Every pet dog is different though.

We like the Kong Wobbler for both our dogs, which you can fill with dry food or treats.

I likewise suggest the Nina Ottosson puzzles for dogs.

3. interact socially your pet dog if he enjoys other dogs.

My senior pet dog absolutely likes seeing other dogs as well as likewise people. It’s like he’s even a lot more social now that he’s older. We took him to a household reunion over the 4th of July as well as he was so delighted just being in the group!

If your senior pet dog enjoys being around other dogs or people, think about taking him to the pet dog park (maybe during quieter hours), strolling with a store like Petco or setting up a “playdate” with a friend’s compatible dog. They don’t have to really “play.” I understand Ace just enjoys being in the existence of other dogs vs. playing.

4. go to new places.

You can get truly innovative with this or you can do something as basic as drive to a community you usually don’t walk in as well as choose a short stroll. With Ace, I like to drive to different parks as well as then get out as well as walk for 15 or 20 minutes. If there are benches or picnic tables, we’ll sit down as well as take a break. You might likewise go to pet dog friendly stores like Petco or the house Depot.

5. Take a pet dog training class.

If your senior pet dog has the energy, indication up for an obedience class, nosework class or technique class. It’s okay if he needs to take a break partway with or if you have to just enjoy the second half.

I suggest emailing or calling the trainer as well as asking what he or she would suggest based on your dog’s experience as well as energy. For Ace, an advanced beginner class would work just fine.

6. new toys!

Surprise your senior pet dog with a new toy! maybe a stuffed squeaky toy or some kind of treat-dispensing toy. then engage with him for a few minutes. My senior pet dog still likes to play with spheres as well as stuffed toys in addition to tug toys however he doesn’t play unless I get on my hands as well as knees as well as play as well!

Which brings me to …

7. play with your senior dog!

Sometimes pet dog owners fail to remember to play with their seniors! Ace as well as I play nearly daily for at least a few seconds. I try to get him to chase me for even a few seconds or I’ll roll his tennis sphere down the hall or I’ll just do my version of a “play bow” to get him to wag his tail.

We joke around a lot, Ace as well as I. For example, if a big Amazon box shows up I’ll get in the box in hide as well as Ace believes it’s fantastic fun to bite as well as paw at the box. We are silly.

8. choose a vehicle ride.

Most dogs like a great field trip, even if it’s somewhere as regular as the bank drive thru. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just include your pet dog when you have the time.

9. Play “find it.”

Hide treats or pet dog food around the space or out in the grass. Ask your pet dog to “wait” or “stay” as well as then state “Find it!” as well as motivate him to browse for the food. It does not take long to catch on. Ace likes thisgame. He likewise likes searching for a tennis sphere or searching for ME if I’m holding a food reward like deli meat!

See our post: exactly how to play discover it

10. Take your pet dog to a coffee shop, brewery or patio that enables dogs.

Here in San Diego, dogs are welcome quite much anywhere so we have tons of choices ideal in our own neighborhood. But, seems like a lot of Starbucks places have an outside seating area as well as as long as your pet dog is behaved, nobody must mind. exact same with the outside seating areas of quick food restaurants, particularly if it’s not busy. My dogs have sat outside at lots of train restaurants across the country!

So those are my 10 ideas. I’m sure there are lots of other ideas, as well as I’d like to hear your recommendations in the comments.

-Lindsay

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