Introduction
Mental stimulation and exercise are essential for all dogs. But it could never be more accurate than with a Labradoodle. If you know someone who owns a Labradoodle, they’ll all tell you one thing. These dogs are incredibly intelligent.
Labradoodles display a higher-than-average intelligence over other dogs. That means you’ll need to be just as sharp between the ears when handling them. When physically challenged and mentally stimulated, Labradoodles thrive like no other. Doing so will help them relieve their excess energy (which they have an endless amount of), help them develop problem-solving strategies, and develop a closer bond between the owner and dog.
This guide will discusshow you can bust the boredom with your Labradoodle and make the most of their intelligence. But first, let’s start with…
What are the benefits for your dog
Labradoodles without mental stimulation and physical exercise equals a massive problem. Dogs suffering from a lack of mental exercise develop issues such as anxiety, hyperactivity, stress behaviours like chewing, digging, or licking, attachment issues, separation problems and much more.
Remember, your Labradoodle still has the same canine brain and instincts asits wild ancestors.This means their brain is still wired for activities such as:
- Hunting
- Avoiding danger
- Assessing new surroundings
- Socialising with other dogs
- Solving problems
So, what happens when you mentally challenge your dog’s capabilities? Well, you’re going to see a happy camper from the get-go. They also improve their problem-solving skills, better understand human communication, release pent-up energy (which they have so muchof), reduce any potential issues with sleeping or eating and learn new social skills.All of this helps form a stronger bond with their owner.
What are the benefits for you
Alright, enough about the dogs. Let’s talk about you, the owner. What do you get out of this? Here is a list of benefits that make owning a dog a lot easier when you challenge them physically and mentally:
- Reduced destructive behaviours. That means your favourite pot plant is safe…for now
- No excessive amounts of energy! Too much energy is not good, making it difficult to put a leash on them. When they get the exercise they need, they’re less likely to jump or bark
- A predictable sleep schedule! Because no one likes waking up in the middle of the night to their dog performing their best impression of a symphony orchestra.
- Easier communication means you get to keep it as simple as, “aaaw, you good boy!”
- Hours of fun playing and training. Better that than being on an iPad…
- A strengthened bond between you and your dog!
Alright, let’s get into the juicy part. Here are a few ways to challenge your dog to get its brain going!
Indoor games
- Find the treats – When your dog isn’t looking, hide a few treats in a room and bring them inside to try and find them. Hunting is very stimulating for a dog, and you increase their stimulation and happiness when they see the treat!
- The shell game –we’ve all played this, and in fact, it’s just as stimulating for dogs as it is for humans. Hide a treat under three different cups and then shuffle them around. This game will test your dog’s nose, visual skills, and attention span.
- Hide and seek – nothing brings out childhood nostalgia like a good game of hide and seek. Now, it’s doggy edition! Simply have someone hold onto your dog whilst you hide somewhere in the house. Set up a few false clues with open doors or make noises in another part of the house while they look for you. Once you’re well hidden, call out to your dog. The reward is seeing your dog’s excitement when they (eventually) find you.
Outdoor games
- Fetch–the classic human/dog game. I throw, you fetch. Your dog could play the game endlessly, but here is another way to challenge him more. Throw a couple of toys at once, and then give your dog a command to fetch one first. If that’s too difficult, throw a ball for your dog to fetch and then hide, so your dog has to come and find you to play the game again.
- Tip & Chase – remember when you used to play tip and chase with your friends back in school? Well, now you can do it with your dog as well. And it’s good for them, too. Chasing games mimic the natural chase instinct in dogs that have been ingrained in them for thousands of years. You’ll want to ensure they are chasing you, not the other way around.
Conclusion
Exercise and mental stimulation are essential for a highly active dog like a Labradoodle. It’s a helpful way for these dogs to expel their high amounts of energy. That means you’ll have fewer holes in the back garden to refill. Just as important, exercise and mental stimulation are opportunities for you and your Labradoodle to bond. Every time you challenge your dog is another chance for the two of you to become a little closer.
