Behavior, wiring, the body and mind all intrigue me deeply. I'm enjoying one of my favorite authors newest release, “The Bond” (Lynne McTaggert). Fascinating. I highly recommend the book. In a chapter on environmental influences of “inherited” traits in animals ~ a portion of the result resounded deeply within me. In one group several mice (who were born) with retarded mental capacity were exposed to a room full of puzzles, games and other stimulating objects over a period of considerable time (3 weeks?). At the end of the study these 'below average' mice were indistinguishable from normal mice. To my recollection, there was more neural activity. The mice had increased their own learning potential through a stimulating environment.
Hey, that sounds like the confidence course, doesn't it?! So, if you don't have a labyrinth or other TTouch ground equipment hanging around to play with.... try toys and puzzles!
It drew me right back to class and the plethora of toys & puzzles that were brought in one afternoon (Thanks Ladies!!). I had no idea there was anything out there past the old Kong toy that never did very much for my fur-kids. “Old” Kong … I remember when those things came on the market! These new, inviting products are really interesting!
Companion animals need not only physical stimulation (exercise) but mental stimulus (exercise) as well. It's part of bringing balance to the whole being, reducing stress in the body and maybe most importantly, mental well being. Individuals are “individual” meaning different dogs will enjoy different toys ~ just like humans. Some dogs really dig challenging puzzles while other dogs find them frustrating or lack interest all together. I would recommend an easy game or puzzle for the beginner and go from there. The reasoning is that you want to develop confidence and curiosity and foster interest in the game or toy. Beginning drivers like easy vehicles to drive, not formula 1 race cars.
Why do we want to encourage confidence and problem solving with puzzles and games? It simply makes for a more grounded, mentally balanced animal. When they're content, so are you. When they have developed these mental skills, they make better choices. Imagine if your life didn't include mental stimulus. You ate, you drank, you wandered around, napped, got talked to on occasion and finally went to bed. Thoughts of such an existence alone is rather brain-numbing. We've all had that momentary feeling of “jello brain”, where we hunger for something ~anything!~ “exciting” to do. Our pets are the same way. Anxious, unfocused, hyperactive animals can learn to focus and calm from the benefits of mental stimulus that is kind and rewarding (i.e.: it's way better than the ideas your dog may come up with for his or her idea of “fun”!).
Nina Ottosson produces some amazing toys and puzzles for the companion animal ~ designed to promote mental stimulation with the reward of a favorite food. Her website gives valuable information on her products as well as the positives of using mentally stimulating games. Although she's in Sweden, her products are available here in the good ol' USA. Thank you “InterWebs” (inside joke)! Nina offers many levels of toys so that your animal never “out grows” or becomes bored as there's always a toy sure to challenge your pet. Her toys are pricey, though well made. I recommend a visit to her website just to become familiar with the products and philospohy.
“Busy Buddy” makes a fine selection of toys for the puzzle lovin' pup who likes some physical activity with their mental challenge. We know those dogs, right? Great back yard fun with a purpose that is more stimulating than the time honored “throw the ball till he drops” approach. These are great for the busy dog who isn't ready for the more challenging mind games. ~ Mind games take focus and in some dogs, focus will need to be learned and developed over time.
Enjoy browsing Amazon.com for a wide variety of pet toys and puzzles (including Nina Ottosson) and give one a try. Your dog may need some assistance to get started and certainly some time to make those neural connections that'll make puzzles and games fun! We all take time to learn new things, so don't expect a home run the first time at bat.
I have a house full of dog “toys” but no games or puzzles. I'll order a couple interesting items and we'll compare notes down the road, shall we?
It's a date.
My human kids enjoying toy-time on the beach in SC
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