Pets

Does working my dog's senses with an enrichment game have the same benefit as going for a walk, mentally speaking?

Enrichment games at home: the mental benefits equal to a walk?

Does working with my dog's senses with an enrichment game have the same benefit as going for a walk, mentally speaking? So I'm assuming that on your box that you are allowing your dog to sniff and explore, which is obviously one of the biggest ways that you can provide more enrichment to them on walks. So in general, absolutely, I do find that doing enrichment games at home tends to have a very, very similar effect as it would if I took my dog out for a walk. And I will specifically use those enrichment games at home in a variety of ways. Sometimes if it's raining or the weather isn't really suitable to go out, I tend to do a lot of stuff at home. I find that my dogs are just as satisfied with that type of activity as they would if I took them out on a walk. However, I also tend to balance out those activities. So I will have some outings that focus a bit more on physical activity and then also at home and other activities focusing a bit more on enrichment. So yes, I would say that they're very similar.

Yes, working with your dog's senses with an enrichment game can have the same benefit as going for a walk mentally speaking. These activities can be balanced out to provide both physical and mental stimulation.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/yif65bfvlxnaryuqv4vs.vtt

Does engaging my dog's senses with an enrichment game provide the same mental benefits as going for a walk? Assuming that the enrichment game involves allowing the dog to sniff and explore, which is a significant aspect of walks, I find that enrichment games at home can have a very similar effect to taking my dog out for a walk.

When the weather is unfavorable or if I want to provide additional mental stimulation, I rely on enrichment games at home. I've noticed that my dogs are just as satisfied with these activities as they would be with a walk. However, I also make sure to balance these activities. I include outings that focus more on physical activity while incorporating enrichment activities at home.

In conclusion, I would say that engaging my dog's senses with an enrichment game can provide similar mental benefits as going for a walk, but it's important to have a mix of both types of activities.

What are the daily habits you have to remain grounded and also happy?

Key Daily Habits: Stay Grounded & Happy with Coffee, Reading, and Horseback Riding

What are the daily habits? You have to remain grounded and also happy. I have a non-negotiable morning routine and that is. I drink coffee and a read for at least an hour to an hour and a half every single morning without fail, that helps me. Start my day, feeling more relaxed, and helps me feel more centered and grounded before I deal with the onslaught of everything else that I deal with during the daytime. The other thing that I do, that helps me feel a little bit more grounded. Is I I compartmentalize all of my different obligations. I have during the day whether that's work or personal related by compartmentalizing them and only focusing on one thing at a time. It helps me be able to stay more organized. But it also enables me to show up fully in whatever it is that I'm doing. Things that make me happy. I feel very strongly that it's important to have activities or hobbies that are outside of work. And for me, I think it's important to have something that is not related. And so dogs. And so, I actually spend a lot of my free time on my horse. I do a lot of trail riding on him, and so, there is really nothing that fills my soul more then hopping on him and going for a ride in the mountains and being able to disconnect from work and all the other things that I have to do. So this is some of the things that I do to help myself. Stay more grounded and happy on a daily.

I have a non-negotiable morning routine which includes drinking coffee and reading for at least an hour to an hour and a half. I also compartmentalize all of my different obligations during the day and focus on one thing at a time. Lastly, I make sure to have activities or hobbies that are outside of work in order to stay grounded and happy. For me, this includes trail riding with my horse.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/ad99ow9i1gpvugrxvnn0.vtt

To remain grounded and happy, I have daily habits that I prioritize. Firstly, I have a non-negotiable morning routine where I enjoy a cup of coffee and dedicate at least an hour to an hour and a half for reading. This helps me start my day feeling relaxed, centered, and prepared to tackle whatever comes my way.

Another habit that keeps me grounded is compartmentalizing my various obligations throughout the day. By focusing on one thing at a time and organizing my tasks, I can stay more organized and fully present in each moment.

In terms of finding happiness, I believe it's crucial to have activities or hobbies outside of work. For me, spending time with my dogs brings me immense joy. Additionally, I dedicate a significant amount of my free time to trail riding on my horse. Being able to disconnect from work and immerse myself in nature fills my soul and brings me happiness.

These daily habits help me maintain a sense of grounding and happiness in my life.

What sports would be the most fun for me and my dog?

Discover the Perfect Sport for You and Your Dog's Unique Interests!

What sports would be the most fun for me and my dog first. I just want to thank you for actually asking this question and considering your dog in this, in terms of wanting to choose something that's going to be the most fun for them as an individual. I think that's hugely important to choose activities that both you and your dog really enjoy. So, thank you for that. Okay, so I would say to answer your question, the first thing that I would look at is, what does your dog naturally do? Are they really into sniffing? If they use their nose a lot, you might want to consider canine news work, if your dog really enjoys climbing on things and doesn't tend to have a fear of jumping on different surfaces, walking on different planks and so forth. You might have a dog who really enjoys agility if your dog really likes to chase things, you might consider lure coursing. And let's see what other sorts of sports are out there. If you've got a melanoma or The other sort of breed that was specifically bred for B work. That would definitely be a sport that I would be exploring there. And or if you have a dog that's perhaps really really engaged with you and really really loves training. Then you might consider getting into like rally obedience or even just competition obedience. So I would observe your dog. I would notice the things that they naturally are inclined to be drawn to and then I would try it out from there.

To find the most fun sports for you and your dog, observe them and try out activities that they're naturally inclined to be drawn to, such as canine nose work, agility, lure coursing, rally obedience, or competition obedience.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/m2uyux8smnkh1gqthvph.vtt

To determine the most fun sports for you and your dog, it's great that you're considering your dog's preferences. Choosing activities that both of you enjoy is important. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Observe your dog's natural tendencies: Does your dog love sniffing? Consider canine nose work. If they enjoy climbing and jumping, agility might be a good fit. If they have a strong prey drive, lure coursing could be exciting. For breeds bred for scent work, exploring that specific sport could be a great option. If your dog is highly engaged and loves training, rally obedience or competition obedience might be worth exploring.

2. Consider your dog's breed and characteristics: Certain sports may align better with specific breeds or traits. Research sports that are popular or well-suited for your dog's breed to get some ideas.

3. Try it out: Once you have an idea of what sports might be a good fit based on your observations and research, give them a try. Start with introductory classes or sessions to see how your dog responds and if they enjoy the activity.

Remember, the most important aspect is to have fun together. Pay attention to your dog's enjoyment and adapt as needed.

Is my dog stressed because they do not have enough exercise?

Is lack of exercise stressing your dog? Find out the signs and solutions.

Is my dog stressed because they do not have enough exercise, that's very possible. I would be curious as to the behaviors that you are seeing that. You are perceiving as your dog being stressed because that's going to help us better understand how your dog is responding to exercise. And whether the question of if the exercise is long enough in terms of meeting, your dogs needs, or maybe it's the type of exercise that has to be the Bigger question here. So in general, if you have a dog who comes home after exercise and they are relaxed and they can rest and or sleep the majority of the time afterwards. Then you're likely meeting your dogs needs, and there aren't typically going to be signs of stress on the other side if you are perhaps not exercising or dog for long enough which is again hugely dependent on an individual dog. But I would say In general, a young adult dog is probably not going to get their needs met by 20 minute. Walk around the block, they're going to need some type of exercise, that is longer allowing them to move their bodies more freely. So it could be the type of exercise that you're doing. And the other piece to keep in mind, is that your type of exercise might actually be overstimulating to your dog. I see a lot of dogs that go and play fetch for, you know, 45 minutes, straight or play really hard with other dogs, for a long period of time. They come. Home. They appear to be physically exhausted for about 20 or 30 minutes and then they're up and they're ready to go again. So if you find that, then I would be looking at the type of exercise that you are providing for your dog, assuming that it's likely to overstimulating for them and focusing on exercise that maybe has a little bit about play. But then perhaps has a lot more time where your dog could move freely and sniff and engage in more relaxing behaviors which will therefore decrease their stress.

Stress in dogs can often be linked to a lack of exercise, but the type and amount of exercise is important to consider. If your dog appears to be overstimulated after exercise, try a different type of exercise that allows for more freedom and calming behaviors.

https://assets.anyquestion.com/raw/upload/ipeyzffzwkvnfnho5mvs.vtt

It is possible that your dog is stressed because they do not have enough exercise. To better understand your dog's behavior and determine if exercise is the issue, it would be helpful to know what specific behaviors you are observing. This will give us insight into how your dog is responding to exercise and whether the duration or type of exercise is meeting their needs.

In general, if your dog comes home from exercise and is able to relax and rest for the majority of the time afterward, then you are likely meeting their exercise needs, and signs of stress are less likely. However, it's important to note that the amount of exercise required can vary depending on the individual dog. A young adult dog, for example, may not have their needs met by a short 20-minute walk around the block. They may require longer periods of exercise that allow them to move their bodies more freely.

Consider the type of exercise you are providing as well. Some dogs may become overstimulated by certain activities, such as intense fetch sessions or extended play with other dogs. They may initially appear physically exhausted but quickly become ready for more activity. If this is the case, it may be beneficial to focus on exercise that includes some play but also allows for more relaxed behaviors, such as free movement and sniffing, which can help decrease stress levels.

Understanding your dog's specific behaviors and adjusting the duration and type of exercise accordingly can help ensure they receive the appropriate amount of exercise to alleviate stress.

Neither AnyQuestion nor its Experts provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment or otherwise provide professional healthcare services.

Physician disclaimer

Jessica Wheatcraft answers your Pets questions. See all the advice Jessica Wheatcraft has and get answers to your own Pets questions.

Follow me on AnyQuestion

Jessica Wheatcraft has been in love with dogs since childhood. As a teen, she began volunteering at a local shelter and discovered her passion for helping dogs. She soon joined the Prison Pup Program, taking service dogs home for the weekend to help them transition to the real world. She was majoring in Psychology when she adopted a pit bull mix named Harley. Harley's behaviors led her to hire Nan Arthur CDBC, CPDT-KSA, and KPA CTP, who asked if she'd ever considered becoming a dog trainer. She was hooked and soon started teaching basic manners and private lessons. In 2013, she started her own business, Synergy Dog Training, focusing on behavior cases. She became a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant in 2015. In 2018, she expanded her business to include a team of trainers and began mentoring others. Synergy Dog Training merged with an Instinct Dog Behavior and Training location in 2021.