A Small White Terrier Peeking Out from the Covers

If you’re a pet parent, you already know all too well a bored dog or cat is a recipe for chaos! From chewed-up shoes to shredded curtains, our beloved furballs can become mini whirlwinds of destruction without proper mental stimulation. Engaging your pet's brain contributes to their happiness and well-being. In fact, mental stimulation is often more demanding (and tiring) than physical activity for a pet!

Below, we’ll share five fun activities to keep your dog and cat sharp, entertained, and positively adorable (and non-destructive!).

1. Puzzle Feeders and Treat-Dispensing Toys

Ever watched your pet try to crack open a puzzle feeder like it’s a safe in a heist movie? Puzzle feeders (known as environmental enrichment or EE) are a great way to combine playtime with snack time! They challenge your pet's brain by making them figure out how to retrieve their food or treat. It’s not just about physical effort; it’s a test of mental problem-solving skills.

Linguine Eating His Meal from a Snuffle Mat

Conversely, cats can feel like tiny hunters, pouncing on their "prey" to access treats. (Source: Cat Behavior Associates)

One of our Feline Clients, Stalking a Toy

A shelter study showed that dogs with puzzle feeders displayed fewer signs of stress, restlessness, and a high frequency of relaxation behaviors, leading to quicker adoptions! Puzzle toys are especially recommended for highly intelligent breeds like Border Collies and Poodles. (Source: National Library of Medicine)

2. Hide and Seek

It’s not just for kids! Hide and seek is a fun way to engage your dog or cat’s instincts to sniff, hunt, and problem-solve. You can hide yourself or even treats around the house for your pet to find. Dogs love using their sense of smell to track, while cats will stealthily stalk hidden prizes.

Our Pro Tip: Make sure you switch up hiding spots and levels of difficulty to keep the game fresh. You don’t want your dog to find you in your closet every time! Cats? Well, they’ll likely still act like they knew where the treat was all along (they’re just cool like that).

3. Training New Tricks

Who says you can’t teach an old dog (or cat) new tricks? Not only is teaching your pet new skills mentally stimulating, but it’s also a great bonding activity. Dogs are usually more eager to learn tricks like "roll over," "play dead," or "shake," but cats can be just as trainable. Yes, you read that right … cats can be trained, too! Try teaching your cat to give a high-five or to jump through a hoop.

DID YOU KNOW?
Didga, a cat from Australia, holds a Guinness World Record for performing the most tricks (20 in fact) in one minute! From riding a skateboard to giving high-fives and more.

4. Interactive Play with Laser Pointers and Toys

Both dogs and cats love a good chase. While your dog might prefer running after a ball or frisbee, your cat might go wild chasing the mysterious red dot from a laser pointer. These interactive toys trigger predatory instincts and provide great mental and physical exercise. Warning: Watch out for the laser-obsessed pet! Some cats (and dogs) can become overly focused on the light, so switch it up!

Our Pro Tip: Always reward your pet with their favorite toy or treat at the end of the game to avoid any frustration.

5. Outdoor Exploration and Walks

Of course, you can take your dog for a walk! (Learn our tips for defensively walking your dog.) But you can walk your feline too!

Many cats enjoy taking in the sights and smells of the great outdoors while wearing a harness. For both dogs and cats, the new environment is full of exciting smells, sounds, and textures that can stimulate their senses. Plus, it’s great for their physical health!

Did you know a community of "cat explorers" have trained their cats to walk on leashes and go on hiking adventures? Check out their photos and stories! (Source: CatExplorer)

The Catexplorer Community (Courtesy: CatExplorer.co)

With these tips, you can keep your dog or cat engaged and happy. So, mix it up and watch them thrive!

Need help keeping your pet happy and engaged?
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How to Prevent Pet Boredom with These Five Fun Activities!