Playing brain development games

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

My Petsmart trainer told me because Hattie is so smart it is important that I challenge her mind. She suggested playing 'Hide and Seek' with her in the house. I also read about playing the cup game where you put down three cups and hide a treat under one of them. Just wondered if anyone else had any other good games to challenge these bright doodles. It has now been over 100 days of over 100 degrees with no rain in West Texas and Hattie is very bored. We can't go for walks other than the pet stores or Lowes and Hattie just isn't into playing fetch the ball. She would rather lie down outside and frantically pull the grass up by the roots and make a big mess and then redeposit it with some bile hours later in the house. I need some help. She is getting very frustrated.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Check out Hide a Squirrel on Amazon. My dogs used to like all those games. There is a Amazon link on DK.

http://www.amazon.com/Kyjen-PP01056-Hide---Squirrel-Large/dp/B0002I...

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

There is a beehive too with little bees and you are supposed to hide them inside and have them get them out. What about a treat ball that she has to push to get treats out. My Vern is not much of a thinker, so I never had this problem...LOL!!! He is happy with a stick. When all else fails, I give them antlers and bones filled with peanut butter.

[Jennifer and Jack]

Laurie I just almost spit my coffee out with your comment as usual, " my Vern is not much of  a thinker" I love Vern so much, some day I just have to meet him,

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I love him too, but facts are facts....LOL!

[Leslie and Halas]

Nina Ottosson puzzle toys are great, but expensive. But I think she has plastic ones now, and there are some other brands, too. We have a couple of videos on our page of Halas playing with his. I think you can get them through Amazon.

[Donna K & Quincy]

A friend of mine takes a muffin tin and a bunch of tennis balls and hides treats under some of the balls. She says her dogs have a great time trying to sniff out exactly which ball the treat is under.

[F, Calla & Luca]

What is your address? I have some water to send you : ) The endless heat must be exhausting. Sorry, I have no great game ideas though.

[Adina P]

What about just advancing her training in indoor areas that allow dogs or teaching new tricks? I don't think the goal is the same as in smart kids...it is more just occupying her so she doesn't get in trouble, right? So then any activity that occupies her should work.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Yup....obedience training is the best mind game of all IMO.  "Hide the treat" is also a great game for developing their "nose skills".  Start out by putting her in a sit/stay and let her watch where you hide it....then release and let her to get it.  Little by little move farther and farther away until she can no longer see where you're hiding it.