Mind games

[Jessica & Zoey]

Does anyone have any great yet budget-friendly DIY games to keep a doodles brain active? Even at 6 months old, Zoey seems to sleep a lot still and I want to make sure she's not sleeping out of boredom! We play hide and seek which is a great one that Zoey loves- any others out there?

[BG and Gavin]

The shell game - use three plastic cups, put a treat under one of them and see if she can choose the right cup.  You can mix them around (like a shell game) once she gets the idea and see if she can follow.  Also hide treats around the house and see if she can track them.  Hallway fetch is another.  Hide and seek is great. We also play with two people on different floors of the house and take turns calling her from different rooms. A treat ball that she can roll around and collect treats from.  Obedience practice is the best of all and the payoff is too!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I agree with BruceGril in that training is the best way to tire them out mentally.  Whenever we came back from a training class they would both sleep the whole ride home.  Short little training sessions at home will keep her thinking and learning to focus on you which are both good things.

[Jennett Pulley]

I have to agree with training, too!  Whenever Lolli-pup gets too wild, we pull out the clickers and she focuses right in.

As far as things to keep her busy when we can't play with her?  http://www.squidoo.com/buster-cube
Get the biggest one, it won't get stuck under furniture.

[Adina P]

I don't think there is a single problem with a dog napping a lot unless it is out of the norm and you suspect your pup is not feeling well.  But if they have sufficient time opportunities to exercise and they choose to nap in the house...awesome!  Your dog is mellow and relaxed and not getting into trouble.  Sounds good to me =)  I also agree that training is the best way to stimulate a doggy's mind. 

Another thought on boredom.  In my opinion, bored dogs show boredom by getting involved in unwanted behaviors whether it's 'naughty' stuff or getting into some OCD type stuff.  A napping dog is a relaxed, happy, dog, I think.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I totally agree with this!   I know my guys are bored when they start "antagonizing" each other or deciding to rip one of their toys apart.  Calmly napping is a good thing.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I agree with Adina. My dogs sleep a lot. That's fine with me. They are always eager to go out with me. Sometimes they run around more than others. I often start feeling sad that their lives are dull. But really they can't read,. Luca will watch TV for a few minutes. I don't think they're particularly bored.They would be on instant alert if some random animal came along they could chase. That is how they are "wired".

[Jessica & Zoey]

Thank you all for the reassurance! She has been under the weather lately so she has been napping a little more than usual. But we definitely need to refresh and build her obedience skills!