Instructions
Walk your dog at least once a day, preferably at the same time. Walking is good exercise for the dog, provides a routine and teaches it to obey leash rules such as not pulling. Perform this in the morning when your dog is full of energy and at night just before bed, if possible.
Make your dog work for its dinner and treats. Measure out the appropriate portion and then scatter it all over the yard. Hide smelly treats in tricky places around the house or yard. Dogs like to use their noses, and this exercises one of their strongest natural instincts.
Take your dog with you in the car when you're running short errands, visiting friends or family, or just on a short drive around the neighborhood. Car rides are a different kind of stimulation than walks, and most dogs enjoy them. Car rides also expose your dog to many different places, people and sensations, conditioning it to respond well to these experiences in the future.
Use brain-teaser toys with your dog. Pet owners like to give their dogs chew toys, such as rawhide, but brain-teaser toys make dogs work for their treats and expend energy in the process. An example of a brain teaser toy is a "Kong." Dog treats, dog food, fruits, vegetables or sticky food like peanut butter are stuffed inside the Kong's opening. The dog has to dig to get at the food inside, using physical and mental energy along the way. Peanut butter can also be frozen inside to make it especially difficult.
Use dog toys with a variety of textures that appeal to a dog's teeth and jaws. Try rope, hard rubber, animal bones and animal rawhide.
Arrange play time with your dog on a daily basis. Engage in your dog's favorite activity, whether it be fetch, chase or tug-of-war. Certain dogs will enjoy certain activities more than others. The amount of time each activity holds your dog's interest will tell you which it enjoys most.
Train your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Teach your dog simple behaviors, including sit, lie down and stay. Encourage your dog to obey by rewarding it with small treats. Your dog will not only learn new, good behaviors but become mentally and physically tired as well.
Socialize your dog with other dogs. Get together with friends and family who have dogs, and let the dogs meet each other in a closed yard or other safe space. Take your dog to the dog park. If you socialize your dog with other dogs early, it will respond well when new dogs are around.
How to Keep a Dog Stimulated
You may think getting a new puppy is a great idea, but when you realize the amount of energy contained in its little body, knowing how to keep it happily occupied can seem overwhelming. To keep your sanity as a pet owner, you'll have to keep your dog stimulated and make sure it's tired by the end of the day. Simple games, training exercises and a dose of healthy attention will keep your dog stimulated without wearing you out.