Mental Stimulation vs Physical for Dogs: How to Meet Your Dog’s Needs
You’ve likely heard the debate: mental stimulation vs physical for dogs. Which is better for their overall well-being? In this post, I’ll explore how mental challenges can improve your dog’s cognitive abilities, and why physical activity is crucial for maintaining their health and happiness. By understanding both aspects, you can better meet your dog’s needs and create a balanced routine that enriches their body and mind.
Understanding Mental Stimulation
For those that haven’t heard or figured it out yet, mental stimulation is like exercise for the mind, providing the right and adequate stimulation for our dogs can provide opportunities for problem-solving, learning, and engagement through fun.
These activities not only keep our dogs entertained and out of trouble but also help increase confidence and encourage them to think, explore, and adapt.
Mental Stimulation Vs Physical For Dogs – Benefits of Mental Stimulation
#1 – Prevents Boredom and Destructive Behaviours
Bored dogs and destruction go paw-in-paw. Dogs that lack mental stimulation or are just plain bored may resort to destructive behaviours. Engaging their minds with stimulating activities can help in preventing destructive behaviours, give our dogs something to do and keeps them mentally satisfied.
#2 – Builds Confidence
There are so many options when it comes to mental stimulation: puzzles, games, treat dispensing toys but one of the benefits from all this is simply that it can help boost confidence in dogs. Nothing boosts confidence more than being given a challenge and solving it.
#3 – Can Soothe Anxious Behaviours
Mentally stimulating activities can interrupt anxious behaviours and give a more stimulating outlet to your dog. By giving the dog a challenge their mind is then preoccupied on that, reducing anxiety, stress and frustration (as long as the challenge isn’t too hard).
#4 – Enhances Cognitive Abilities
Mental stimulation can help make sure our dogs are mentally sharp, develops memory, boosts learning capacity etc. All of this is great for dogs, especially those that may be slightly older, mental stimulation can help slow the decline of mental health with some older dogs.
#5 – Builds a Better Relationship With the Owner
The final benefit that I’ll go through is the relationship side of things. Don’t get me wrong, I love activities that allow Jasper to go about independently and figure things out in his own time but there are some activities that I love doing with him. These activities allow us to spend extra quality time together.
Varieties of Mental Stimulation
#1 – Problem Solving Activities
I believe we all enjoy activities that require us to solve problems as long as it is within our ability. Activities such as this can release dopamine and make us feel good and the same goes for dogs.
There are activities such as finding hidden treats in puzzle toys or navigating around an agility course and attempting certain obstacles, all require critical thinking, but once achieved can boost dopamine levels.
#2 – Training and Obedience Games
Teaching your dog commands is mentally stimulating for dogs, plus it can help boost confidence, relationship but also the reliability we have in our dogs.
Keeping training sessions short, fun and engaging with the incorporation of games and high value rewards can not only develop a dog that wants to participate but also a dog that wants to learn, that wants to be right, to keep the fun and dopamine flowing.
#3 – Scent Based Challenges
Challenges and games that revolve around a dog’s sense of smell are powerful when it comes to mental stimulation.
Teaching a dog to find food, toys or even to start activities such as tracking and scent work will tap into your dog’s natural instincts and keep them mentally engaged. These games provide mental challenges while also satisfying their need for exploration and play.
#4 – Environmental Enrichment
One way to make mental stimulation easier and to reduce boredom at home during the day is to provide a stimulating environment. This can be with toys, lick mats, Kongs, objects, and activities that encourage exploration and problem-solving.
I recommend making a certain time to bring these out to reduce the chances of our dogs losing interest in them. Once your dog seems to be done with them, put them away and consider taking your dog out to the toilet but once done they should be on the road to rest.
You can find so much more about mental stimulation and a variety of different ideas that you can go through. Discover how to mentally stimulate your dog for a deeper dive into mental stimulation for dogs.
Exploring Physical Exercise
Dogs are naturally active animals, and regular physical activity is essential for maintaining their physical health and mental wellbeing.
Physical exercise is great for mobility, releasing energy (especially for our big energy dogs) and another great time to bond with us too. From daily walks to interactive play sessions, physical exercise offers numerous benefits that contribute to our dog’s vitality and happiness.
Benefits of Physical Exercise
#1 – Keeps Our Dogs Healthy
By providing our dogs with regular physical activities we keep our dogs healthy. This means issues such as obesity, diabetes, joint problems and even mental issues can all be curbed with effective and efficient physical exercise.
#2 – Can Promote Cardiovascular Health
Next up is cardio. Now many of us don’t really like cardio when we go to the gym but there are so many benefits for cardio and the same thing goes for our dogs.
The more intense “aerobic” exercises such as running, swimming and sled pulling (the list goes on!) can strengthen your dog’s heart and improve cardiovascular health, leading to increased stamina and endurance.
#3 – Great For Joints, Recovery and Mobility
The right physical exercise can do wonders for joints and mobility. Exercises like daily walks or a weekly swim can be great for joints and mobility.
For dogs that may be injured, have reduced mobility and/or issues with joints, there are many options for low impact physical exercise that allow us to keep our dogs active, loose and reduce the chances of any more issues.
There are also options such as stretches and activities that can help our dogs in time of recovery too.
#4 – Provides an Outlet for Pent Up Energy
The main reason why a lot of us go crazy with exercising our dogs is because they seem to be this bottomless pit of energy.
Physical exercise allows us to start burning off energy that our dogs have. Getting our dogs to a less energetic base line allows our dogs to think more and can reduce excessive behaviours.
A dog that is sufficiently fulfilled is less likely to revert to things like excessive barking due to having their needs met and having an outlet for their natural instincts and energy levels.
#5 – Great For Relationship Building
Physical activities that include the owner can be great for building a stronger relationship with a dog.
Even going for regular enjoyable walks where you both are engaged can make a world of difference. There are so many interactive and physical activities we can do with our dogs that are great for strengthening the relationship such as tug of war!
Mental Stimulation Vs Physical For Dogs – Varieties of Physical Exercise
#1 – Daily Walks
We are all familiar with walking our dogs, this activity is normally the most popular option of physical exercise for dogs by owners. They provide opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation, are easy on the joints and allow exploration of their surroundings.
For some dogs, going on a walk just isn’t enough or actually may create more issues (such as reactive and anxious dogs). I learned that Jasper’s main way of exercise cannot come from the walk because if we focus on just the walk he comes back more anxious and with more pent up energy.
Make sure you are choosing the right activity for your dog, don’t limit yourself to one and don’t limit yourself to the norm!
#2 – High Intense Play Sessions
Whether this is with other dogs, us the owner or even by themselves, play sessions are great for physical exercise in dogs.
Interactive play sessions with toys like balls, frisbees, and tug-of-war ropes allow your dog to engage in physical activity while bonding with you.
These sessions can end up being intense so make sure that you take breaks and stop the game when things are getting a bit too over aroused to keep your dog under threshold and to keep the session beneficial for the dog, you don’t want them in a state of franticness!
#3 – Running, Jogging, Cycling
Did you know our dogs naturally walk faster than us? When we go for a walk it takes a lot of control to walk at our pace. For this reason some dogs will benefit more from activities such as jogging and running.
For the even more intense dogs, activities such as canicross and bikejoring are amazing for dogs and owners that love being outdoors. Both activities involve attaching your dog to you via rope and either running with them or cycling with them.
I am seriously considering something like bikejoring or skateboarding with Jasper as a new activity, I honestly think he’d love something like that but finding the right space in our area is difficult right now.
#4 – Swimming
Swimming is a low impact exercise that whilst being gentle on the joints, can provide dogs with a full body workout.
Firstly make sure your dog enjoys water, test this out first, don’t just throw them in at the deep end, some may need more encouragement and exposure before being able to get started.
Beaches, lakes and even dog friendly pools are great options for swimming. There may be local pools in your area that allow for dogs or even private pools that are specifically for dogs and exercise, have a look around!
The Synergy Between Mental Stimulation vs Physical For Dogs
While the debate between mental stimulation and physical exercise for dogs may persist, the reality is that both pieces of the puzzle are integral to the overall wellbeing of our dogs. Rather than viewing them as competing forces, it’s essential to recognize the synergistic relationship between mental engagement and physical activity in your dog’s life.
Understanding how they complement each other is key to creating a balanced and enriching routine that promotes optimal health and happiness.
On one hand, physical activities keep our dogs in good shape, supple, mobile and prevent obesity-related issues.
On the other hand, mental stimulation satisfies the cognitive needs of our dogs. Solving problems, challenges and going through daily enrichment keeps our dogs sharp and a problem solver.
Together, these elements contribute to a happy, healthy, and fulfilled canine companion.
Check out the video below which is a perfect example of incorporating physical exercise with mental stimulation. It’s a short, high intense session and that’s what we really are looking for.
Other options could be just performing obedience commands in between reps but I really like the go around option!
Mental Stimulation Vs Physical For Dogs – Assessing and Understanding Your Dogs Needs
Every dog is unique, with individual preferences, energy levels, and requirements for mental and physical stimulation. For this reason there are a few factors to consider when it comes to figuring out your dog’s mental and physical activities:
#1 – Breed
Your dog’s breed will play a big factor into the type of exercise and stimulation your dog will go through.
Take Jasper for example, a Staffie with a lot of energy that loves to pull, as mentioned I’d love him to run whilst I’m pulling behind by skateboarding or cycling. I wouldn’t do this with a smaller dog, instead I may decide to run next to my dog.
#2 – Energy levels
You may want to get your dog doing all the activities but you have to take into consideration your dog’s energy levels.
Are they the kind that can go through long periods of exercise and stimulation less often during the day or do they prefer shorter bursts throughout the day?
Some dogs will benefit from 1 exercise session early and then be satisfied with a bit of stimulation and maybe a little walk later on. These are the kind of dogs I’d expect are happy sleeping through the day.
Some dogs will need more than this, either more short sessions through the day with exercise or providing more options for stimulation throughout the day.
#3 – Age
Obviously we don’t want to be working younger dogs or older dogs too hard as it can be detrimental.
With younger and older dogs, low impact exercise is a great option plus mental stimulation can provide the outlet they need for any extra energy without putting them at risk of injuries.
#4 – Individual Preferences
Understanding things that our dogs like will keep these sessions fun and engaging.
The last thing you want is to be doing activities your dog isn’t a fan of when it comes to exercise and stimulation. You want things that are going to keep your dog engaged and wanting more.
Does your dog like tugging, sniffing, running, digging? Have a think of what they actually like and also what you like and see if anything falls between the two, these will be great options for you and your dog.
#5 – Health Issues
If your dog has health issues such as mobility issues and arthritis, there are many low impact activities that you can go through.
Some activities can help loosen dogs up and help make them more supple and mobile.
If you can’t focus too much on physical exercise, try and keep your dog mentally stimulated or use activities such as treadmill walking and swimming etc.
Tailoring Mental and Physical Stimulation to Your Dog’s Changing Needs
As your dog grows and changes, so do their needs for mental stimulation and physical exercise. Puppies, for example, often have bursts of energy and benefit greatly from short, intense play sessions to burn off that energy, combined with simple problem-solving activities to engage their developing minds. Older dogs, on the other hand, may need more gentle physical exercise but will still thrive with mental challenges like scent games or puzzle toys to keep their cognitive abilities sharp.
Health changes can also play a role in how much mental vs. physical stimulation your dog needs. If your dog is recovering from an injury or dealing with joint issues, you may need to reduce the intensity of physical exercise. However, you can still keep them mentally engaged with low-impact games and activities that challenge their mind without straining their body. On the flip side, a high-energy dog that’s in excellent physical condition might need more physical outlets like running, swimming, or long hikes to stay balanced.
The seasons can even affect how you approach mental stimulation vs physical exercise for dogs. During colder months, you might find it harder to engage in long outdoor walks, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out. Indoor activities like obedience training, nose work, or even teaching new tricks can be a great way to provide mental enrichment when physical exercise is limited.
Mental Stimulation vs Physical for Dogs – The Importance of Rest
Even though mental stimulation and physical exercise go hand in hand, we need to ensure our dogs are getting enough rest. Dogs that have high energy, anxiety or reactivity will need a balanced routine of stimulation and exercise but also a routine that allows for rest and relaxation.
Rest is overlooked because a lot of owners believe that by doing exercise and stimulation that dogs are ready to sleep and if they aren’t then they aren’t doing enough on the exercise/stimulation front so end up doing more.
In a lot of cases doing less is actually the key, putting a dog through a stress detox can be beneficial to reduce stress and frustration levels. Learning about trigger stacking and how it too can stack and build stress is also crucial to avoid out of character behaviours.
The case is rest allows our dogs to self-regulate. Even after stimulation and exercise some dogs end up becoming restless and pace around. There are times we have to take control of our dogs’ rest through forced relaxation whether that be on a place, down-stay or in a crate.
You can download my FREE 5-Day Detox Guide, packed with tips, activities, and step-by-step guidance to help your dog relax, reduce stress, and encourage better sleep.
I want to write about the importance of rest at some point but there’s a really informative article from Adolescent Dogs on the importance of rest. This takes a dive into how rest days can be super beneficial to help bring our dogs back under threshold.
A lot of owners end up doing too much with their dogs which starts making our dogs athletes, when realistically sometimes all they need is proper rest alongside sufficient stimulation and exercise.
Troubleshooting and Challenges
- Behavioural Issues
If your dog has behaviour issues, an increase in stimulation and exercise won’t just fix said issue. Instead, providing your dog fulfilment and proper rest will help bring your dog down to a more workable state so that you can do the training that is needed.
- Lack of Interest in Stimulation
Having a variety of activities that your dog loves will help keep things interesting for both you and your dog. Incorporate a mix of mental stimulation and physical exercise into your dog’s daily routine to keep them engaged and fulfilled.
If you want more ideas on mental stimulation you can find a deeper dive into mental stimulation and a variety of different ideas you can use on how to mentally stimulate your dog on my blog.
- Establish a Routine
Creating a daily/weekly routine that allows for sufficient exercise and stimulation (and rest!) is essential to that healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Decide whether you want more physical exercise early in the morning and then work on stimulation throughout the rest of the day…OR maybe you’ll pair both together in sessions during the day to fit your dog’s active levels in the day.
Whatever routine you choose, try and stay consistent to allow your dog to settle into that routine.
- Listen to Your Dog
Your dog will show you whether they are enjoying your choice of activities. If they seem disinterested or fatigued, adjust the intensity or duration accordingly.
You also need to keep an eye on frustration and arousal levels. I don’t mind arousal and frustration to a limit but if your dog is constantly getting frustrated by these challenges or exercises then you are doing more harm than good. Switch to something less stressful, easier on your dog and work up to different levels once they’re ready. It’s important to strike a balance that challenges them without overwhelming them.
- Flexibility and Adaptability
Even though I mentioned that you have to create a routine, you also have to be flexible and adaptable with said routine. Maybe the weather won’t permit a certain activity, can you do something else instead?
Maybe your dog could be getting older so needs less physical exercise now or maybe an injury means less time outdoors and more time doing low impact options.
Being able to adapt to changes quickly will help keep the stress levels low in your dog. Don’t let the changes spiral everything out of control.
Final Thoughts
So, as you can see in the great debate of mental stimulation Vs physical for dogs, there really isn’t a clear winner. As mentioned these two go hand in hand, sometimes our dogs might need more of one than the other but there won’t be a time that dogs won’t need one over the other, it’s the synergy of both.
Are you #TeamMental, #TeamPhysical or #TeamRelaxation? Leave a comment down below! 👇🏾
