The Mental Gym: Tiring Out a Dog Who Can’t Run
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For years, a "good dog" was a tired dog, and the way to get there was a long game of fetch.
But what happens when arthritis sets in and the fetch arm has to retire? It’s heartbreaking to see a senior dog who still has a "puppy brain" trapped in an old body.
They get bored, and boredom often looks like anxiety or destruction.
The solution isn't physical exhaustion; it's mental stimulation. A 15-minute "brain workout" can be just as tiring as a 3-mile run.
This is where you become the coach of their new lifestyle. Simple scent games, like hiding a high-value treat (like our Wild Life cubes) under a cup or in a snuffle mat, engage their olfactory system, which is a massive energy burner.
You can also teach an old dog new tricks. Shaping simple behaviours—like "touch my hand" or "chin rest"—builds confidence and bond without straining their joints.
By shifting the focus from muscles to mind, you give them a sense of purpose. They don't just need to move; they need to think.