The Power of Mental Enrichment in Recall Training

Did you know that mental enrichment plays a vital role in improving your dog's recall? While many people believe that giving dogs something to chew on or lick, like a Kong or a Lickimat, provides sufficient mental stimulation, it may not be as effective as it seems. In this blog, we'll debunk this common misconception and explore how mental stimulation can truly enhance your dog's recall abilities.


The Limitations of Traditional Dog Toys:

While toys like Kongs and Lickimats have their benefits, they primarily serve to calm and entertain dogs rather than providing substantial mental stimulation. While these toys can keep dogs occupied and in a positive state, they don't necessarily tire them out mentally. So, how exactly does mental stimulation contribute to improved recall?


The Importance of Mental Stimulation:

Mental stimulation is a fundamental aspect of a dog's life. By providing true mental enrichment and outlets, we can address underlying issues such as frustration, desperation and stress, which are often the root causes of unreliable recall. When dogs are truly stimulated & content, they become less desperate for social interactions, less obsessed with smells, and less hyperactive during walks. This means they won't easily get bored of food, allowing them to listen and focus more effectively.


It's when the dog is getting what they need and instead is being put through training, that training results don't last. Our dogs are results of the life they live everyday


The Everything Recall Webinar:

£35 = 2 Hours = Safe Dog

To comprehensively address all factors influencing recall, including the mental well-being of your dog, we invite you to join our Everything Recall webinar. This webinar covers a wide range of topics related to recall training and provides the necessary guidance to help your dog succeed. We understand that it's not solely about training; it's about creating a life that benefits your dog! MK9Plus.com

Comments

  1. Anonymous16 July 2023 at 01:12

    Hi if I need to pay I'm more than happy ....we have a gsd x husky she is 10 but will never stop when a dog is in view ,she will run up to it and sometimes growl with hackles up ,people are really shitty about it ,which I fully understand . I have had some nasty times with comments ect . People nowadays seem to have their digs on leads so much . Thanx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous7 July 2024 at 17:36

    Hi same dog and the same problem here :(
    I cannot let her out of the leash because of that. And that is soo frustrating... I know it's just getting worse. I am looking for a way out of it

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

4 Ways to Fix Hit & Miss RECALL!

For dog owners, hit and miss recall can be both frustrating and anxiety-inducing. Walks shouldn't be dictated by chance, but should instead offer moments of leisure and bonding. If you find yourself battling with this issue, here's a guide to understanding unpredictable recall, full lessons are on mk9plus.com 1. Addressing Frustration The Root of Desperation: Many dogs are innately frustrated. This makes them desperate to chase every scent or dog they come across. Understanding and addressing this pent-up energy is crucial. They often feel this way because they aren't provided the right outlets to expend their energy. 2. The Significance of Vet Checks Health Matters: A lot of dogs manifest behavioural issues due to underlying health concerns. Hyperactivity can sometimes be a symptom of issues such as stomach problems. Ensuring regular vet checks can rule out medical causes for erratic behaviour. 3. Understanding Your Dog's Window Beyond Walks: It's a common misconce...
Read more

Changing dogs behaviour on walks, without training

It's All About Your Dog's Window! This window is what ruins recall, creates obsession, and leads to hyperactivity in your dog. By "window," I mean their window of opportunity! Two hours a day is the most common duration I see people taking their dogs out for, and that's amazing, so keep it up. However, one thing you have to keep in mind is, if you aren't providing your dog with outlets or mental stimulation at home, you're training your dog to empty their energy reserve within those two hours every day, because that's their window of opportunity to live their life. Side Note: We also have to consider the nature of these walks. If we have a dog that isn't bred for exploring and hunting, like our sight hounds, scent hounds, or terriers, relying solely on walks for stimulation may not be enough. Many dogs are bred for specific tasks, and it's perfectly fine to fill most of their outdoor time with those tasks. Remember, that time is for them, and t...
Read more

Bored Dogs… the real issue

If your dog is bored, don't just try to keep them occupied. They'll get bored of that, just like they did before. Instead, ask yourself, "Why is my dog always awake?". This is what will lead to major behavioural issues over time and behavioural problems are what we call symptoms of underlying issues. Boredom means your dog is lacking what they really need, so looking for ways to keep them occupied is not the advice to look form. Dogs require 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day, and when they're asleep, they're not bored. However, this is only achievable if they're engaged in activities that meet their needs while they're awake (living the right life fro them). It's not always about doing more; it's about doing the right things. There's more to having a dog than just trying to tire them out. To achieve this, we need to understand what our dogs were bred for. Even if you don't know your dog's breed, because you know know the breed, we can...
Read more