Brainstorm Fun training activities for my dogs

[Aeress]

I was browsing amazon while getting my youngest to take a nap when I came across a toy for my dogs that I know they would love-

http://www.amazon.com/Ethical-Seek-Treat-Shuffle-Puzzle/dp/B0038WP1YC/ref=pd_sim_dbs_k_7

Sadly, the price is out of my range right now- but maybe I could replicate something like it for them.

Any ideas?

They have learned a lot of typical roll over, touch, shake, I think they are ready for something new.

[greenmagick]

Those are greatn

While not the same, you can definitely sort of simulate it by playing hide and seek with yourself or treats.  Start working on nosework if they seem inclined.

Freeshaping with a clicker is probably my favorite activity for mental stimulation.  I love watching them figure things out and you can shape anything you want so there is always something new!

[nd_deadhead]

My dog loves to play hide and seek! We started easy - putting his favorite squeaky toy behind my back or close by, and telling him to "find it". When he did, he got praised and got to play with the toy.

Gradually we worked up to harder hiding spots, and I put him in the bedroom or bathroom while I hide the toy. He will sniff around the house until he finds his toy - even if it takes him 10 minutes (usually I lose patience before that, and give him hints).

He also knows the names of different toys (squeaky squirrel, ball, bone), so I'll ask him to go get a specific toy - especially if I happen to know it's at the opposite end of the house.

[daisymama12]

Sometimes I take a muffin tin, and "hide" a few treats. Then I put a tennis ball in each muffin holder. My dog has fun sniffing to find out where the treat is. It only lasts a few minutes, but I think he likes it :-)

Another thing you might try is set up a homemade agility course. I put a broom over the seat of 2 chairs, and then same thing again but lower, with kids chairs. I quickly trained him to go under the first broom, and over the second. The kids and dog loved it!

[Aeress]

Great ideas, thanks everyone!