5 Simple Ways I've Made My Dogs Smarter (And Happier!)

I learned the hard way how important mental stimulation is for dogs — like the time Max, my Golden Retriever, got so bored he chewed up my favorite shoes. Since then, I’ve made it a priority to keep his brain just as active as his body. Here are five simple things that have worked wonders for my dogs over the years — and that you can start doing today.

1. Switch Up the Walks

I used to walk Max the same route every day, and eventually, he started dragging his paws — literally. Now, I rotate between a few different routes in our neighborhood, and it’s made a huge difference. New smells, new sights, new dogs to sniff at from a distance — it all keeps his brain buzzing. Even just reversing your usual route can make it feel brand new to your pup.

2. Turn Playtime Into Puzzle Time

Instead of tossing the same toy over and over, I started making little games out of it. I’ll hide his toy under a pillow or behind furniture (while he watches), and he has to figure out how to get it. It’s simple, but it really gets him thinking. You can start easy and build up the challenge as your dog gets better at it. Bonus: it tires him out way faster than regular fetch.

3. Teach Words (Yes, Really)

Luna, my Border Collie, amazed me by learning the word “potty” meant it was time to go outside. From there, we added “dinner,” “ball,” “bed,” and more. Dogs are smarter than we give them credit for — they can learn dozens of words if we’re consistent. Just pick a few everyday actions or objects and use the same word every time. It’s like building your own little language together.

4. Keep Training — No Matter Their Age

Buddy, our senior dog, learned to “high five” at 12 years old. It just took shorter sessions and lots of praise. Don’t assume your older dog is “too old” to learn — they still enjoy the challenge and the bonding time. Even 5 minutes a day keeps their mind active and helps them feel included.

5. Brain Games = Daily Mental Exercise

We all know dogs need physical exercise, but mental exercise is just as important. I set aside 10-15 minutes daily for simple brain games. One of our go-tos is “find the treat” — I hide a few treats around the house and let them sniff them out. It’s like a treasure hunt for their noses and minds.

There are also puzzle toys and DIY games you can try if you want more variety. The main thing is to make it fun — if you’re enjoying it, your dog will too.

In the end, what works best depends on your dog’s personality. Some love sniffing out treats, others thrive on learning new tricks. The fun part is figuring it out together. Try things, mix it up, and pay attention to what gets their tail wagging. A mentally stimulated dog is a happy (and much better-behaved!) dog.