5 Simple Ways I've Made My Dogs Smarter (And Happier!)
Ever come home to a chewed-up shoe, a shredded pillow, or a dog who just won’t settle down?
I have. His name was Max, my Golden Retriever, and my favorite pair of sneakers paid the price for his boredom.
Here’s what I figured out that day: a tired body isn’t enough. A dog’s brain needs a workout too.
Below are five simple things that turned my restless dogs into happier, calmer, smarter companions — and you can start every one of them today.
“A mentally stimulated dog is a happy — and much better-behaved — dog.”
1. Switch Up the Walks
I used to march Max down the exact same street every single day. Eventually he started dragging his paws — literally.
So I mixed it up. Now we rotate between a few routes around the neighborhood.
The difference was almost immediate. New smells, new sights, new dogs to size up from a distance — it all keeps his brain buzzing.
Now let’s turn play into a thinking game.
2. Turn Playtime Into Puzzle Time
Tossing the same toy over and over gets old — for both of you.
So I started making little games out of it instead. I’ll hide Max’s toy under a pillow or behind the couch while he watches, then let him figure out how to get it.
It’s simple. But it really gets him thinking.
Start easy, then ramp up the challenge as he gets the hang of it. The best part? It tires him out way faster than regular fetch.
3. Teach Words (Yes, Really)
Luna, my Border Collie, floored me the day I realized she knew “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. With a little consistency, they can learn dozens of words.
How to build your own dog vocabulary
- Pick a few everyday actions or objectsStart with things that happen daily — walks, meals, bedtime.
- Use the exact same word every timeConsistency is what makes it click.
- Pair the word with the momentSay it right as the action happens, again and again.
It’s like building your own little language together — and it never stops being fun.
Think your dog’s too old for this? Read on.
4. Keep Training — No Matter Their Age
Buddy, our senior dog, learned to “high five” at 12 years old.
All it took was shorter sessions and lots of praise.
Don’t assume an older dog is “too old” to learn. They still love the challenge — and the bonding time that comes with it.
Older dogs learn just fine — they simply need shorter sessions, patience, and plenty of encouragement. Buddy proved it at 12.
A few minutes of daily training keeps any dog’s mind sharp and helps them feel included at every age.
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 a day for simple brain games.
Our go-to? “Find the treat.” I hide a few treats around the house and let the dogs sniff them out.
Can you guess?
What does a simple treat hunt feel like to your dog?
Want more variety? Puzzle toys and DIY games work great too.
The main thing is to keep it fun. If you’re enjoying it, your dog will too.
Quick poll
Which brain game will you try first?
- Rotate or reverse your walk routes
- Hide toys and let your dog solve for them
- Teach one new word this week
- Do 5–15 minutes of training daily
- Assume your older dog can’t learn
- Walk the same route on autopilot every day
Frequently Asked Questions
Short and sweet wins. Aim for 5–15 minutes a day. For older dogs especially, several short sessions beat one long one.
Absolutely. Buddy learned to high five at 12. Older dogs just need shorter sessions, patience, and lots of praise.
More than most people expect — often dozens. The key is consistency: use the same word for the same action or object every single time.
Change the route, or simply reverse your usual one. New smells and sights give your dog’s brain a fresh workout without any extra effort from you.
Yes. A dog can be physically tired but still restless. Brain games satisfy a part of your dog that a walk alone can’t — which often means better behavior at home.
Every dog is different. Some love sniffing out treats, others thrive on learning tricks. Try a few things, watch what gets the tail wagging, and lean into that.
Sviatoslav Oleksiv founded The Pets and Love in 2019. A lifelong pet owner and Rhodesian Ridgeback enthusiast, he writes and edits our guides to help fellow pet parents give their animals the best care.
Every guide follows our editorial standards. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice — always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet's health.