Tips and Suggestions For Challenging Your Dog's Brain}

Dogs are incredibly intelligent creatures who love learning. Get a few dog owners together and they'll soon be sharing stories about their "genius" dogs.

Unfortunately, most pet owners spend little time challenging there dogs to use their mental powers. This is regrettable because it is actually takes very little effort to give your dog a problem solve or a task to perform.

The result? A calmer, happier, more obedient dog.

Here are seven easy activities to get your dog thinking.

1. IQ Test for Dogs: Type "canine iq" into Google and you'll get back a list of sites that offer free canine intelligence tests. The results aren't all that important, but the tests are a great way to give your dog a mental workout.

2. Solving Simple Problems: Hide an object and get him to search for it. Place a treat just out of reach and let him find a way to get to it. Dogs are great puzzle solvers, so he'll enjoy this activity.

3. Basic Training: Training is a must for all dogs but an added benefit is that training forces the dog to think. It requires a considerable amount of focus to understand commands and know how to respond.

4. Teach a Trick: Once your dog has the basic obedience commands under his paw, you'll be amazed at the complex tricks you can teach him.

Now, obviously some breeds are better at this than others. Hounds in particular are known for their obstinacy, and short attention spans when training.But if your dog is reasonably bright, and you are prepared to put in the time, you can teach any number of "movie-type" stunts and tricks.

5. Put Your Dog to Work: In the wild, there is no such thing as a free meal. Even pampered dogs know this instinctively and will soon get used to "working" for a meal or treat. Always make your dog do something to receive something in return. This could simply mean instructing him to sit before he gets a treat or a walk.

6. Doggy Day Job: Most dog breeds were bred for a specific purpose, be it hunting, guarding, or herding. Even though many of those skills may have been dormant for generations, they are still there if you encourage your dog to use them.Just watch your Border Collie hard at work trying to herd your kids, or your Lab racing to retrieve a ball and you'll know what I mean. Look for ways to get your dog working these natural instincts.

9. Dog Sports: Canine Sports are a real growth industry. everywhere you look these days there are dog sport events where enthusiasts can get together and compete in dog sports, agility and other activities.There sports are fantastic for working body and mind. Dogs absolutely love them and they're a whole lot of fun for human competitors and spectators alike.

Dogs are intelligent animals you love to take on new challenges. Try out these seven exercises on your dog. You'll be amazed at the results.

Find out more about dog obedience training, dog care, dog training tips and other useful dog information at www.dogsanddogtraining.com