In the same way that we challenge ourselves, it’s important that we challenge our dogs,’ explains Tamsin Durston of the Dogs Trust’s canine-behaviour team. ‘They’re intelligent and social creatures, so without mental stimulation can become bored, frustrated and restless. A problem solving task enriches your dog, directing its energy into something positive.’
When it comes to canine companions, walks are obviously essential, but studies have shown that keeping their brains busy is equally as important. Brain games encourage the natural skills and senses of our four-legged friends, as well as preventing anxiety and boosting their confidence, not to mention how much all that brain work tires them out. ‘Physical exercise is only half of the equation when it comes to keeping your dog healthy and happy,’ confirms Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at the Kennel Club. ‘It’s vital to keep your dog’s mind interested and active, as bored dogs can develop behavioural issues.’
A problem-solving task enriches your dog, directing energy into something positive
Dogs of all ages, whether they’re working or not, can benefit from mentally engaging exercises, and space needn’t be an issue— brain games can be played anywhere, from a kitchen to a back garden or a paddock. There really is no excuse not to take a stab at teaching man’s best friend some brand new tricks.
Denne historien er fra July 22, 2020-utgaven av Country Life UK.
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Denne historien er fra July 22, 2020-utgaven av Country Life UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Happiness in small things
Putting life into perspective and forces of nature in farming
Colour vision
In an eye-baffling arrangement of geometric shapes, a sinister-looking clown and a little girl, Test Card F is one of television’s most enduring images, says Rob Crossan
'Without fever there is no creation'
Three of the top 10 operas performed worldwide are by the emotionally volatile Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, who died a century ago. Henrietta Bredin explains how his colourful life influenced his melodramatic plot lines
The colour revolution
Toxic, dull or fast-fading pigments had long made it tricky for artists to paint verdant scenes, but the 19th century ushered in a viridescent explosion of waterlili
Bullace for you
The distinction between plums, damsons and bullaces is sweetly subtle, boiling down to flavour and aesthetics, but don’t eat the stones, warns John Wright
Lights, camera, action!
Three remarkable country houses, two of which have links to the film industry, the other the setting for a top-class croquet tournament, are anything but ordinary
I was on fire for you, where did you go?
In Iceland, a land with no monks or monkeys, our correspondent attempts to master the art of fishing light’ for Salmo salar, by stroking the creases and dimples of the Midfjardara river like the features of a loved one
Bravery bevond belief
A teenager on his gap year who saved a boy and his father from being savaged by a crocodile is one of a host of heroic acts celebrated in a book to mark the 250th anniversary of the Royal Humane Society, says its author Rupert Uloth
Let's get to the bottom of this
Discovering a well on your property can be viewed as a blessing or a curse, but all's well that ends well, says Deborah Nicholls-Lee, as she examines the benefits of a personal water supply
Sing on, sweet bird
An essential component of our emotional relationship with the landscape, the mellifluous song of a thrush shapes the very foundation of human happiness, notes Mark Cocker, as he takes a closer look at this diverse family of birds
