Activities For Complex Dogs
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Introduction
A dog is a naturally complex creature. In fact, dogs are studied at great lengths in friendly labs across the world to see what really makes a dog tick. Why are they such amazing companions, why do they absolutely love chasing things and what everyday thoughts occupy their brains? Dogs can recognize people and other dogs faces, they can feel jealousy and empathy and they can sniff out a treat from a mile away. Dogs are complex! If you know that you are the owner of an especially complex dog, here are a few games to celebrate the amazing power a dog has.
Emotion Training
You may already know this but dogs can definitely experience emotion. You have most likely seen a few of these easy to read emotions such as happiness, sadness and maybe even boredom. Dogs can also sense emotions in people. Perhaps your pup has run to cuddle by your side when you have been having a tough day- they are trying to cheer you up! Teaching your dog to communicate these emotions may be challenging but it is nothing a complex dog can't handle! Once your dog can identify emotions, they will be able to convey their needs even better, making your relationship flourish.
Toy Challenges
You can easily pick up a squeaky toy or a stuffed animal for your dog to play with and chances are they will love it. However, a complex dog needs a toy that is a little more challenging. You want to choose a toy that will make your dog think, make them have to decipher how to make the toy work and also make them work a little. Toys don't have to be easy to be fun! In fact, a complex dog may find more joy in a toy that is a challenge than one they can simply toss around with no gratification. Luckily, there are many challenging dog toys around for you to look into for your pup!
Dog Jobs
While you may see your job as a chore or something you do just to make money, many people (hopefully you are one of the lucky ones!) view their job as something that is rewarding and adds meaning to their life. Your dog falls into the latter category and will find a job to be something that they thrive on. You don't need to give your dog a big job, just something that gives them purpose every day. You will be amazed how your dogs face lights up when they get to do their job and are rewarded when they perform their task correctly.
More Fun Ideas...
Obstacle Course
A complex dog will thrive on a doggy obstacle course where they are required to learn a set of complex skills. Change the course every so often to give your dog an extra challenge.
New Tricks
You can teach an old dog new tricks or a young dog new tricks - they all learn the same! A complex dog will love learning new tricks often and be happy when they master a new skill.
Conclusion
While we may never truly or completely understand all dogs, you can get pretty close! A complex dog is more likely to be able to express to you what they want and how they are feeling so take advantage of this genius and work with your dog to learn what they need. A complex dog is anything but boring and you should be happy that you have such an amazing creature to call your own!