Brain Food.

Feed your dog's brain. Start with actual fuel -- the food your dog eats. Make it good. Be sure it's got the good stuff in it. Just like us, dogs only function 100% when their diet is good. If anyone has done any recent research on ADHD in kids you know that many believe medication may not be the answer but rather a diet change. Dogs are the same, behavior can be very closely related to behavior issues. Look at what your dog is eating.

Be sure your dog's food does not contain any of the following: wheat, soy, gluten (or gluten meal), dyes, sugar (sorghum) and some dogs don't do well with grains. I personally stay away from grains for my dogs, but that's just me.

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Here is a list of foods I like and recommend.

Cabin Fever". While those are all indoor activities for rainy days (or snowy!) you can do those anytime or all the time!

There are several toys you can use to occupy Fido's time and stimulate his mind. For puppy owners tether your dog to you or a stationary object near you with a 4-5 foot leash and give him one of these toys to work on while you work or do the dishes. If you can't tether, or prefer not to, then put the toy in the crate with Fido.

All dogs need mental stimulation but terrier, working, sporting and herding breeds find themselves in trouble more than some dogs due to their sharp little minds. You need to stimulate your dog properly as much as possible. One-on-one training is best but when you can't do that be sure to substitute it with something.

Great toys/activities for dogs of all ages.

KONG® Wobbler. This one is brand new and can be used for your dog's meal. Don't use treats but make it the only way Fido gets his food. Often dogs don't mess with these items with treats in them because it's too much work to get out so they think, "I'll get food later, this is too much work I'll just wait for the food bowl . . ." So make them work for that food that normally goes in the food bowl! (Purchase here.) Watch dogs go to work on the Wobbler in this video.

Bob-a-Lot. This is similar to the Wobbler but hey, variety is always good! I think it bobbles a little more and the food comes out of the bottom instead of the middle, so some minor differences. (Purchase here.)




Dog Brick. This is a true gem! The dog has to slide the "bricks" to discover the treats. The artist is Nina Ottosson and she has designed many remarkable dog puzzles that are truly challenging and fun. (You can get most of these on amazon.com. but many you can purchase here.) Here is a video of a dog with the Brick.

Those are just a few of the fun things out there. Try some of those on your dog. But never use a toy to replace training with your dog and one-on-one. Join a group class for a great doggie bonding and training experience. For those with dogs that need something stimulating or if you want something aside from the same old obedience try our new upcoming "Fungility" class!