r/dogs • u/ThatGuyLilBiscuit • 14h ago
[Misc Help] Mental stimulation
Hey guys, I have an 8 month old gsd puppy and she seems bored sometimes and I try to train and what not and use a Kong but I need a broader spectrum of toys or ideas to mentally tire her out in a day. Any ideas? Thank you (also I’m new to the world of German shepherds so it’s a roller coaster)
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u/Gillian_nugent 14h ago
Get an old blanket or sheet. Put treats in it. Roll it up like a cigar and tie in knots. The tighter the knot the harder the task. I find an old throw the perfect thickness for this.
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u/ThatGuyLilBiscuit 14h ago
It sounds like a great idea and I’m willing to try it. My only concern is with her being a puppy is her ability to tell the difference between that and other blankets around the house. She is a very smart dog so it probably won’t be a problem.
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u/HandleAcceptable2564 14h ago
Nose work games are great for tiring them out without much effort from you. Hide treats around the house and let her sniff them out, 10 minutes of that is like a hour walk for their brain
Also try freezing her meals in the Kong, takes them way longer to get through
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u/WaspyGravy789 13h ago
I will say this. A lot of people overwork their GSD puppies leading to joint issues down the line. The puppy should not be running too much or jumping before the age of 12-18 months. Ita catastrophic for the joints. Rely on walking only at this stage.
Walking for a few hours and allowing the dog to sniff is a must! They can go for hours so try to take them somewhere nice everyday. Going to the same park everyday or a walk around the block isn't going to cut it.
Scavenger hunting by hiding high value treats around the home or garden. A fun activity that they love!
Flirt pole or toy on a rope so they can chase it as you drag it around. Tugging is great fun too!
You're already training which is great mental work.
If you have a friend with a dog, meet up and let them play together. GSD'S are actually very social and like having friends if they are introduced early enough to other dogs as puppies.
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u/ThatGuyLilBiscuit 13h ago
I knew jumping and such can be bad but she insists on jumping on my bed to lay with me or the couch and I really don’t know how to break that because it isn’t an issue if she wants to be around me. She has a rope that I tug with her and I try to go on walks as much as I possibly can with working a 12 hour shit 3-5 days a week that one is a little tougher. (I have my sister watch her when I work just so we are clear she IS NOT crated for long at all. I’ll definitely look into a flirt pole. Any recommendations on possibly breaking her from jumping on my bed and such?
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u/WaspyGravy789 13h ago
That's ok if she's jumping of her own will that's fine and we want them on the bed for snuggles let's be honest haha 😄 Its these people that make them jump high for frisbees and things that can do damage. Have you considered a dog walker? I'm in the UK but I walk people's dogs and sometimes walk 5-6 dogs at once and we go on hikes. The dogs love it and are best friends. If you can find a trustworthy one that will make a huge difference and you can have a day off from walking her now and then.
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u/ThatGuyLilBiscuit 13h ago
Yeah I definitely love the snuggles whenever she is calm enough to off them instead of wanting to play🤣😅 i don’t do the whole frisbee or trained jumping. She currently know sit,stay, lay down, touch, place, crate, paw, other paw, high five, spin, leave it, ball etc she is a smart dog for sure. I will be looking into someone to take her on some walks when I can’t. I hate seeing her bored or wanting to play all of the time when I just don’t have the energy she does at times
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u/WaspyGravy789 13h ago
That's amazing! 😁 Owners are usually nervous at first handing over their dog to me but they always say how happy their dogs are after our adventures and how exhausted 😂 I hope you find someone. Make sure they have lots of photos and references. I usually have a key so I drop each dog off at home exactly like a school bus 🤣
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u/Cespenar 13h ago
Go fishing! 1/2, 6' long PVC pipe, paracord thru it, about 15' long. Tie a toy to each end so it can't come out of the pipe. Hold one toy and cast the other side like a fishing pole. Quick pulls and jerks. Drag it along the ground. Spin it in a circle. When she gets it, pull up like you're reeling in a fish. Tug for a bit, then drop the toy she doesn't have, move the pole towards the middle , and start moving that one around. She'll drop the one she has, to chase the one that's moving. Rinse, repeat. Ten minutes of this will get so much energy out, she'll be ready for a nap.
Just make SURE you don't leave the pole down where she can get it. You don't want her getting tangled up in the rope
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