Brain Games for Dogs: Fun Ways to Build a Strong Bond with Your Dog and Provide It with Vital Mental Stimulation

by Claire Arrowsmith

Ideal for the growing number of dog owners who know that mental activity is as important as exercise when it comes to their dog's health and happiness. This book provides more than just fun ways to challenge a dog's thinking and puzzle-solving ability. Claire Arrowsmith strongly suggests that such challenges help build a strong bond between a dog and its owner. She examines the accepted evidence of the importance of mental stimulation and why it's important to use only reward-based teaching methods. She also explains how to use hand signals and incorporate mental challenges and learning into everyday activities. Icons for each game indicate whether it is interactive, solo or group, where it can be played, the level of difficulty and whether any props or toys are used. Some of these great games With straightforward text and full-color photographs, Brain Games for Dogs is a valuable guide to important elements for successful and fun dog training.

Genres: Dogs, Nonfiction, Animals, Reference

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Marty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of ideas for games to play. We do some of them already. Some new ideas: put toys into toybox. put food or treats in a big box with crumpled paper. put treats in a kong and hang it with a bungee cord from a clothline or something similar. attach a toy to a retractable lead for chasing or for tug of war. For an older, less mobile dog: balance a treat on a paw. balance a treat on the nose. put a treat under one of three pots and find the correct pot.

[Kathy (McDowell) Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are a lot of tricks in this book if you are willing to spend the time to teach your dog. The book is relatively short (160 pgs), but difficult to read. The general description of each game or trick is explained at first in each chapter. However, when the author goes on to explain details of the game or trick, the font immediately changes to a more decorative font that is half the size of the original font (very difficult to read), and the pictures do not follow any kind of order; they're all over the page. Do yourself a favor and get a book that explains tricks clearly in a readable font.

[Maddie Bottles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have a puppy that, no matter what you do, always finds trouble? Does your puppy seem bored and is always eager to play (like my dog)? In Brain Games For Dogs, your active pup gets a chance to express his/her creative and athletic side. This book is exceptionally good because it gives the difficulty in stars. Depending on what game, the difficulty can be expressed through stars. For example, 'which cup is the treat in?' could have a difficulty level of 1 star(very easy) or 5 stars(advanced difficulty). With games like fetch, which cup is the treat in?, and many more, your pup will have a fabulous time learning new brain games and NOT getting into trouble!

[Des Pemberton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good ideas for keeping a dog entertained. One of my two dogs, a golden-doodle dog, is quite responsive to a lot of these games; however, my golden retriever bitch, Lola, has a politicians view: she'll happily take the rewards for minimal effort and results. Overall, if you've the time and patience you can be well rewarded by following the good advice and teaching in this book, unless you've a dog (bitch, in more ways than one) like Lola.

[Gloria · Rating 2 out of 5]

An okay book; have seen a few better ones in terms of layout and design. Picked up a few ideas but nothing new really, having gone through a few other books.

[Jen]

Cute ideas for playing with doggos!

[Heather S]

Some fun ideas in here, but I found the format difficult to follow. I am enjoying "Fun & Games for a Smarter Dog" more.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a few new ideas but isn't super creative relatively. The format is very bad - like you can't follow the steps because they jump all over the page with the pictures. There were a few interesting ideas that I want to try but I didn't feel like this was as useful as expected.

[Leanna Aker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great color illustrated book with lots of ideas for games to play with your dog to keep his/her brain engaged. There are a wide variety of activities, for different kinds of dogs in different environments. The author was very creative in using household items to create toys for dogs. This gave me lots of great ideas for my puppy.

[Mike Mclaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found our English Springer Spaniel was getting bored playing the same stuff all the time. I bought this book, and it is one of the best books I've bought. A lot of the ideas we do, but there are loads more to try and keep your dog/dogs alert. I can't recommend this book enough, it's well written, laid out, and pleasing to the eye. Def 5* book, well worth the money!

[Mavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb book. Full of brilliant games to keep the dog's mind stimulated and to help strengthen the bond between dog and owner. I bought this book for a friend with a very active border collie. Her erratic behaviour is much improved and you can see that she is happy and relaxed.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly basic training. Nothing new or interesting for a big dog that is already well trained unless I want to teach my dog to get me tissues. Most 'games' are more suited for smaller dogs. Unless you live in a large house and get your 40kg dog completing agility courses in your house.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has WONDERFUL ideas, with very easy step by step instructions. Cannon and Faith already are working on a new trick!

[AnnieM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas and easy to implement. Excellent color illustrations and clear instructions on how train your dog in a positive manner.

[Nannette Serra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading the book and had many positive thoughts while reading. But, the dogs refused to read it and were not as positive about it as I was.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference that I wish I'd had last winter.

[Laurla2]

lots of pictures. helpful, easy to read. but nothing much i hadnt read already. (i've read a lot)

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very clear, concise, well-organized collection of basic dog training skills, games and info. All things I already knew. I was hoping for more, but it will be handy for any novice.

[Erin L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some fun tricks to try training our next dog. Or our first foster.

[Asl4u · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book -lots of ideas for doing stuff with your dog. I've made a list...
Worth the read