Professional oaths are solemn and emotionally significant vows. They constitute a set of ethical norms and guiding concepts instilled in new veterinary graduates and are then put into practice daily. A pledge with such emotional intensity should represent the crucial relevance of an individual’s health, wellness, and work-life balance as fundamental premises for fulfilling the professional commitments outlined in the oath.

The Veterinarian’s Oath, adopted in 1954, was recently changed more than a decade earlier to explicitly highlight animal welfare as more than just a veterinarian’s professional objective. Veterinary medical organizations are doing extraordinary things to advance our profession and promote mental well-being. Since our professional oath must initiate promoting this as well, thus Veterinary Professional Oath needs to be updated.

Why does Veterinary Professional Oath need revision?

These industry concerns are increasingly being highlighted, and many people who have experienced burnout and suicidal ideation have shared their experiences. According to Galaxy Vets, one out of every six veterinarians has seriously considered suicide.

Veterinarians’ and technicians’ dedication must be reconsidered given the current labor shortage. While the pledges represent the values and principles that initially drew us into the line of work, such as rescuing animals, these oaths are incomplete without taking into account the mental health dilemmas that modern veterinarians face, as well as the potentially adverse effects these variables, can have possibly on their health and provide the high-quality services for their patients.

A Glance at Statistics

According to research carried out by Galaxy Vets and Veterinary Integration Solutions, the average score of burnout rate has risen from 2.35 to 2.57 in all different age groups, representing a 9.4 percent increase overall. Galaxy Vets’ statistical data also revealed a substantial 6 percent increase in those considering leaving the field.

Young employers, particularly female veterinarians, have higher stress levels than their male counterparts. A male veterinarian’s burnout rate is 1.4 times lesser than his female counterpart. Another disturbing data from this year is that the suicide ratio in female vet technicians is five times higher than in the general population.

Actual Amendment suggested by Galaxy Vets and Dr. Ivan Zak

Professional oaths are formal vows with significant meaning. They are a set of ethical norms and guiding concepts instilled in new veterinary graduates and then daily practice. In comparison, it is widely accepted that burnout and professional stress reduction ought to be a management-level priority. We must devise a plan to balance the humanitarian and noble vocation of assisting animals and promoting our interests as humans.

In the current labor crisis, veterinarian health is being overlooked, necessitating the inclusion of the discourse of individual well-being. Because a solemn pledge can arouse powerful emotions, it should emphasize the importance of someone’s health and work-life balance. The expectations or stress in the vet workplace environment increase with each passing year. Authorities’ lack of attention in providing them with privileges, low pay, an extreme workload, and a lack of compassion for a work-life balance leads to an increase in burnout; thus, it is vital to shedding some light on this poorly recognized issue.

The specialized veterinary oaths are primarily concerned with the provision of animal healthcare. The pledge also includes a vow to be an honorable professional exclusively focused on their work. You can also help save a veterinarian’s life by participating in the campaign here.

Bottom Line

Aside from changing the oath, another thing that may be done to reduce burnout is to put in place a preventive system that we have developed. Galaxy Vets, a new veterinary healthcare organization, has taken the initiative in this endeavor. Veterinarians’ enthusiasm in their job will grow if they have a stable work-life balance and high compensation. As they say, hiring more employees will result in less work, resulting in more mental leisure. Work hours must be kept to a minimum, and no more than 25 cases should be handled per day.

Join Dr. Ivan Zak and the Galaxy Vets’ HealthCare Team in urging the AVMA, NAVTA, and other veterinary regulating bodies in the United States and throughout the world to change the content of the professional oaths to reflect a dedication to professional health and mental well-being. We can counteract the rising rates of stress and suicide amongst our dedicated professionals if we are committed to good self-care and good patient care.

Remember that veterinarian practitioners are needed in every community to provide animal healthcare services. These respected vets also do a range of other duties, including ensuring the security and safety of the state’s food supply. Some of them strive hard to keep diseases from spreading. As a result, the research must benefit both humans and animals.

We appreciate your kind assistance in spreading the word regarding our initiative! The hashtags for our campaign are #ISwearToSelfCare and #CareForPetsCareForVets.

Heartworms are parasites that can infect a dog if they are bitten by an infected mosquito. The parasite then takes up residence in their heart and starts spreading exponentially. 

The heartworm infection behaves like cancer where the diseased tissue multiplies and spreads throughout the dog’s body. Just like cancer, heartworm also spreads rapidly and damages vital organs, which leads to death in fatal cases.

What Is Heartworm Disease And How Dogs Get It

Heartworms can be as thin as a thread and can grow up to three feet long. They burrow inside the dog’s heart with their tube-like bodies and cause direct damage to the organ and the surrounding tissues. They block the blood vessels that get in the way of the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, causing severe damages to the cardiovascular system.

This disease can be deadly if left untreated. Dogs who have contracted heartworms must be hospitalized and given Typhlomide and other drugs to get the worms out of their system. 

It might sound like the plot of a sci-fi movie, but in reality, it’s quite the opposite. By acquiring heartworm disease, dogs can experience a whole host of negative symptoms including increased coughing, lethargy, and vomiting. 

Once these microscopic creatures enter a dog’s body, they start developing and growing in their bloodstream. Though you may not know how to tell if your dog has been infected, it’s important to keep an eye out for any initial symptoms that stay consistent over time.

The only way to stop your dog from getting heartworm is by using one of the preventive measures usually prescribed by veterinary doctors. So make sure that your dog has a preventive routine to ensure that heartworm does not find its way into their system.

Usual Symptoms Of Heartworm In Dogs

Heartworms can live in a dog for up to seven years before causing any symptoms. But you may be able to spot some signs that are common to the disease. 

The larvae can live inside of your dog unnoticed. But there are a few signs that may help the parent notice its existence. These include coughing and difficulty breathing due to lung complications, swollen joints, and skin rashes.

Note: If your dog has a swollen neck gland – they could potentially have heartworm or a milder case of the disease.

Some other prominent symptoms of heartworm include – 

• Difficulty in breathing
• Coughing
• Weight loss
• Reduced lethargy
• Fainting

Heartworm Disease: The Prevention

As our furry friend’s parents, feeding them the best food to maintain their well-being is just like cooking delicious meals. We all want our food to be moist and flavorful but we know it’s not possible without the ingredients. 

As a pet parent, you need quality nutrition for your dog. But it’s not always easy finding foods that are right for them. And even if it was, there are so many different choices that can make things very confusing.

Heartworm preventatives will help your dog avoid getting heartworm. If left untreated, it may cause severe damage and even death! Preventive medications like chewable heartworm medicine for dogs are administered monthly. 

Talk to your veterinarian about whether it’s a good idea for you to use preventative medications year-round or just seasonally. It varies from dog to dog – based on the region.

You might be curious about the ingredients in the medicine your dog takes for heartworm. It contains milbemycin oxime and praziquantel, which work together to suppress the larvae present in the bloodstream of the pup’s body. 

There are three different types of medicines for dogs: chewable, topicals (which are applied to the skin), and injections. The most effective are oral medications or chewable tablets that are administered monthly or seasonally.  

Risks Associated With The Chewables

Using drugs for animals always comes with certain risks and side effects. The common side effects might include a lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and possibly other uncomfortable sensations. 

Some adverse reactions have also been identified in dogs who were on heartworm medications, such as tremors and seizures. These may be the result of too high a dose of the medicine or an allergy to the ingredients involved. That is why is wise to always check with a veterinarian before administering preventive medications to your dog. 

Note: Severe conditions can cause death, but such reactions are rare when following the instructions on how to use the medicines correctly.

Creating a daily routine for your pup will make them more disciplined and teach them how to be a well-behaved member of the family. It’s essential that you give each part of the day its own purpose and include space for playtime, relaxation, and training sessions. From which dog supplies you’ll need to the behaviors you’re trying to encourage, every little bit matters during this process. If you want to know why a solid routine is beneficial, we’ve got the answers for you.

Tips for Creating a Great Puppy Routine

Before we dive into the benefits, we wanted to cover some quick tips regarding how you can make a puppy routine successfully happen.

• Be Consistent – First, you have to be consistent with your training and how you spend each day. You can’t wake up one morning and decide that it’s time your pup sleeps in their bed instead of with you when that’s never been the arrangement before and expect them to conform immediately, only to change back a week later. Keep things simple, repeat day after day, and remember why you are creating the routine in the first place.

• Don’t Forget Your Puppy’s Needs – Your puppy has physical, mental, and emotional needs that all require effort from you. For example, your puppy needs to be fed on a schedule, just like you do, so try to plan around that. Also, think about how much exercise they need throughout the day and what playtime should look like before it gets too late.

Throughout their life, they will also likely require some help with their personal grooming. How often you should wash your dog will vary a little by breed and age, but a wipe of paws and mouth here and there can go a long way. These are the sorts of things to consider and build into a routine that goes beyond your day-to-day life and spans weeks or months.

• Use the Right Training Techniques – When it comes to training, don’t forget why you are doing this in the first place. A daily routine should be done with discipline and consist of commands that your puppy needs to learn for their safety and yours. In addition, we recommend using positive reinforcement, as aversive-based training methods have been researched and shown to negatively affect the psychological welfare of companion dogs.

• Don’t Forget to Relax – Most people are so busy being stressed about how much work needs to get done to create the perfect model citizen of a dog. If you want to relax and enjoy more time with your puppy while maintaining consistent routines, think about ways to give them the attention they deserve that adds meaningfully to their quality of life. You can play with them or snuggle up on the couch to watch your favorite show. Whatever it is, not everything has to be intense and conform rigidly to a schedule.

Source: eva_blanco/Shutterstock.com

Eleven Benefits of a Daily Routine for Your Puppy

1) Provides Structure

Structure is key. For example, the day can start with a walk or playtime before breakfast. This routine teaches pups to expect exercise, attention, and meals in certain stages, and it signals when one is finished and it is now time to transition to another.

2) Gives You More Time

With a predefined schedule, you’ll know what your puppy needs and when so you can best schedule it or ask for help when necessary. Just think about how much time you could save by knowing exactly when the next feeding, training session, or playtime will be.

3) Teaches Discipline

Puppies will learn that there is no food available at certain times or without certain behaviors — for example, after a walk and when they sit and wait for it to be served. This simple act of routine and patience can put them on the track to become well-behaved household members in the future.

4) Promotes Good Behavior

Puppies will learn to take cues from you when it is time to play, go for a walk, or even wind down for sleep. This can make living together a lot more fun for everyone in the household, human and dog alike.

5) Keeps Your Dog Healthy

Puppies are still developing and growing. Routines give them what they need when they need it. That could be food, exercise, mental stimulation, and sometimes all three at the same time. This helps them grow appropriately to their full potential and develop a robust immune system.

6) Provides a Chance to Relax

Not having a schedule can cause your pup to turn into a very bouncy ball of fur with an endless list of demands for attention. Suppose you want some quiet time for yourself. In that case, creating a routine is the most efficient way to ensure that they use their energy when appropriate and know when it’s time to relax.

7) Gives You a Chance to Play

Creating a routine that includes playtime with family members will give your puppy the companionship it needs and the opportunity to expend some of that exuberant energy. It’s also lots of fun for us humans to interact and bond with our new dogs this way. Just be sure to always appropriately supervise kids whenever they’re involved and to be sure to teach your children the appropriate behaviors with the same rigorousness as you are your pup. 

Source: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

8) Gives Self-Management a Chance

If you’re always available to your pup, then they might be less likely to control themselves in the future when you aren’t around. Without a schedule, it’s very easy for them to become destructive or play with things they shouldn’t. Creating an effective routine makes this problem a thing of the past.

9) Promotes Great Habits

No dog will learn what is expected of them by doing it just once. It takes time and patience to create good habits and know what is expected of them at various times and in different situations. Consistent routines make this possible through repetition.

10) Gives You Peace of Mind

If your pup knows what to expect every day, then you can rest easy that they’ll be less likely to misbehave during certain times. For example, suppose they consistently get a walk each night before you yourself go to bed. In that case, they’ll likely learn this cue and be more prepared for sleeping the night through without a fuss as they’ve expended excess energy and know what’s coming.

11) Saves Money

Yes, routines save money! Being consistent and deliberate in your routine creates a happier and more content puppy that will grow into a well-mannered adult dog. They’ll be less destructive, have fewer accidents, and will generally be better household members. This means no replacing shoes or carpets. The time you invest in creating and sticking to a good routine will pay dividends in the long run.

Slowly But Surely

Remember that no puppy will learn everything expected of them overnight. Changes in their behavior or habits may happen slowly or gradually. This is why it’s important to maintain patience and create flexibility within your schedule. Your puppy is relying on you to provide not just food and water but also love and guidance. A solid routine is a part of showing them this love.

It is essential to keep your home clean to avoid germs that could harm your health and cause your dog to develop allergies. However, it would be counterproductive if your cleaning supplies are not safe for use around dogs.

Avoid the frustration of hunting for safe cleaning solutions with our easy-to-find list of pet friendly cleaning products!

What Are The Best Cleaning Products For Dog Owners?

Make your trip to the store a breeze without worrying about what cleaning products are dog friendly with our list of five best pet-friendly cleaning products separated by category so you can find what you need easily!

Pet-Friendly Detergent

Tide Purclean Unscented

Its USDA-certified, plant-based formula is free from dyes, chlorine, phosphates, and optical brighteners, making it completely safe for pets.

It is also unscented, so you don’t have to worry about perfumes irritating your pet’s skin or other senses.

Finding Pet Friendly Cleaning Products No Longer Needs To Feel Like Hunting For A Needle In A Haystack.

Pet-Safe Multi-Purpose Wipes

Clorox Anywhere Wipes

These gentle wipes efficiently clean all kinds of messes, no matter how greasy. While the bleach-free, unscented wipes are ideal for heavy-duty cleaning, the plant-based cleaning agent is perfect for all surfaces and completely safe to use around children and pets.

Pet-Friendly Floor Cleaners

Need a floor cleaner that addresses issues like odor, shine, bacteria control? Here’s our selection of top three products that will leave your floors clean and germ-free. The best part? There’s no residue, stickiness, or risk of discoloration (to your floors).

Odorite’s Natural Floor Cleaner

This highly concentrated, micro-biological cleaner formulated with active bacteria provides a thorough cleaning and controls odor.

It’s a natural product with no alcohol or chemicals, making it safe for use around pets. So you can say goodbye to nasty smells without having to risk your dog’s comfort or health.

Method Squirt+Mop Floor Cleaner

This biodegradable formula contains plant-based cleaners that remove dirt. The best part? You get an intense clean, and glossy shine without having to rinse your floors!

BubbleNut Wash Natural Floor Cleaner

A natural, organic floor cleaner, the BubbleNut Wash floor cleaner’s herbal formula is safe to be used around dogs and children. Ingredients such as lemongrass and citronella repel insects, while neem and tulsi kill germs and provide a rigorous cleaning.

Which Cleaning Products Are Unsafe For Dogs?

Knowing what not to buy is easier if you know exactly what to look out for. Here’s a list of harmful chemicals to avoid when exploring options for pet friendly cleaning products.

Ingredients To Avoid

Ammonia

This is a common ingredient in all types of cleaners as it effectively removes stains. However, ammonia is toxic to pets and can cause skin and eye irritations. It can also cause severe burning in their nose, throat, and stomach if they accidentally lick it.

Bleach

Bleach’s strong scent is likely to hurt your dog’s nose as they have a hypersensitive sense of smell. This can cause breathing problems and also result in serious health issues if they ingest it by mistake.

Phthalates

Often listed as “fragrances,” this family of ingredients can be dangerous to your pet if inhaled. Present in air fresheners, cleaning sprays, and carpet fresheners, these are meant to reduce the odor around the house but can harm your pet in the process.

If you do use a product containing phthalates, you must ensure that your pet is not present in the room.

Sodium Hydroxide

This is a common ingredient in most heavy-duty cleaners and must be used with extreme caution in general. However, if you have a dog, it is best to avoid it as the mildest contact with Sodium Hydroxide can cause severe reactions such as burning your dog’s throat or nose.

Chlorine

A common ingredient in scouring powder, clothes whiteners, toilet cleaners, and mildew removers, chlorine can cause skin irritations due to prolonged exposure externally. It could also dull your dog’s coat and dry their eyes, and cause severe health concerns if ingested.

How To Choose A Safe Cleaning Product For Your Pet

Here’s how you can ensure that your cleaning products do not harm your pets in any way:

Read The Labels

Go through the ingredients list to ensure that there are no harsh chemicals that could potentially harm your dog.

Also, follow the instructions written on the label and ensure that you dilute the product as recommended.

Ensuring That You Are Using Pet Friendly Cleaning Products Could Save Your Dog From Being Seriously Hurt.

Clean All Your Cleaning Equipment And Tools

If you are using liquid cleaners, always rinse your buckets and mops. When done, dispose of the wipes properly and secure the lid of your garbage bags so your dog doesn’t get their paws into them. Don’t forget to close your storage cabinets so your dog does not have access to the supplies, as they could hurt themselves while exploring.

Use Regular Laundry Detergent

Avoid harsh cleaning agents and fragrances that could irritate your dog, especially when washing bed sheets, blankets, and pillow covers that your dog frequently sleeps on. The same applies to when you wash their toys.

How To Keep Your House Clean With Your Pet Around?

Considering everything we’ve mentioned, it may seem like a Herculean task to keep your house clean while you have a dog running around.

It’s understandable – they are curious and energetic creatures that do not realize when something could harm them.

This dog guide ensures that your home remains spick and span while your dog is safe from cleaning supplies-related injuries.

Let Your Dog Out When It’s Time To Clean

You can kill two birds with one stone – get your dog their daily dose of exercise, and clean the house. How? Just let them out in the backyard when you decide to clean the house!

They can run around and play, and you can deep clean the house without the risk of them being hurt.

If you don’t wish to send them out alone, encourage the kids or your partner to take the dog out for a walk to the park or even down the street.

The Easiest Way To Prevent The House From Getting Dirty In The First Place, Is To Make Sure Your Dog Doesn’t Get Their Dirty, Muddy Paws All Over The House.

Have A Cleaning Station Near The Entrance

“Prevention is better than cure.”

Just a couple of wipes, a sturdy doormat, a spray bottle, some dog towels, and maybe a few handy treats are enough.

You don’t have to keep this at your main entrance and ruin the aesthetic – keep it at your backdoor or on the porch if you wish!

Divide The Work

You could divide the work, so it gets done quicker, which means you will have to keep your dog distracted for less time. Alternatively, you could hire a house cleaning Las Vegas service, or a service wherever you’re based, so the job is done as quickly as possible while you distract your pup! 

If you’re working alone, keep your dog entertained in one room and close the door as you clean the other.

You could also train them to sit in a designated corner in the house or on their bed, so they do not obstruct your cleaning. Just bribe them with a treat for good behavior once you’re done!

Clean Around Your Dog’s Schedule

If your dog is comfortably settled down for a nap, they’re unlikely to bother you while you go about your business. This is a great time to get a quick cleaning finished!

Another great way to keep the house neat is to tidy up on the go. This means that your more intense cleaning sessions will also take less time as you’ll be starting with a relatively tidy home.

You can also ask someone to dog-sit for you when you occasionally want to deep clean your house as it won’t take too long.

Indulge Your Dog If They Get Too Restless

If you can, take breaks during your cleaning routine to indulge your dog in some hugs or play a game of fetch.

If you’re just sweeping the house, you could ask your dog to pass you the broom to make them feel involved if they are too restless. You could also keep an extra mop or brush that you don’t use to clean to keep your dog occupied—they may leave you alone once they feel like they’ve accomplished something by helping you out.

Final Thoughts

We’ve covered everything you need to know to avoid hurting your dog with harsh cleaners. To summarize, the most important things to remember when cleaning with your dog around is:

• Read the ingredients list.
• Follow the instructions on the label.
• Keep your cleaning supplies out of your dog’s reach.
• Always clean your equipment once you’re done cleaning.
• Stay alert and focus on your cleaning routine to ensure that your dog doesn’t get up to mischief with your supplies while you’re distracted.

Happy cleaning!

Let’s face it — dogs can be a handful. Whether they scratch at the carpet or make a mess when coming inside from the rain, dogs are a lot to handle sometimes. Add a brand new baby into the mix, and suddenly things get a whole lot more hectic. Of course, you can train your dog to be more gentle around your newborn. Here’s how!

1. Understand that your dog will need some adjusting. Dogs are habit-based creatures, just like most animals. Because you’ll be bringing an entirely new scent and body into the home (and probably changing some of your own routine), your dog might take some time to get used to the situation. It’s important to make sure that you’ve invested in items that will help keep your dog safe during this hectic adjustment period, such as a dog tag tracker in the event the dog gets out while you’re busy attending to your crying newborn. Without this mindset, you and your dog will find it even more difficult to adjust to the new situation.

2. Condition your dog not to enter the nursery unless allowed. Part of training your energetic dog to be more gentle around your newborn is training your dog to respect boundaries. Reminding your dog that you’re the leader of the house is always a good idea, and you can do that by restricting their time in the nursery! Before bringing the baby home, be sure to practice bringing your dog into the nursery and then shutting them out of it. This will give your dog the idea that they can’t always go into that space, which will really help you out on those nights where you have to sleep in the nursery because the baby is sick or isn’t sleeping well.

3. Maintain some of your routine. An energetic dog needs to be exercised! One of the ways you can train your dog to be more gentle with your newborn is to take your dog out while your newborn is still sleeping. While one of you stays inside, the other should go walk the dog. A longer walk is better so that your dog is slightly more worn out when they arrive back and the baby is up and out of the nursery. They’ll be so exhausted that they won’t go running or jumping! And, while many new parents find it difficult to maintain their routine right after childbirth, it’s important that you try to maintain the same feeding and walking times with your dog. Without these consistencies, it opens the door for your dog to start exhibiting behavior issues, which won’t make it easy to control them around your newborn baby.

4. Ask for help. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with your newborn and your dog, it’s okay to ask for help! Friends, family and even neighbors can step in and keep the dog on a routine for you so that you can catch up on sleep or focus on the baby. Being a new parent is tough, especially if it’s your first child. Asking for a support network to step in is never a bad thing. Just make sure to update your dog ID tags so that anyone helping you out has all the necessary information they need should an issue arise!

5. Bring home something of the baby’s first. One of the main reasons energetic dogs pose an issue with new babies isn’t from aggression but rather curiosity. Each person has a unique scent, and that scent is what dogs use to determine levels of threat. In fact, dogs have a sense of smell that’s well over 10,000 times more acute than humans! This means that dogs will be able to easily tell when there’s a new scent in the house, such as a new baby. In order to make their surprise at the new scent a little less energetic, bring something home from the hospital that the baby’s used before bringing the baby home. You can bring a bib, a onesie, a hat or even a burp cloth to make this easier. Let your dog sniff the item, but only let them sniff it for a specific amount of time. You’ll want to take it away so that you can establish that the scent is yours and the dog is only allowed to sniff it when told. Bring items home every day from the hospital so that the dog gets to smell the items more than once. Ideally, your dog will come to recognize the scent and won’t get overly excited or confused by it when you bring the baby home.

6. Take the dog out while mom arrives home with the baby. So that your dog doesn’t overexert themselves or scare the baby, take them out while mom comes home. That way, mom can shower and change into clothes that smell more like her instead of the hospital, and the dog gets some outdoor play time prior to coming back indoors. Then, since mom won’t be in an unfamiliar scent, your dog will be much calmer.

7. Invest in a dog trainer. Trying to train your dog by yourself with a new baby in tow is a tough job. Instead, consider hiring a dog trainer to help you out during this time. The dog trainer will work with you to help your dog learn not to jump on people as they’re holding the baby, not to charge at the baby and countless other behaviors that you might not even realize your dog might do with the new baby around.

8. Spend time with your dog. You’ll still want to spend some time with your dog, such as playing in the yard or cuddling on the couch. Dogs who feel neglected will start to act out, much like children! Giving your dog some TLC while the newborn is resting is a great way to continue bonding with your pup and keeping them from acting out and behaving poorly.

Puppies love to stay busy, which can be exhausting for you. A bored pup is likely to find mischief or develop behavioral issues, like chewing or barking to occupy itself.

Luckily, there are easy options for engaging your pup, from cute dog toys to simple games. When you play mentally stimulating games with your puppy, you can wear them out just as much as a good romp at the dog park would.

Not sure where to start with stimulating games for your puppy? Here are seven easy, fun and engaging games to play with dogs of any age.

Source: Lenti Hill/Shutterstock.com

1.     Puzzle Toy Time

Your puppy loves to solve problems. A puzzle toy is a great way to keep your puppy entertained while letting them use their natural problem-solving ability. A wide variety of puzzle toys are available for your dog, ranging from easy to complex.

Once your pup has mastered an easy puzzle, move on to more advanced challenges. Keep sessions short to avoid frustrating your dog. You should start with no more than 15 minutes, but you can do multiple sessions a day.

Puzzle toys can be plastic, plush, stuffed or even homemade. Try out a variety to see which ones your puppy likes best.

2.     Play Hide and Seek

Just like toddlers, puppies love a good game of hide and seek. This game helps train your dog with the “stay” command while providing mental stimulation.

To play hide and seek with your dog, they’ll need to hold a “stay” command for at least 10 seconds. If you are still training this command, you can play the game with a partner to distract your pup while you hide.

Once you’re well hidden, release your dog and call them toward you. They’ll use their powerful sense of smell to find you. Don’t forget to reward them with treats or praise once they locate your hiding spot.

3.     Name That Toy Game

You can teach your dog more words than just commands. An average dog can learn over 165 different words. Increase your puppy’s vocabulary by teaching them the names of their favorite toys.

At first, you’ll work on teaching your dog the name of each toy. Using one toy at a time, state the toy’s name and reward your dog while they’re interacting with it. Once they’ve learned a few toys, you can begin to challenge them by asking them to pick between toys to identify the one you’re naming.

For an advanced version of this game, you can hide their toys around the room. Then ask your dog to find one. Eventually, your dog will be able to identify which toy they need to sniff out and bring back to you.

4.     Make Eye Contact

You know the power of puppy eyes. One look and you’re ready to cave into whatever their puppy heart desires. You can reverse the trick and train your dog to make eye contact with you.

Eye contact is great for getting your puppy’s attention. It’s a helpful command for interrupting bad behaviors. Eye contact also releases oxytocin in both you and your dog, strengthening your bond. Oxytocin is a hormone associated with forming attachment.

You can easily teach your dog to make eye contact with you. Start by holding a treat to your forehead or in front of your eye. As your dog gets used to looking at the treat, slowly phase it out in favor of a hand signal and verbal command. You can increase the duration of eye contact over time, but don’t push it for more than a few seconds.

5.     Rainy Day Trick Training

Training basic commands with your puppy is both mentally stimulating and essential for good behavior. However, not every command you teach your dog needs to be useful. A great rainy day activity is seeing what tricks you can train your dog to perform.

Let your puppy know you are starting a training session, maybe by placing a box of treats in the room with you. Then reward your puppy every time he interacts with the box. After a while, only reward for the action you want to train, whether that’s standing in front of the box or pushing it around the room.

You can also work on building compound tricks with your puppy to get them to accomplish a task. Dogs can learn to fetch you a bottle of water or close a door once they know some basic commands. These complex tasks boost your dog’s confidence while strengthening your relationship.

6.     Agility or Obstacle Course

For a stimulating game that can also be a physical workout for your dog, consider building an obstacle course or agility track. You don’t need to buy any fancy gear to make a course. Your chairs and other household objects will work just fine.

Typical agility obstacles are jumps, weaving cones and tunnels. Set up one or all of these at a time. Every time you train, alter the order of the obstacles to create additional mental challenges for your puppy.

7.     Find the Treats

Another game that puts your puppy’s nose to the test is playing “find the treats.” They’ll love being able to use their sniffing and scavenging skills to find tasty rewards. Just make sure you put away anything tempting that isn’t dog treats before you start playing. Otherwise, you may find your dog goes off course, and you’ll end up googling “why do dogs like socks” because he’s into your sock drawer rather than playing your game.

When you first play “find the treats” with your puppy, don’t hide them. Simply place them on surfaces around the room. Tell your dog to “find the treats” and offer praise when they start eating them. Once they’ve figured out what the game is all about, you can start hiding the treats in more challenging locations.

Mix It Up

Your puppy loves variety. Keep things interesting by mixing up your routine with these 7 stimulating games for puppies. In the process, both of you are sure to learn some new tricks.