Top 5 Fun Games to Mentally Stimulate Your Dog
Just like us, dogs need more than just physical exercise — they also crave mental stimulation. Whether your pup is a high-energy Border Collie or a relaxed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, engaging their brain can help reduce boredom, prevent behaviour issues and strengthen your bond. At Petdirect, we get that mental stimulation is key to your dog’s overall wellbeing. That’s why we’ve rounded up the five best mental games for dogs that are fun, enriching and perfect for New Zealand dogs of all ages and energy levels.
1. Treat Puzzle Toys
Treat-dispensing puzzle toys are fantastic brain-boosters for dogs. They encourage your pup to problem-solve, improving focus and patience. Whether it’s a classic KONG filled with peanut butter and frozen, or an advanced puzzle by Nina Ottosson, there's something for every skill level.
For dogs new to puzzles, start easy and gradually increase the difficulty to keep them enthused. These toys can also help slow down fast eaters or keep dogs occupied when home alone. Explore our range of interactive dog toys to find the perfect match for your pup’s play style.
2. Snuffle Mats
A snuffle mat mimics natural foraging by hiding treats or kibble within fabric folds, encouraging your dog to sniff out their snack. This taps into their instinctive behaviours and can be especially calming for anxious or high-energy dogs during downtime or rainy days.
Pair your snuffle mat with some healthy training treats or even part of their daily kibble to make mealtime more engaging. It’s a low-effort way to make meals more fun without adding extra calories — ideal for dogs on weight management plans.
3. Hide And Seek
Dogs love using their noses, and playing hide and seek is a pawsitively fun way to activate their sniffing superpowers. Hide treats around the house or garden and let your dog search them out. You can also make it more challenging by hiding a favourite toy like those from Yours Droolly.
This game is mentally enriching and great for boosting your dog’s confidence too. For added structure, use cues like “find it” to help them understand the task.
4. Shell Game
If your dog is a fan of puzzles, try the classic shell game. Place a treat under one of three cups, shuffle them, and encourage your dog to choose the right one. It’s a brilliant way to test memory and critical thinking.
Try playing with soft, pet-safe cups or invest in specialised dog game sets from our value toy collection for some tail-wagging brain training.
5. Trick Training With Treat Rewards
Teaching new commands like “roll over”, “paw” or “spin” isn't just fun — it’s a fantastic mental workout. Trick training not only sharpens your dog’s focus and memory, but also improves your communication and strengthens your bond.
Use tasty training treats and keep sessions short and upbeat. If your dog gets the zoomies after dinner, an evening trick session is the perfect way to wind down before bedtime.
Why Mental Stimulation Matters
Mental stimulation plays a vital role in supporting your dog’s behavioural, emotional and overall health. Engaged dogs are happier, more relaxed and often easier to train. In fact, enrichment activities like puzzle play, trick training and scent work are highly recommended by many dog trainers and behaviourists in Aotearoa.
If your pup shows signs of boredom or restlessness (think shoe chewing or barking at the garden hose), it might just mean they need more mental challenges in their daily routine. Adding a few games into their week can make all the difference.
Wrap Up: Let the Games Begin!
Getting started is easy — all you need is a few fun dog toys, your dog’s favourite treats and a bit of time each day to play together. From treat puzzles to hide and seek, these mentally stimulating games will keep your dog feeling happy, challenged and truly loved.
At Petdirect, we know enrichment goes beyond toys — it’s about nurturing your dog’s whole wellbeing. That’s why we also offer calming solutions, supplements, and nutritious pet food to help keep your best mate thriving. Don’t forget to join our Pet Perks programme to earn daily rewards while you shop!