How important is brain work for your dog?
In addition to physical challenges (think walking, swimming, or sports), a dog also needs mental stimulation. Engaging your dog's brain stimulates various senses, resulting in a happy and relaxed dog. A fun way to mentally challenge your dog is through brain games. In this blog, you’ll learn what brain games exactly involve and how you and your dog can embark on a sniffing adventure together.

What are brain games?
Brain games involve searching for a reward hidden in different types of materials and objects. Dogs are mentally challenged and encouraged to use their noses. They need to think creatively to get their reward. Various senses are stimulated; your dog must look carefully, feel, and smell. In the search for their reward, the dog can also use their paws and mouth to move, lift, or push something. This gives your dog new insights and can even boost their confidence, as brain games teach them to overcome obstacles.
How do you and your dog start with brain games?
You can play brain games with your dog in many different ways. It’s important to remember that the game’s difficulty should match your dog’s level. Want to start brain games with your dog? Begin with simple games, guide your dog, and reward them well when they find the treat or object. This way, brain games stay fun for your dog and you prevent frustration or early giving up.
Supplies for brain work
Brain work is suitable for every dog, regardless of your four-legged friend's breed or age. It is also suitable for every budget, because brain work can simply be done at home with materials you probably already have. Nothing is too crazy for brain work; you can make a puzzle from almost any material. For example, think of egg cartons, toilet paper rolls, plastic containers, or cardboard boxes where you can hide the reward. Old clothes or a towel are also suitable for brain work. Put the reward inside, roll it up, and you have a great puzzle for your dog!
In addition to materials you probably already have at home, there are also special durable puzzles for sale. These puzzles often have multiple levels, so you can easily start and increase the difficulty. This way, you and your dog can enjoy it for a while and have long-lasting fun with a puzzle.
There are also so-called 'snuffle mats.' These mats consist of strips of fabric where you can hide the reward. You can make a snuffle mat yourself or buy one.
Other alternatives include a Kong Classic or a Lickimat. Both items can be filled with a treat or some canned food, making your dog work to get the reward.
The Mono Protein cans from Riverwood are ideal for this. View the wet food assortment. Want to let your dog snack responsibly? Then check out the snack assortment from Riverwood.
In short, it doesn't matter whether you choose a ready-made puzzle or get creative yourself to make a fun brain game for your dog; there are endless possibilities to mentally challenge your dog.
Brain work is done together
Besides being good for your dog's mental state, brain work also helps improve the bond between you and your four-legged friend. Brain work is always done together: you come up with the puzzle, your dog solves it, and you reward him. Make sure to keep brain work safe and never leave your dog alone. Also, be careful that your dog cannot eat loose objects, such as pieces of plastic or paper. If you notice your dog finds the puzzle too difficult, take a step back, help him where needed, and make sure the game isn't too long. By keeping sessions short, your dog maintains concentration. Enjoy lots of sniffing fun!
Many dogs already enjoy Riverwood every day. Would you also like your dog to savor our delicious foods and are you curious which variant would suit your dog best? Answer here a few questions and order a budget-friendly trial pack right away.
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PuppyAdult dogSenior dogIn stockDog snacks with meat | reward snacks | Gaucho's Favorite - Angus Beef & Veal | 200 grams
Regular price €4,49Regular pricePromotional price €4,49Grain-free Gluten-free Natural ingredients No artificial additives -
PuppyAdult dogSenior dogIn stockDog snacks with meat | reward snacks | Shepherd's Friend - Lamb & Rabbit | 200 grams
Regular price €4,49Regular pricePromotional price €4,49Grain-free Gluten-free Natural ingredients No artificial additives -
PuppyAdult dogSenior dogIn stockDog snacks with meat | reward snacks | Chef's Choice - Quail & Ostrich | 200 grams
Regular price €4,49Regular pricePromotional price €4,49Grain-free Gluten-free Natural ingredients No artificial additives -
Adult dogIn stockDog snacks with meat | reward snacks | Butcher's Best - Venison & Wild Boar | 200 grams
Regular price €4,49Regular pricePromotional price €4,49Hypoallergenic Natural ingredients Grain-free Gluten-free No artificial additives
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