By Lana Foster Pets n Vets Veterinary Nurse

Dogsare very intelligent animals and need mental stimulation regularly tokeep them happy. Very intelligent or highly strung dogs such as bordercollies and pointers need more stimulation than other breeds.

Physical and mental stimulation are both important but should occur together to ensure a calm happy dog.

Exercisealone may not be sufficient to ensure your dog’s needs are met. If theydon’t receive enough stimulation they may show signs of boredom orstress. Signs of boredom include digging, destructive behavior orvocalisation, which are ways of releasing the built up energy. Symptomsof stress include obsessive behaviors, excessive licking of themselvesor objects and self mutilation.

Behaviors oractivities that involve licking result in a release of endorphins whichcalms the animal. This can be achieved easily by offering frozen cannonbones filled with mince, or hiding food in toilet rolls and placingthese throughout the backyard.

Remember, your dog will be more calm and content if you exercise it both physically and mentally.