Dogs have an incredible sense of hearing—often detecting sounds we don’t even notice. This powerful sense can be a fantastic tool for keeping them engaged and entertained, especially on days when walks aren’t possible. I’m Laura Carter, a dog trainer with a lively household that includes four dogs, twin girls, and a small menagerie of animals! As you can imagine, my days don’t always go according to plan, so I often turn to sensory enrichment to keep my dogs mentally stimulated.
Exploring Your Dog’s Sense of Hearing
A dog’s hearing is exceptional, with the ability to detect sounds up to four times farther away than we can. From the faintest squeak of a toy to footsteps approaching the house, dogs’ hearing allows them to engage with the world in fascinating ways. Sound-based enrichment taps into this natural ability, offering essential mental stimulation when physical exercise is limited.
Many dog owners don’t realise that a lack of mental stimulation can lead to behavioural issues, such as excessive barking or chewing. By engaging your dog’s sense of hearing, you’re helping keep their brain active, which can reduce these unwanted behaviours and keep your dog content.
Activity: Sound Hide and Seek
Here’s a fun sound-based game that you can try at home to engage your dog’s hearing:
- Gather Sound-Making Objects: Select two or three objects that make distinctive sounds, such as a squeaky toy, a bell, or an empty plastic bottle filled with rice.
- Set the Scene: Sit with your dog in a quiet room where they can focus.
- Make a Sound and Hide: Use one of the objects to make a sound, then hide it somewhere in the room.
- Encourage Them to Find It: Encourage your dog to locate the hidden object using gentle cues like “find it.”
- Reward Success: When your dog finds the object, reward them with a treat or praise.
This game challenges your dog’s ability to locate sounds, providing a rewarding mental workout. To increase difficulty, try adding more objects or hiding them in trickier spots.
Dogs and Different Frequencies
Dogs hear higher frequencies than humans, which is why they’re often sensitive to high-pitched noises like whistles or squeaky toys. This sensitivity to frequencies makes sound-based games particularly engaging. By using different sound textures—such as high-pitched squeaks, rustling paper, or chimes—you can create a rich auditory experience that captivates their attention.
Why Enrichment is Essential
Enrichment isn’t just about physical exercise; it’s about giving dogs opportunities to use their brain, senses, and natural instincts. Engaging your dog’s hearing through sound-based games provides mental stimulation, helping prevent boredom and frustration. With my variety of breeds, I’ve seen first-hand how sensory enrichment keeps my dogs calm and satisfied, even on days when walks aren’t possible.
Looking for More Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy at Home?
For more resources to keep your dog mentally stimulated and happy, visit my Freebies Page! It’s packed with guides and tips designed to make enrichment easy and enjoyable for both you and your dog.
Until next time, keep those tails wagging!
Laura Carter IMDT
With over 15 years of experience in dog training, Laura Carter has dedicated her career to enhancing the bond between humans and their canine companions.
Based in Scotland, Laura lives with her twin daughters, four dogs, and a variety of other animals.
A member of the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT) and a certified Scentwork UK instructor, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work.
Her expertise in dog care and rehabilitation is showcased in the book The Vet Says Rest, a valuable resource for pet owners navigating their dogs’ recovery.
Laura also brought her passion for dogs to a wider audience as a trainer on Channel 4’s Superstar Dogs alongside John Barrowman.
Her work continues to inspire and support dog owners everywhere, helping them build happier, healthier relationships with their pets.