Dogs are incredibly intelligent creatures who love learning. Get a few dog owners together and they’ll soon be sharing stories about their “genius” dogs.

Unfortunately, many dog owners never take the trouble to provide their dogs with mental stimulation. A pity really, because this can be achieved with not much work, and just a little bit of thought.

The pay-off? A happier, calmer, more balanced dog.

Listed below are 7 simple activities you can use to train your dog’s brain.

1. IQ Test for Dogs: Type “canine iq” into Google and you’ll get back a list of sites that offer free canine intelligence tests. The results aren’t all that important, but the tests are a great way to give your dog a mental workout.

2. Problem Solving: Dogs have a talent for solving problems and puzzles, so design some for your dog and he’ll really enjoy working it out. For example, you could put a treat inside a Kong toy and let him try to retrieve it. Or you could hide his favorite toy, and challenge him to find it.

3. Basic Training: Training is a must for all dogs but an added benefit is that training forces the dog to think. It requires a considerable amount of focus to understand commands and know how to respond.

4. Teach a Trick: Once your dog has the basic obedience commands under his paw, you’ll be amazed at the complex tricks you can teach him.

Now, obviously some breeds are better at this than others. Hounds in particular are known for their obstinacy, and short attention spans when training.But, as long as you are prepared to put in the hours, and your dog is reasonably receptive, you can easily train your dog to do many of the tricks you see in the movies and on TV.

5. Make Your Dog Earn His Keep: Dogs in the wild have to work for everything they need, and despite centuries of domestication pet dogs are still prepared to do the same. Get your dog used to working for what he wants. Train him to sit before he gets a treat, teach him to fetch his leash before going for a walk, or his favorite toy before playing a game.

6. Your Dog’s Day Job: These days most pet dogs are primarily companions. But most of them retain the specific traits needed to perform the job they were originally bred for, so tap into those instincts.Just watch your Border Collie hard at work trying to herd your kids, or your Lab racing to retrieve a ball and you’ll know what I mean. Look for ways to get your dog working these natural instincts.

7. Canine Sports: These days there are hundreds of events all over where dog owners and their dogs can get together to participate in sports like fly-ball, agility and coursing.These sports are great for working both body and brain, dogs seem to absolutely love them and they’re great fun for humans too.

Try the 7 exercises above with your dog and prepare to be amazed at what you and your canine companion can achieve.

To discover more about dog obedience training, dog training tips, dog health and other interesting dog advice check out www.dogsanddogtraining.com