Teach Your Dog How to Think!
A fun interactive 3-Hour Problem-Solving Workshop for Brilliant Canine Companions

Workshop Overview
This seminar focuses on developing your dog’s cognitive abilities through engaging activities that build confidence, improve impulse control, and enhance problem-solving skills.

Prerequisites
– Basic obedience understanding
– Food/toy motivation
– No aggressive tendencies
– Any age beyond 16 weeks
– All skill levels welcome
  Equipment Needed
– High-value treats
– Regular treats
– Favorite toys
– 6ft leash
– Food puzzle toys
– Boxes/containers
– Blankets/towels
– Training mats
– Barriers/gates

Hour 1: Foundation Building
**Building Confidence Through Choice**

*First 30 minutes – Introduction:*
– Understanding canine cognition
  – How dogs learn
  – Reading body language
  – Importance of choice
  – Confidence building basics

*Second 30 minutes – Exercises:*
1. “Choice Game”
   – Multiple treat locations
   – Allow dog to make decisions
   – Reward exploration
   – Build decision confidence

2. “What’s That?” Game
   – Introduction to novel objects
   – Rewarding curiosity
   – Building environmental confidence
   – Supporting investigation

Hour 2: Problem-Solving Development
**Teaching Independent Thinking**

*First 45 minutes – Progressive Games:*
1. “Find It” Evolution
   – Basic food finding
   – Adding complexity
   – Multiple hide locations
   – Scent discrimination

2. “Puzzle Box” Challenge
   – Simple container opening
   – Progressive difficulty
   – Problem-solving encouragement
   – Success celebration

*Second 15 minutes – Impulse Control:*
– “Wait for It” game
– Delayed gratification exercises
– Self-control development
– Thinking before acting

Hour 3: Advanced Cognitive Challenges
**Complex Problem-Solving**

*First 45 minutes – Advanced Activities:*
1. “Figure It Out” Challenges
   – Multi-step problems
   – Sequential thinking
   – Tool use introduction
   – Creative solutions

2. “Memory Games”
   – Object permanence
   – Short-term memory
   – Pattern recognition
   – Sequential memory

*Final 15 minutes:*
– Progress review
– Take-home exercises
– Future development plan
– Q&A session

Progressive Training Games

Level 1: Foundation Games
1. **Choice Making**
   – Two treat locations
   – Simple decisions
   – Clear rewards
   – Confidence building

2. **Exploration Games**
   – New object investigation
   – Environmental confidence
   – Reward curiosity
   – Safe boundaries

Level 2: Intermediate Challenges
1. **Problem-Solving**
   – Simple puzzles
   – Food extraction
   – Basic tool use
   – Sequential steps

2. **Memory Work**
   – Find the treat
   – Object permanence
   – Simple patterns
   – Location memory

Level 3: Advanced Activities
1. **Complex Challenges**
   – Multi-step problems
   – Creative solutions
   – Advanced tools
   – Pattern recognition

2. **Strategy Development**
   – Planning ahead
   – Multiple solutions
   – Efficiency learning
   – Advanced memory

Success Indicators
– Increased confidence
– Willingness to try
– Problem-solving initiative
– Reduced frustration
– Independent thinking
– Improved focus

Take-Home Exercises
1. Daily Problem-Solving
   – Simple puzzles
   – Food games
   – New challenges
   – Progressive difficulty

2. Confidence Building
   – New environments
   – Novel objects
   – Choice opportunities
   – Exploration time

Safety Guidelines
– Monitor stress levels
– Prevent frustration
– Ensure success
– Regular breaks
– Positive atmosphere

Progress Tracking
– Confidence level
– Problem-solving speed
– Solution creativity
– Focus duration
– Impulse control
– Memory retention

Home Implementation Tips
1. Create daily challenges
2. Maintain consistency
3. Celebrate success
4. Progress gradually
5. Stay positive
6. Document progress

Resources
– Puzzle toy recommendations
– DIY challenge ideas
– Progress tracking sheets
– Further reading suggestions
– Online resources