Activity to keep a smart dog engaged?

So we moved into a new apartment and Ozzie is having some 'growing pains' I think. Nothing huge but he has started tearing paper out of the garbage and barking more. We think he needs something to engage and stimulate him mentally and physically. I'm home from work this month so I plan to take him on some looong walks and to the park BUT the issue is he gets hot super easily and panty and I don't want to over-exert him in this heat. Does anyone have any suggestions for something to engage/stimulate him that I can do with him indoors?

Thanks!

Re: Activity to keep a smart dog engaged?

How about the puzzle toys they have to work the little treats out of?

Toys like these.

Message edited 8/2/2012 9:50:46 PM.

Re: Activity to keep a smart dog engaged?

Re: Activity to keep a smart dog engaged?

Our main activity is I have her sit in the kitchen while I hide treats or a toy in the house and then she goes and looks for them (not sure how much space you have, or how well this would work). We also like to play tug of war with her sturdier toys (or a rope).

Re: Activity to keep a smart dog engaged?

Sounds like a great time to train new commands! Really, that's the biggest mind challenger I know. We do it in winter mostly when they have more energy.

We taught things that make our lives easier, but also fun things like "turn" (they both turn in a circle simultaneously). I bought a book, 101 Dog Tricks and now we use those.

Also, if Ozzie is a chewer, check out deer antlers.

Activity to keep a smart dog engaged?

I use to hide treats (drag it around the house and hide them under things) for my pointer. He was very smart and found the game extremely fun, when I would say go find it his nose would be on the floor and he would go searching for the treats :)

Activity to keep a smart dog engaged?

try one of these - they help calm my dog down if i do it a few times with him
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dpets&field-keywords=Nina+Ottosson