How to Keep Your Dog Mentally Fit While Physically Healing
When a high-drive dog is injured or recovering from surgery, rest periods are essential—but they can feel like a nightmare for both dog and owner. These dogs are wired for purpose. Take away their outlets, and you’ll often see frustration, stress behaviours, or even regression in training.
So what can you do to support their recovery while keeping their minds engaged? That’s where static enrichment games and low-impact “jobs” come in.
Izzy’s Story – Why This Matters So Much
As many of you know, my own girl Izzy—my energetic, toy-obsessed English Shepherd—recently had surgery and was put on strict bed rest to protect her stitches. She’s not just high-drive—she’s full throttle. Agility is her world, and life without a job just isn’t “life” in her eyes.
Watching her adjust to doing… absolutely nothing was heartbreaking.
She paced. She gave me those intense stares. She’d lie down, sigh dramatically, bring me toys, and try her best to will me into doing something fun.
But she couldn’t run. She couldn’t play. She couldn’t even train the way we used to.
And that’s when I leaned into what I teach so many of my clients: creating a new kind of job. One that worked her mind, not her body.
The games I used with Izzy helped her stay calmer, more settled, and—most importantly—still feel like she had a role to play.
Why High Drive Dogs Struggle with Rest
High drive dogs—your gundogs, collies, shepherds, terriers and mixes—are wired to do. They’re thinkers, problem solvers, movers. When rest is enforced due to injury or surgery, they don’t suddenly lose the drive to be useful. Instead, their energy often spills into chewing, barking, pacing, or pestering other dogs in the house.
Mental stimulation can burn as much energy as physical exercise. If we don’t provide it, they’ll find their own outlets—usually not the kind we want!
5 Rehabilitation Games to Try During Bed Rest
These are the exact games I used with Izzy—and they’re brilliant for keeping high-drive dogs mentally satisfied while recovering on bed rest.
1. Snuffle Mat Meals
Use a snuffle mat to serve your dog’s meals. Scatter feeding engages their natural foraging instincts, slows down eating, and encourages calm problem-solving.
Progression Tip: Move from kibble to lightly wrapped treats in fleece or hidden under mats to increase difficulty over time.
2. ‘Which Hand?’ Game
A simple scentwork game. Hide a treat in one hand and present both closed fists. Your dog must sniff and indicate the correct hand.
Why it works: Builds impulse control, scent focus, and doesn’t require movement off the bed.
3. Cardboard Chaos
Fill a cardboard box with loosely scrunched paper and hide treats or chews inside. Let your dog calmly dismantle it under supervision.
Bonus: Recycles your Amazon boxes and channels natural destruction in a safe, satisfying way.
4. Lick Mats or Frozen Enrichment
Licking releases endorphins that naturally calm the nervous system. Load a mat with soaked kibble, bone broth, or natural yoghurt and freeze.
Vet Approved: Great for dogs who need to stay on their bed but still want to feel occupied.
5. Focus Games – Name It, Middle, Chin Rest
These low-movement training games can be taught or reinforced during bed rest:
- ‘Middle’ (standing between your legs—can be rehearsed slowly at your feet)
- ‘Chin rest’ on your lap or a cushion
- ‘Touch’ with nose to hand
Each offers connection, calm, and gives your dog a job that feels meaningful.
The Emotional Side of Healing: Why Jobs Still Matter
Dogs—especially working types—don’t just want a job. They need one. Structured, calm “thinking” games help to prevent:
- Depression and boredom
- Overattachment or attention-seeking
- Frustration behaviours like whining or restlessness
- A breakdown in previously solid training
With Izzy, I noticed a massive difference after just a few sessions. She became more settled. Her eyes softened. She started offering calm behaviours again. She relaxed, because she knew she still had a purpose—even if it looked a little different during recovery.
You’re not “spoiling” your dog by keeping their mind active. You’re helping them heal in a more complete, emotionally supportive way.
Need a Personalised Plan? Let’s Talk.
Every dog is different. What worked for Izzy might need tweaking for your spaniel, labrador, or collie. If your dog is struggling on bed rest, or you want to make sure you’re not storing up frustration-based behaviour problems, I can help.
At Fresh Start Dog Training, I offer 1-1 tailored support to guide you through:
- Enrichment plans for dogs on bed rest
- Safe outlets for high-drive energy
- Rebuilding confidence and calm after injury
- Preventing behavioural fallout before it starts
📍 Based in Northamptonshire, or available online for remote support.
📆 Book your 1-1 consultation today and help your dog rest well without stress.
👉 Click here to book now or visit www.freshstartdogs.com
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