Although many pet owners take the time to teach their dogs the basics of obedience training and maybe a few tricks, it can be easy to overlook your dog's natural needs to search and investigate, dig, shake, chew, and 'dissect their prey'. Not providing outlets for these natural needs can result in unwanted destructive behavior around your home.

There are many reasons why playing games with your dog can contribute to your canine friend's overall health and well-being. Here are our top ten reasons for spending just 5-10 minutes each day playing games and offering your dog simple, fun intellectual challenges:

10. It's fun and entertaining for you and your dog to play indoors when it's raining, too hot, or too cold outside.

9. Your dog needs exercise. But sometimes going for a walk feels like going on the treadmill, or becomes one more item on your to-do list that you just don't get to and then feel guilty about it...

8. Your dog will get the mental stimulation that he or she needs by playing games and engaging in challenges in the comfort of your own home when you just can't get out for that walk.

7. Chewing on your shoes will become far less appealing for your dog when there is something a lot more fun to do! Playing games and offering fun challenges for your dog can help to prevent a lot of unwanted behaviors because they alleviate boredom for your pup.

6. Your dog will make you laugh your head off when you play these games and offer him or her these challenges.

5. Seriously, your dog will make you laugh your head off.

4. Your dog will enjoy increased self-confidence and a strengthened bond with you by succeeding at small, increasingly difficult challenges with your help and gentle guidance while playing dog games.

3. If you live in a condo or an urban center, it's hard to give your dog the exercise he or she needs because large spaces for your dog to run and play may not be available. But what about playing games in your very own living room?

2. Games can give your dog an outlet for his or her natural needs: digging, chewing, shaking, searching, investigating, and dissecting their 'prey'!

But the #1 reason why you should play games with your dog?

1. Your dog will thank you, thank you, thank you for it.

Lori Friesen is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She is a published author and experienced educator, and is committed to understanding and nurturing the human-animal bond. Lori's doctoral research explored how one class of grade 2 children experienced an animal-assisted literacy learning program.

Her new book and DVD series, "My Doggy Genius: Over 50 Awesome At-Home Dog Games & Challenges" is a veterinarian and dog-trainer-approved resource focused on helping pet owners give their dogs the very best life possible.

Suggested article: This nifty little FREE e-book contains a simple game you can play with your dog right away, as well as a special “smacking sound” you can use to get your dog’s attention when needed. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xxxdYM32RXXsvRe969iTwNRAnYphjkVl