Busy Brains for Calm Bodies

Having a pet recovering from surgery or dealing with exercise restrictions is really hard for everyone involved. These games are designed to help your pet problem solve and have fun. Brain games reduce boredom and help your pet feel calm and fulfilled, which means they’re less likely to get into mischief that could compromise recovery. The goal is to have fun, strengthen your bond, and keep your pet happy, healthy, and safe. 

The games also designed to give your pet as much choice as possible. When they’re constantly restricted from doing what they otherwise love, welfare can suffer. Here we’re providing things they can do, which will help keep a positive experience! We’re not trying to wear them out, but to help them feel fulfilled by their activities.

Our Story

I know firsthand how challenging this can be! Lily had bilateral TPLOs (surgical repair of both of her cranial cruciate ligaments) done in October 2025 by Dr. Travis Reed. The surgery went smoothly, but she still required eight weeks of strict activity restriction and another eight weeks of very gradual return to activity.

For a dog accustomed to always being on the go, this was a big transition. Using these games made it possible. Lily’s since made a full recovery and is in better shape than she was before! Our older guy, JJ, appreciates these games, too, on days when he needs some lower-impact activity. We also break these games out when I’m not feeling my best or when the weather keeps us inside.

Want to play along?

Getting Started

  1. Keep it fun! Watch for signs of stress like yawning, scratching, vocalizing, opting out, etc. 

  2. Less is more! Start off slowly and gradually build from there. 

  3. Be safe! Play the games on non-slip surfaces, always supervise, and use pet-safe items. 

  4. As your pet is less active during recovery, their caloric needs change. Since many of these games use food, you might reserve some of their daily kibble ration to use for training or use lower-calorie treats like carrots, apples, berries, lean unsalted meat, or Cheerios. 

  5. When in doubt, always consult your vet team first to see if your pet is ready for these activities.

Key Terms

Marker: This is a word, like “Yes!” or “Good!,” we say the moment our pet performs a desired behavior. It tells them a reinforcer is about to be delivered

Reinforcer: A desired item, like a treat, that rewards the pet’s behavior and encourages them to offer it again.

Brain Games