pitbullmamaliz wrote: mental stimulation is more exhausting than physical stimulation
I really think that depends on the dog. If Shorty is not physically exercised
every single day, she's impossible to live with because she'll get into all kinds of destructive trouble. She has too much damn energy! Tucker is the same way, but he enjoys learning tricks (as long as there is food involved, LOL). Shorty couldn't care less about tricks -- all she wants is to PLAY BALL or wrestle with Tucker. That rocks her world.
Katy has always enjoyed problem solving and learning tricks more so than anything physical. Indiana doesn't learn tricks easily no matter the method used, but he's a good problem solver. All he ever really wants to do is chew on a toy, though. That's his Zen Time.
Mac loves to learn tricks and does so easily. I taught him the "hand jive" not too long ago. He'll give me high-paw, low-paw, side-paw, backwards-paw, etc, as fast as I can throw out the signals to him. With either or both front paws. He's also a Master of problem solving -- too damn smart for his own good, LOL. But, Mac is happiest when he can sit outside the front door and guard his territory from evil interlopers. He rarely wants to do anything like play ball or flirt pole, but when he does -- watch out! He does so with all his being.
Of course, with this crew, what I always try to do is combine the physical with the mental. For example, when they're chasing the bowling balls, the balls often get "stuck" in corners or under exercise equipment and then they work out a way to get the bowling balls rolling again. When I'm just throwing the Cuz balls or Jolly balls for them outdoors, I often incorporate obedience. Other times, I just let them be dogs and let them do what seems to make them the happiest.
Never make someone a priority in your life when that someone treats you like an option.