Toys to stop my dog getting bored

Toys to stop my dog getting bored

Dogs are important members of the family, but sometimes can develop bad habits! Begging, surface stealing and chewing are all common problem behaviours that can affect the relationship between you and your canine companion. Interactive puzzles and chew toys can change the focus of your dog, so that they are mentally stimulated by using the toy.  

The behaviours:

Begging

When dogs get into the habit of begging from the table, it can be difficult to stop this, and can make owners feel bad when trying to ignore them to deter this behaviour. Instead, during meal times, interactive toys can focus the dog away from your table, so that you can eat your meal in peace, while they are thoroughly entertained!

Surface Stealing

Finding your dog has gone onto work surfaces in the kitchen, or even jumped onto the dining table is a bit of a shock! Interactive toys mean that your canine companion is mentally stimulated and has a food source. Toys (together with other management techniques) can help stop the unwanted behaviour.

Chewing 

Dogs chew for multiple reasons, but the two most common reasons in adults is due to hunger, and boredom. Interactive toys are useful to both alleviate hunger and keep them entertained during quiet times, which reduces the chance of them chewing.

The Toys:

There are lots of different toys available, below are a selection with a guide of how to use them, but there are many more! 

Treat dispensing toys

The central core of treat toys is empty, so allows something tasty (and healthy!) to be smeared along the inside, for the dog to chew at. You can even mix some dry kibble food into the mixture to make it even more enticing!

Treat balls are a great way to keep your dog entertained and exercised! They are commonly spheres which are safe to chew, and are cavitated with different sized holes, with a large hole in the centre which hard kibble can be placed in. This means that your doggo has to knock the ball around the floor to shake the kibble out. This toy would be the best option for any pets struggling with their weight, especially if they are on a calorie restricted diet. Any food placed into the ball should be deducted from their daily intake.

Snuffle Mats

A snuffle mat can be bought, or you can make one at home yourself.  It consists of a flat base with holes in, with lengths of fabric protruding.  This gives dogs something safe to chew on. You can also spread hard food over the mat, so that dogs can enjoy the challenge of locating the kibble from within the fabric fronds.