Dog Toys and Puzzles
Your dog will become very bored very easily if not entertained. Keeping a dog busy whilst they are awake can be challenging, but with the right toys, puzzles and training you can make it through to the next snooze. The use of toys in playtime not only entertains but also educates just like with a child. Play teaches dogs how to interact with others, but most importantly, quality playtime builds trust and friendship between you and your dog. Below are just a few examples of toys, puzzles and chews to look at and consider. Always have a few around, but only put down 3 or 4 a day and change them over every 3 days to make them more interesting and new again.
Dogs love squeaky and soft toys, and they need these to cosy up to. A great toy is the knotted skeleton, and the reinforced plush body provides extra durability. The rope skeleton makes them more enticing and desirable to chew.
You need plenty of different toys, but it is best to alternate these around after a couple of days, and they seem new again.
The 'Kong' brand has been with us since the 70s'. Most people will associate it with the classic Red Kong, but KONG has expanded its range to include lots of different toys.
All are safe for your dog and hard-wearing so whatever toy drives your dog nuts you can find a KONG version to suit; the iconic Wubbas, other animals, balls, frisbees, bones and squeaky doughnuts! The puppy Teething KONG has a special teething formula which makes the rubber softer for those young, brittle teeth, but as durable as the original red KONG.
Award-winning Nina Ottosson has designed several different puzzles for dogs not only to eat their food but to have fun and challenge and keep your dog busy & entertained.
They start from level 1 and go up to level 5. Robust and easy to clean. We have bought several ourselves and our dog and she loves them.
Tug Toys
There is no better game to help build a bond with your dog. Dogs just love to put on their tug toy but don't forget to pull on them too hard and always let the puppy win.
Make the game exciting. All toys are just lame unless you make them exciting. Tug toys come in all shapes and sizes, as well as different textures. Buy a couple and swap them around.
Treat Puzzle Games
Puzzle treat games are a good way to keep your dog active and mentally stimulated. They are also a good way to slow down your dog's eating. If you have a puppy that gulps his food down, these are a good tool to help slow this down.
There are different types, of puzzles, from balls that release the treats to 'hide and find'. A selection can be found here.
The popularity of dog agility is growing and growing! These activities keep your dog entertained for hours and can be used either indoors or outside. You never know this could be just the start of a new hobby for you and your dog keeping you both fit whilst running around the garden.