What are the top toys to keep your dog entertained?
If the phrase “I work so hard so my dog can live its best life” sounds familiar to you, you’re in the right place. This seems to be the motto of every devoted dog parent. We know that if we could, we would be hanging out with our furry besties 24/7, giving them belly rubs and love, but let’s face it, when money-making calls, we need to answer.
Your pup will miss you while you’re at work, but these are the best things you can get to keep your friend busy 24/7. Either you work from home and need some time away, or your dog needs to spend some time alone in the house without you.
The pet market is full of fun and clever solutions to keep your dog busy and happy while you have something else to do. Are you ready to make those solo hours a little brighter for your buddy?
How can you keep your dog engaged in activities?
First things first, it’s important to understand their personality and preferences. Every dog is unique, and you need to see what activities they naturally enjoy to be able to get the best toys to keep them engaged in activities they love. To make sure your dog stays happy, make sure you provide the right kind of stimulation.
This is not only about exercising but about balancing physical and mental activities. Instead of simply playing fetch, you can mix commands like Sit, Stay, and Down to turn playtime into a mental workout. Such an approach can leave your dog calmer and more satisfied, as it gets him a bit tired, physically and mentally.
Another important thing is making sure you foster your dog’s independence early: teach them how to engage themselves in a gift that pays off in the long run. If they rely on human company, they can develop separation anxiety and distress when left alone. It’s crucial to introduce them to self-engaging activities such as snuffle mats, puzzle toys, and treat-dispensing games.
A very important thing is finding the right toys. You should try interactive toys, frozen meals, and safe chews as boredom busters. However, safety is crucial. Make sure you pick durable, share-proof toys that work great for unsupervised play, especially if your dog is a “chewer”. Avoid things that could pose an ingestion risk.
You should combine physical activity, mental challenges, and safe solo play options to keep your pup happy and entertained, especially when you’re not there to see.
These are the boredom-busting dog toys that allow you to balance work and keeping your dog entertained.
1. Slow feeders
If you have a speedy eater, slow-feeding bowls and puzzles are a win; these are genius tools not only to stretch out mealtime but also to double it as mental workouts for your dog. These are perfect to keep your dog busy for a few minutes and give them the stimulation they need. Slow eating helps prevent choking, vomiting, and many serious health risks such as bloating, stomach issues, etc.
Slow feeders are awesome, as they keep your pup engaged and well-fed. It’s easy for dogs to figure out, and it keeps them busy for a good amount of time. They are ideal for moving around the house, and you can even take them on trips. It’s great that they dispense only a few kibbles at a time, especially for dogs who eat like their bowl is gonna disappear for life.
Make sure you get a durable one. Some of the slow feeders might not hold up against heavy chewers or rough play. If your dog is a strong type, supervise him first and look for tougher options.
Bonus tips to keep your dog happy
- Rotate toys to keep things fresh and swap out toys every few days.
- Mix it up, alternating between mental games, physical activity, and quiet snuggling time.
- Invest in durable toys, especially for strong chewers.
Ready to make your pup’s day? Grab these!
2. Snuffle Mats
If your dog is a hunter and loves sniffing while looking for treats, snuffle mats are an absolutely fantastic choice. These mats keep them engaged in their natural foraging instincts, providing hours of fun and keeping their minds active.
The pros when it comes to the snuffle mats are that they keep your dog entertained for long periods, feature multiple hiding spots, keep things interesting, and it’s perfect for dogs to tap into their natural instincts. Moreover, large sizes make them suitable for small and big dogs alike, giving extra fun and engagement.
However, they are not ideal for dogs prone to shedding, especially if they’re left unsupervised.
3. Ball Launchers
These are a game changer for dogs with high energy that love the fetch. Such a toy will keep your dog entertained and active for hours once they learn how to use it.
The pros are that once trained, your dog can load the ball themselves, so it becomes a self-sustained activity, perfect to keep them busy while you’re at work. Providing consistent throws, ball launchers help your dog stick to a regular exercise routine. The nice part is that the throwing distance is adjustable, fitting variable spaces, from backyards to open parks.
Ball launchers also come with some cons; for example, they are best suited for outdoor use due to the need for space. Another fact is that some dogs can develop an unhealthy fixation on the launcher or the ball. You need some time to train your dog so they can understand how to load the ball and bring it back. Moreover, there is a risk of injury if your dog stays too close to the launcher when it activates, so supervision is recommended during initial use.
You should start with short, supervised sessions so your dog can get used to the launcher and create safe habits they can stick with.
4. Puzzle toys
Your dog can find puzzles fascinating, and this will keep them mentally stimulated. Your dog’s brain will be engaged, and while rewarding their curiosity with kibble or treats, this can become an excellent choice to beat boredom.
The pros are related to the boost of their cognitive skills, as it provides much-needed mental stimulation. Puzzles feature multiple sections to hide treats so your dog remains busy as they sniffs for rewards. They can hold an entire cup of kibble, even doubling as a slow feeder for mealtime.
There are some inconveniences also, such as the fact that some dogs might struggle to figure out sections, leading to frustration. Another thing is that they may require supervision initially, so you can help your dog learn how to use it.
Ready to challenge your dog’s brain? Grab a puzzle here and watch their problem-solving skills shine!
5. Kong Wobbler
Wait! Is this the superstar in the world of interactive dog toys? This is the perfect solution to keep your dog entertained and encourage mental stimulation and physical activity.
It’s built to handle rough play, as well as some heavy-duty fun. It can hold nearly a cup of kibble, so it’s ideal for mealtime. Moreover, it helps with pacing out your dog’s eating while keeping them engaged. It encourages movement for physical exercise and challenges your pup’s mind. Another pro is the convenient cleaning. This toy is dishwasher safe, so the maintenance is hassle-free.
The inconveniences? It can create a bit of chaos in small spaces, plus it might not stand up to intended jaw pressure from power chewers.
People still call it a top pick, a reliable toy that can keep your dog busy while you’re at work. Get one on Amazon and watch your pup having a great time.
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