4 Best Dog Toys to Beat Boredom

𝐓𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐝𝐝 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐧 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐠 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠

Dog toys are a must for every pet owner, since dogs, very much like humans, tend to get bored due to lack of activity. Besides this, playtime and toys are beneficial for a dog’s mental state, keep it busy (and out of mischief), and burn out its energy. The result is a balanced and calm pup the entire family can enjoy.

Because dogs are very intelligent creatures, they don’t have a partner or an item to have fun with. This is why they need toys, to get engaged and entertained. Also, if you have to leave your dog alone at home for hours, dog puzzle toys can keep them busy for a long time. We all know how helpful that is, keeping the dog away from chewing on things, barking, and other unwanted behavior.

      1. Best Stimulating Toys for Dogs

Some dog breeds are highly active and curious. In this case, a dog toy like balls and chewing rings may not appear appealing. You need a dog puzzle toy that will motivate it to play while keeping its mind busy. This interactive puzzle toy from Nina Ottosson is just what you need to have your pup playing for hours.

• Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Puzzle Toy

How does it work? The game contains several cups in which treats can be hidden. The dog will sense them, but it will have to figure out what needs to be done to obtain them. The treats can be accessed by flipping, sliding, or lifting the lid on the cups. This way, there are several actions the dog need to do. And this means hours of fun in a row.

Even if the game is turned upside down, the cups won’t release the treats, so it’s a safe option. The high number of cups and size of the game makes it suitable for large breed dogs as well. It is recommended for dogs that tend to get destructive while being left alone, due to boredom.

       2. Best Dog Toys for Small Dogs

When choosing toys for your dog, it is important to take the pup’s age and size into consideration. If the toy is hard to deal with, it will be difficult for the dog to get engaged with it and play. Thus, puppies, for instance, need toys that are suitable for their growing teeth and body size.

• Kong Classic Dog Toy

This classic dog toy from Kong has been around for very many years. And there’s a good reason it lasted on the market for so long. It is a high-quality toy that can be easily used for puppies and small dog breeds as well. It is made out of natural rubber, it lasts for years, and it is extremely easy to be used, by dogs and owners alike.

The Kong toy is so appreciated due to its unique shape. It can bounce and roll unpredictably, stimulating the dog’s attention and reflexes. Besides this, it can be filled with a delicious treat because it has an empty core. This makes it easy to “persuade” the puppy to play with it. As well, it teaches the pup how to chew correctly, while keeping it away from chewing your belongings.

As for adult dogs, it can be a great option as well, satisfying their need to chew. The toy can be used for fetch games too, allowing you to bond and have fun with your dog.

      3. Best Senior Dog Toy

Who said senior dogs don’t enjoy playing? They may indeed be slower, but they still appreciate a good playing session with a fun dog toy. However, when it comes to senior dogs, you’ll need to look for soft toys. The dog’s gums, teeth, and joints are getting more fragile as they advance in age. Luckily, you can find stuffed dog toys that are above the average, keeping your dog happy and active regardless of age.

• Outward Hound Hide Puzzle Plush Dog Toy

This particular dog toy is probably one of the most creative toys of the kind you can find on the market. It is extremely fun, for humans and dogs alike, so there are high chances your dog will love it. It will offer several options when it comes to playing, being highly resilient and durable at the same time.

In this case, we’re talking about a stuffed dog toy that looks like a tree log. The “trunk” has wholes in which you can hide stuffed squirrels. You can also use them to hide treats if you notice the dog is reluctant to play with it. Once you hide the squirrels in the trunk, toss the toy to your dog and let it use its natural hunting instincts. You can use the toy, without the squirrels, as a regular toy for playing fetch. No matter how you put it, everybody will get countless hours of fun with this toy.

      4. Best Dog Squeaky Chew Toys

Squeaking dog toys are great because they keep the dog’s interest at high levels due to sounds. Besides having an outstanding sense of smell, dogs have a very good hearing as well. This explains why most dogs have a lot of fun with toys that make various sounds.

• LAIKA Latex Squeaky Dog Chewing Ball

Do you know what’s your dog favorite activity is? Absolutely all dogs love chewing on things. It is a natural behavior that keeps them satisfied, calm, happy, and cleans their teeth at the same time. While young pups chew to ease their teething discomfort, adult dogs chew for entertainment. So, as a dog owner, it is advisable to find toys suitable for this kind of activity.

A squeaky dog chewing ball, made out of safe and non-toxic materials, like the one from LAIKA is just what you need. Made out of natural latex, it is soft yet resilient and can be easily washed. Without a doubt it will satisfy your dog’s need to chew, making rainy days more fun indoors.

What Can We do to Make Dog Enjoy the Play More?

As much as possible, try playing with your dog as well. Dogs love a good playtime partner;

Choose toys that provide mental stimulation, like dog puzzle toys. Remember that dogs are intelligent and curious creatures, so they need suitable toys as well;

Don’t give your dog access to all of its toys at once. Hide the toys and give them one by one, periodically, in a rotating manner. This way, the dog won’t get bored by playing with the same toys all the time;

Pay attention to your dog’s preferences (does it like to chew, make puzzles, play with squeaky toys), and try to find the most appealing toys. Of course, trying new toys is always a good idea.

Puzzle Toys for Dogs FAQ

1. Are dog puzzle toys worth it?

Dog puzzle toys are worth it since they keep the dog engaged and maintain good mental health. Most dogs get into trouble because they get bored and are not mentally stimulated in any way. Thus, when choosing dog puzzle toys, you keep your pup health and house intact by encouraging healthy behavior.

2. How to introduce your dog to puzzle toys?

It is very easy to get your dog familiar with puzzle toys since they give you the possibility to hide treats. However, you may have to show your dog how the toy works, to help it figure things out on its own. So, play with it at first, which will help increase interest in the new toy.

3. Are food puzzles good for dogs?

Food puzzles are great, not just because they offer a form of entertainment, but also for providing a solution for dogs that gulp their food. If you have a dog that eats too fast, without properly chewing the kibbles, you probably deal with frequent vomiting and digestive issues. Food puzzles allow the dog to eat while slowing down the process. This way, the dog will get kibbles one at a time, having plenty of time to chew on them before finding more.

Besides this benefit, this type of dog puzzle toy keeps the mind engaged and offers the dog a way to spend time in a fun manner.