DOG GAMES
4 min
6 Dog Toys Every Dog Must Have: Dog Behaviourist-Approved!
Searching for the best toys for dogs to keep them busy? Look no further! Canine expert Shivani K recommends 6 must-have mental stimulation toys for every dog!
Table of contents
Is your dog chewing up your sofa cushions? Zooming around with endless energy even after a long walk? Barking non-stop out of sheer boredom? You’re not alone. While most pet parents make sure their dogs get enough physical exercise, what often gets overlooked is mental enrichment.
For centuries, dogs were bred to perform specific tasks such as retrieving, hunting, scavenging, etc. roles that engaged both their bodies and brains. Unfortunately, today, most dogs do not have the opportunity to engage in such tasks leading to a build-up of a lot unspent energy, both mental and physical. Without suitable outlets, dogs resort to finding their own- barking at every sound, tearing up cushions, etc.
The good news? Mental enrichment toys for dogs can help channel that energy in healthy, instinctive ways. And you don’t have to splurge on the latest enrichment toys on the market, either.
Here’s a list of 6 canine behaviourist-approved toys for dogs to keep them busy, happy, and out of trouble!
For centuries, dogs were bred to perform specific tasks such as retrieving, hunting, scavenging, etc. roles that engaged both their bodies and brains. Unfortunately, today, most dogs do not have the opportunity to engage in such tasks leading to a build-up of a lot unspent energy, both mental and physical. Without suitable outlets, dogs resort to finding their own- barking at every sound, tearing up cushions, etc.
The good news? Mental enrichment toys for dogs can help channel that energy in healthy, instinctive ways. And you don’t have to splurge on the latest enrichment toys on the market, either.
Here’s a list of 6 canine behaviourist-approved toys for dogs to keep them busy, happy, and out of trouble!
#1 Must-Have Dog Toys: Ball
A dog and her ball…it’s a classic love-story. And it’s no wonder, it’s such a versatile dog toy and every dog has their own favourite way to play with it.
One of the best ways to engage your dog’s physical and mental energy is through a good old game of Fetch- where your dog chases after the ball and brings it back. Fetch engages your dog’s chasing instincts from their hunting days and teaches them the valuable lesson of sharing things with you.
Just ensure that you choose the right ball- one that is the appropriate size for your dog to grab on to and is chew-resistant!
One of the best ways to engage your dog’s physical and mental energy is through a good old game of Fetch- where your dog chases after the ball and brings it back. Fetch engages your dog’s chasing instincts from their hunting days and teaches them the valuable lesson of sharing things with you.
Just ensure that you choose the right ball- one that is the appropriate size for your dog to grab on to and is chew-resistant!
#2 Must-Have Dog Toys: Tug Rope
There is something deeply satisfying for a dog when it comes to a good game of tug. Tugging mimics the pulling and resisting of prey during a hunt, making it a naturally satisfying outlet for your dog’s prey drive.
Tug-of-war can be a fantastic bonding activity for you and your dog. When played right with a little bit of structure, tug-of-war can help build impulse control (it’s a fun way to teach them a “Drop” command), boost their confidence while burning off a lot of excess energy.
Look for a tug rope that is strong, flexible, and comfortable for both you and your dog.
Tug-of-war can be a fantastic bonding activity for you and your dog. When played right with a little bit of structure, tug-of-war can help build impulse control (it’s a fun way to teach them a “Drop” command), boost their confidence while burning off a lot of excess energy.
Look for a tug rope that is strong, flexible, and comfortable for both you and your dog.
#3 Must-Have Dog Toys: Snuffle Mats
Snuffle toys like the snuffle mat replicate natural grass-like textures. It activates your dog’s foraging instincts and encourages them to use their nose and brain to scavenge for their food.
All you have to do is hide their kibble or favourite treats in the folds of the snuffle mat and watch them sniff, search, and scavenge away.
And if your dog has already aced their snuffle toy, watch this video to switch up the way you hide the treats to make it more challenging and fun!
All you have to do is hide their kibble or favourite treats in the folds of the snuffle mat and watch them sniff, search, and scavenge away.
And if your dog has already aced their snuffle toy, watch this video to switch up the way you hide the treats to make it more challenging and fun!
#4 Must-Have Dog Toys: The Kong
If there’s one toy every dog should own, it’s the classic Kong toy. Shaped like a hollow cone, the Kong is tough, durable, and versatile- which makes it suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes. It can be filled with your dog’s home-cooked meals, treats or coated with a layer of peanut butter or yoghurt, encouraging them to nudge, chew, and lick till they get every last bite. It is one of the best toys for dogs to keep them busy for long periods of time. For an additional challenge, you can stuff it with their meals and freeze it before giving it to them.
#5 Must-Have Dog Toys: Puzzle Games for Dogs
Puzzle games are a great way to keep your dog's mind sharp and engaged! These mental stimulation toys for dogs tap into their natural instincts to sniff, paw, and problem-solve for hidden rewards.
The key to ensuring they do not get bored easily is to begin with simple puzzle toys and then slowly increase the difficulty as your dog gets better. If the game is too easy, it won't be stimulating enough; if it's too difficult, they will lose interest. Keep things exciting by rotating different puzzles and treats, so every challenge feels new and rewarding!
Want to learn how to make DIY puzzle games at home for your dog? Click here.
The key to ensuring they do not get bored easily is to begin with simple puzzle toys and then slowly increase the difficulty as your dog gets better. If the game is too easy, it won't be stimulating enough; if it's too difficult, they will lose interest. Keep things exciting by rotating different puzzles and treats, so every challenge feels new and rewarding!
Want to learn how to make DIY puzzle games at home for your dog? Click here.
#6 Must-Have Dog Toys: Lick mats
These textured mats are a great way to help your dog settle down by themselves. The repetitive licking triggers feel-good hormones inside your dog’s brains and keeps them busy for longer and helps them relax.
You can start with simple spreads such as their wet food, yoghurt, dog-safe peanut butter, etc. Once they get used to it, you can freeze them for a long-lasting challenge.
Lick mats can help slow down faster eaters and keep them calm during stressful moments like grooming, vet visits, or car rides. And the best part? With endless flavour combinations, your dog will never get bored! Click here for three creative licky mat recipes for dogs.
You can start with simple spreads such as their wet food, yoghurt, dog-safe peanut butter, etc. Once they get used to it, you can freeze them for a long-lasting challenge.
Lick mats can help slow down faster eaters and keep them calm during stressful moments like grooming, vet visits, or car rides. And the best part? With endless flavour combinations, your dog will never get bored! Click here for three creative licky mat recipes for dogs.
Watch the full Youtube video to know more!
Final Thoughts
Mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise to keep our dogs happy and healthy. To take it a step further, you can observe your dog’s innate instincts, based on what they were bred to do, and give them dog toys that help channel those instincts. For instance, a good game of Fetch is perfect to channel a Labrador or Golden Retriever’s natural retrieving instincts or a snuffle mat is perfect to activate a Beagle or Indie’s sniffing and scavenging instincts. Give them the right outlets, and you’ll see them thrive!
And it’s not about how many dog toys you buy your dog but how creatively you teach them to use it. Rotate the dog toys, elevate the level of challenge, and watch them have fun with it!
Until next time, happy pet parenting!
And it’s not about how many dog toys you buy your dog but how creatively you teach them to use it. Rotate the dog toys, elevate the level of challenge, and watch them have fun with it!
Until next time, happy pet parenting!
Keywords:
dog toys,
mental stimulation toys for dogs,
best toys for dogs ,
toys for dogs to keep them busy ,
enrichment toys for dogs
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