When dogs get bored, it can lead to all sorts of trouble. When they don’t get enough mental and physical stimulation, you have to deal with excessive barking, digging, and restlessness. You’ll end up with plenty of damaged items, such as chewed-up shoes and scratched doors.
Boredom in dogs can also cause anxiety and even depression over time.
Canines need a bit of variety and purpose in their daily routine. Left to their own devices, they’ll find ways to entertain themselves, and it’s rarely the kind of entertainment you’d like.
Fortunately, you can easily get the best toys to keep dogs busy in-store and online. With these options, your pet can enjoy the benefits of engaging in activities that stimulate them mentally and allow them to get some exercise.
Best Toys to Keep Dogs Busy
If you want to know how to keep a dog busy at home, start by getting the right dog toys.
Below are the best toys that can keep your canine friend busy, happy, and physically and mentally stimulated:
1. Treat-Dispensing Chew Toys
Dogs love to chew, which is why you’ll often see them munching on their toys, your shoes, and anything they may suddenly find interesting.
This innate behaviour helps dogs maintain good dental health and strengthen their jaws. It’s also a way for them to relieve stress.
Getting a treat-dispensing chew toy is a great idea to keep your dog busy and engaged whether you’re at home or not.
This toy comes in different types. Choose a treat-hiding version if you want your pet to get a reward after playing. This option allows your furry friend to get a treat after they learn how to release it.
Kong Dog Toys have several treat-dispensing options that canines can chew on for hours.
Another type of popular treat-dispensing toy holds bully sticks, frozen snacks, and other treats dogs love. They need to figure out how to get the food placed inside it, which keeps them thinking for several minutes.
This type of toy can help reduce your pup’s anxiety when left alone. It gives dogs a safe, positive, and rewarding outlet for their pent-up energy.
2. Slow Feeders
If you’re looking for dog toys to keep them busy, slow feeders are excellent options. They help keep your dog occupied while slowing down their eating pace.
Slow feeders are less challenging than interactive puzzles but make mealtimes more exciting. With this feeding device, your dog gets their food by nudging, licking, and pawing. Some canines can spend 15 to 20 minutes working through a slow feeder, which prevents them from inhaling their food in seconds.
As they get their food, they get their brain ticking and sharpen their attention. This turns mealtimes into little puzzles, which is especially great for dogs that need more mental stimulation.
Besides keeping your pet busy for long periods, a slow feeder allows them to do something meaningful and gratifying.
3. Interactive Puzzle Toys
This type of toy requires canines to solve problems or puzzles to get dog treats inside compartments. This fun device challenges your pet and helps them avoid boredom.
As mentioned, interactive puzzle toys are more challenging than treat-dispensing chew ones. As such, they are more mentally stimulating and can take up more of your pet’s time.
These toys come in various types and range from beginner to difficult levels. If you have a puppy, give them simple puzzle toys that they can figure out easily to get the treat. These products ensure they won’t get frustrated quickly.
Once your pet gets older, or if you have an adult dog, give them more advanced-level puzzles. These devices can give them more challenging brain exercises.
The time your dog will spend playing with these devices will ensure they won’t do anything mischievous or damaging when they’re bored.
4. Fetch Toys
Playing fetch with your furry friend is one of the best ways to keep them active and, at the same time, bond with them.
You can play fetch with your pet with a classic tennis ball whenever you’re together. You can also consider getting rolling or bouncing toys that move unpredictably when nudged, which dogs love chasing. Some even make noises or light up, which will pique your pup’s curiosity. You can find these dog products at most pet stores.
Your canine friend can still play fetch when you’re not around with an automatic, interactive ball launcher.
This unique device comes in different forms. The newer versions automatically release the ball and treat when the dog returns the ball.
These toys tap into your dog’s natural instinct to chase, hunt, and retrieve even when you’re not around. They're especially handy on rainy days or when you’re busy but still want your pet to have fun and exercise.
5. Lick Pads
Lick pads are rubber or silicone mats with textured surfaces and grooves. You can spread wet dog food, plain yoghurt, peanut butter, and sweet potato or pumpkin puree on the mat, which your pet will lick.
The lick pad works as a slow feeder since your canine friend will spend several minutes licking or eating from it.
As your dog licks the pad, they’ll reduce their anxiety and stress. It serves as a form of entertainment and distraction that helps them overcome their boredom.
Some products combine a lick pad with a slow feeder plate or bowl, which gives your pet food options. This design encourages your pup to take smaller, more frequent bites and avoid inhaling their meal.
When introducing this toy to your pet, put it away immediately once they’ve licked it clean. This will teach them that the mat is only for licking and is not a chew toy, which they may destroy.
6. Toys for Tracking Games
Tracking games are fun ways to keep your dog busy, tap into their instincts, and enhance their sense of smell.
Dogs use their noses to make sense of the world, so scent-based play can be fun and enriching for them.
Hide treats and toys around the house or garden and let your pet look for them. You can also hide scented toys in more challenging spots for a real nose workout.
If you’re looking for a toy that can let your pup forage for hours, get them a snuffle mat. This product allows your dog to root around to find hidden treats.
As your pet sniffs, hunts, and navigates challenges, they can get a mental and physical workout that keeps them occupied for hours.
Consider getting at least one toy from each type if you want to ensure they have fun and are mentally and physically stimulated as they stay busy.
Helping Your Pet Get the Most From Their Toys
Now that you know how to keep dogs busy at home with the right toys, help them get the most benefits from these products with these tips:
1. Buy only good-quality toys.
Look for trusted brands offering products made of durable, non-toxic materials that last long. When your pet has good-quality toys, you can be sure they won’t swallow and choke on small parts accidentally.
2. Ensure the toy is appropriate for your pet’s age and breed.
Matching toys to your pet’s size, breed, and life stage makes playtime safer and more rewarding. Keep in mind that a tiny squeaky toy might be perfect for a chihuahua but dangerous for a Labrador. Chew toys meant for an adult dog could frustrate a young puppy or bore a senior.
3. Rotate your pet’s toys.
Change your dog’s toys every two or three days to keep them interested in their playthings and the activities you prepared for them. Rotating them ensures they won’t get tired of playing with the same things repeatedly.
Although you have all the items you need to keep your pet preoccupied when they’re alone, remember that playing and spending time with them is also important. As such, squeeze in playtimes with them daily, even if you have a busy schedule.
Contact us when you need help getting the right toys for your canine friend.
