Mental Stimulation for Dogs: Activity Ideas for Happy Pups!
Indoor enrichment essentials: 7 great ways to make your dog happier, smarter, and less bored!
These science-backed dog boredom busters keep dogs busy, engaged, and mentally stimulated. Read on for our tested and approved picks!
1. A Puzzle Toy That Keeps Dogs Busy & Engaged
Smarty Paws Puzzler; $25, zippypaws.com
Challenge your pooch with the interactive SmartyPaws Puzzler dog puzzle. Featuring three different levels of difficulty, this unique and engaging puzzle toy teaches your pup problem solving as they work out how to get their treats or kibble. The non-slip base prevents it from sliding to avoid frustration!
2. A Stuffer Toy for Excavating Treats
BIONIC Stuffer; $25, bionicdogtoys.com
Engage your dog’s brain with the BIONIC Stuffer! Fill the Stuffer with your dog’s favourite snacks to encourage positive chewing behaviour and provide mental stimulation. Made from bionic rubber, this versatile puzzle toy is bouncy, buoyant, and dishwasher safe.
3. A Lick Mat to Make Dinner or Treat Time Last Longer
Go Nuts Lick Mat; $13, bigmouthinc.com
Bust boredom with the Go Nuts Lick Mat from BigMouth Pets! Made from food-safe silicone materials, this textured lick mat also has a suction cup backing to keep it in place. Simply spread your dog’s dinner or favourite treat onto the mat! A great distraction tool, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe!
4. A Rewarding Challenge to Work that Canine Brain
TRIXIE Dog Activity Hide N’ Slide Strategy Game; $16, amazon.com or trixiepet.com
Provide a fun challenge with the TRIXIE Dog Activity Hide N’ Slide Strategy Game. Hide kibble or treats under the cones, slots, and sliders and watch your dog figure out different techniques to solve the puzzle and retrieve their tasty prize! The non-slip rubber ring keeps the base secure during play, and it’s dishwasher safe and easy to clean.
5. A Stuffer Ball that Dispenses Treats
Treat Dispensing Bacon Ball; from $12, starmarkacademy.com
Encourage natural hunting and foraging behaviours and reduce anxiety or unwanted boredom-based behaviours with Starmark Academy’s Treat Dispensing Bacon Ball! Designed for powerful chewers and available in three sizes, this bacon-scented toy provides hours of stimulating play.
6. Collagen Chews For a Long-Lasting, Healthy Chew Sesh
Longlastics Thick Collagen Sticks; $28, barkingbuddhapet.com
Keep your dog busy—and their skin, coat, and joints healthy—with the Longlastics Thick Collagen Sticks from Barking Buddha Pet! These long-lasting single-ingredient chews are highly digestible and loved by dogs. Made from grass-fed beef, they’re low in fat and free of additives, preservatives, and chemicals. Available for dogs of all sizes!
7. A Treat Holding Toy That Makes Chews and Treats More Fun & Rewarding
Kibbler Treat Toy; $10, ubbiworld.com
Turn snack time into an absorbing activity with the Kibbler Treat Toy from Ubbi! Made from natural, durable rubber that’s PVC, BPA and phthalate free, this versatile toy features treat slots and stick treat holders to keep your dog engaged! Dishwasher safe and available in four colours.
This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Dog magazine. Subscribe today!
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