Note;  All the toys/puzzles shown in this article can be purchased from The Pet Pantry 78 A Lincoln St, Exeter, NH, 03833  (603) 583-4853

 

Last week we talked about treats and what to look for. This week we want to talk about ways to keep your new dog, especially a puppy, busy which in turn will make your life better!

Dogs like a challenge. They like solving a puzzle, especially if there’s a reward in there somewhere.  The reward can be a treat, or even a prized toy.  There are a few companies that make puzzles where the dog can see toys that are just out of reach and they have to figure out how to get them. Some examples are;

Kygen’s Hide a Squirrel81Hot1V-qjL._SL1500_

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another is iCube’s interactive plush puzzle with squeaky balls.yhst-10376393112897_2202_55748516

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both of these toys, and others like them, teach your dog to use her nose, as well as her mind.  Once they figure out how to get the toys out, they will play with them over and over!

The other type of interactive toys involves treats. It may be pieces of kibble or it could be peanut butter, frozen yoghurt, or even frozen fruit! The object is to figure out how to get the treat out.  An example of the kibble powered toys are;

The Treat Triad.  61ZCCR2T75L._SL1500_

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The object of this game is to figure out how to get the kibble out. The kibble is placed in the top and the dog rotates the toy until the pieces of kibble fall down into one or more of the lags. Then they have to figure out how to lift the cover with their noses.

 

Another is by Bionic. stuffer_black This is another toy, that when stuffed with kibble, challenges the dog to roll it around and figure out how to get the treat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bionic is a company that makes highly durable toys for dogs. They have many that operate a lot like a Kong, but what sets them apart is they are more durable and can be thrown in the dishwasher when dirty. The rubber that they are made from is FDA approved raw materials so it is safe for your dog.

 

Yet another is the Bob-A-Lot.  61ffULgzYML._SL1500_

 

 

 

 

 

This is another toy that challenges your dog to figure out how to get the treats out.  What sets this toy apart from the others is it’s ability to hold up to three cups of kibble. This is guaranteed to keep your pup busy for a while!

 

Finally there is  the Magic Mushroom.  415tS8CNsbL._AA160_

 

 

 

 

This is another food dispensing toy that holds  over a cup of kibble. This, like the Bob-A-Lot can be used to feed the dog. Very useful if you have a dog that eats too fast!  The Mushroom is adjustable to allow varying amounts of food to be dispensed.

 

All these toys will provide your dog with hours of entertainment and should give you some much needed quiet time. If you’re running out for an errand, the treat dispensing toys should keep your pup occupied and out of trouble. They might be worth checking out!