Having a dog is one of the best feelings in the world. When you have a dog, your furry four-legged companion quickly becomes a member of your family, and it’s hard to imagine your life without them. Owning a dog is a lot of work though, and if you have a dog breed that needs a lot of attention and exercise, then trying to stay on top of that can be exhausting, especially if you work a typical 9-5 job.
This is why you should look into toys for bored dogs. Even if you work from home, there's no way to spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with your furry best friend. You have to attend to other duties like errands, shopping, work, and even just the simple pleasure of going out of the house to spend time with friends. Your dog isn’t able to go along with you everywhere, and that’s okay!
Toys for bored dogs are designed so that your pet has something fun and engaging to do, even if you’re otherwise occupied. These toys can keep your dog entertained, keep them busy, and keep them engaged even when you’re busy handling other matters. This not only gives you a break, but it also gives your dog something to look forward to when you’re gone.
The Importance of Keeping Your Dog Stimulated
The question of how to keep your dog occupied becomes extremely important when you consider the ramifications of not doing so. Just like us, dogs need attention, exercise, and mental stimulation to live their best lives. Dogs who are bored and don’t stay occupied are more liable to have behavioural problems like barking and howling, excessive digging and chewing, or even separation anxiety.
We all lead busy lives, and sometimes that means leaving our dogs at home for a few hours. However, if your dog spends the whole day alone with zero stimulation, that’s going to result in negative behavioural problems and an over-excited pup. That’s why it’s vital to have toys for bored dogs, chew toys, and a slow feeder bowl. Dogs need more than just food and shelter to thrive—they also need plenty of attention, stimulating dog toys, and a comfortable environment.
Using Chewable Toys
If you’re wondering how to keep your dog occupied, your brain probably immediately goes to toys. This makes sense; after all, the right toy can keep a dog occupied for hours. Certain chew toys can even double as stimulating dog toys that you can make extra interesting by freezing treats or food in them.
There are many dog toys on the market today like the Fenrir Hammer or the Fenrir Dragon Egg that are specifically designed as toys for bored dogs. With the hole on the side of them, you can place small treats or even other dog toys for your furry best friend to try and tug out.
Sit, Stay, Catch!
Dogs, just like people, all have their own personalities and quirks that make them so uniquely special. Some dogs may not be as motivated by treats as other dogs, and instead will be more motivated by the toy itself. Using these toys can even help you train your dog with basic commands like fetch, sit, stay, tug, or leave it. That’s why having such durable toys like the Fenrir Hammer or the Fenrir Dragon Egg can be so beneficial, you know it’s built to last even if you’re doing an intense training session.
Having toys like this keeps your dog entertained and on their toes because it’s going to take quite a bit of their attention to figure out how to get the treat out from inside of the toy. They make great toys for bored dogs because they encourage problem-solving, last for a long time, and can be used again and again.
Make Them Work for Their Food
While feeding your dog from a regular dog bowl is perfectly fine, you can make mealtime more interesting for them by using a slow feeder bowl or a foraging mat. Not only does it slow down fast eaters, but it also provides mental stimulation for your furry friend.
Using something like a puzzle bowl allows your dog to enjoy a full bowl of food, but has them do it in a way that’s more conducive to their health. They can’t scarf down an entire bowl of food in seconds. Instead, they have to manoeuvre their snouts around the bowl, find the food, and only then can they enjoy their treat.
A foraging mat works much the same way but engages their ability to sniff out food. Hide treats in the folds of the mat, and watch as your dog noses around to find each and every morsel of food hidden away. This keeps them entertained and stimulated, and you can guarantee they’ll love every moment of it.
Plus, you can even use these mats when you aren’t at home! Simply mix some dog food with broth and stick the feeder or mat into the freezer for a while to let it harden up. Give it to your dog before you head out for the day, and your dog will have hours of entertainment as they try to free the treats.
Conclusion
Here at Fenrir Canine Leaders, we understand how important your pet is to you. You only want what’s best for your furry friend, and that includes keeping them occupied and stimulated throughout the day when you aren’t able to be with them. This is why we’ve created stimulating dog toys and slow feeders that can help your dog stay entertained for hours, even while you aren’t there.
If you’re interested in adding any of our rugged toys or slow feeders to your dog’s stimulating toys collection, then check out our products today and see how you can add a bit more excitement to your dog’s life!