Unfortunately, no matter how much we train and encourage our dogs to stay active and not slack off on their doggy beds, sometimes they need an extra push to stay motivated. And if you have ever owned a dog, you probably already know how vital physical activity is to dogs. Sedentary dogs are more likely to become obese, depressed and suffer joint issues which, in the most vicious of circles, will encourage them to be even more inactive. So, what should you, as a responsible dog, do in order to prevent these things from happening?
Besides from taking the dog on regular walks and encouraging him to seek various activities, a great way to keep your pet active is by engaging in frequent play sessions with specialized toys. The products which we will highlight in this article are safe, entertaining and affordable. These are just a few of the many options available on the market, so if you want to see more interactive dog puzzle toys and how they compare to the products below, make sure to visit Toy Pet Reviews. Without further ado, here are five toys that will keep your dog healthy and active.
Bob-A-Lot Treat Dispenser
We know how this sounds. After an elaborate introduction which points out the importance of frequent physical activity, we start the article by recommending a toy that will stuff the dog’s face with food. But in reality, this is not your regular, run-of-the-mill treat dispenser – it is actually a well-designed interactive puzzle that will teach your dog healthy eating habits. Not only that, but it will also instill into your dog the notion that treats do not fall off the trees and that he has to work for it. Furthermore, after just a few uses, your dog’s brain will automatically make the association between good behavior and reward.
Tricky Treat Ball
The Tricky Treat Ball is exactly what the name suggests – a ball that can be filled up with your dog’s favorite treats. All you have to do is simply open up the catch, fill the container with treats, call your dog and have it chase it. Like in the case of the Bob-A-Lot Treat Dispenser, after a few play sessions, your beloved companion will learn that he has to work and behave good, in order to receive treats. Not to mention that it will keep him active, both from a mental and physical standpoint.
Dog Activity Flip Board
The Dog Activity Flip Board is mostly designed for small dogs and puppies, but adult and large-sized canines can easily use it as well. The board contains a series of knob, flaps, and cones that must be operated by your dog – either through their paws, tongue, tail and so on and so forth – if he wants to get the treat. It is a neat little puzzle game that will keep your dog engaged and busy, so if you are looking for a way to keep him focused, this flip board might be up your alley.
The Kong
Now, when it comes to dog toys, the Kong is a true classic. Originally, the Kong was part of a Volkswagen bus’ suspension device, but when the creator saw how much his German Shepherd loved it, he decided to repurpose it into a dog toy. This seemingly inconsequential sequence of events leads to the creation of one of the most popular dog toys in the world.
The Kong is basically a chew toy built of out almost indestructible rubber. Inside, the Kong features a container that can be filled with basically any treat imaginable – cream, almond butter, frozen blueberries, hamburger meat, cheese, and whatever your dog craves when he knows he has been on his best behavior. After filling it up, all you have to do is throw it in any direction and watch your dog work his way through the trenches to get the maximum number of treats. With the Kong, you can never go wrong, and if you get one, you will have a toy that could last you for years.
The Dog Casino
Some people might consider the Dog Casino as being the ultimate puzzle toy and judging by its high rating on Amazon and the plethora of positive user reviews, it is hard to argue with that. The Dog Casino was created by Nina Ottonsson, a Swedish designer known for her novel and creative dog puzzle toys.
The difference between this board and other interactive toys is the fact that it encourages the owners and pets to interact and solve the puzzle together. In order to get his treat fix, the dog has to open drawers, push buttons and open the pegs using his paws, nose and intuition skills. It is great both for bonding and teaching your dog commands such as find, sit, go ahead, wait, stop, and so on and so forth. And weirdly enough, despite its name, it works great for cats as well.
Conclusion
Dogs need lots of physical and mental activity in order to stay happy and healthy, but as willing as they are to engage in these things, sometimes they need a little extra encouragement. The five toys that we have highlighted throughout this article cover these two basic necessities and will encourage your dog to actively seek them thanks to their novelty and well-thought designs.
Post submitted by Deborah Hurst
