Activity toys and Kongs
Activity toys are widely used and recommended for therapy and the prevention of under-stimulation, boredom, separation and other behavioural needs; but above all are fun for your dog!
There are many types of toys available including Kongs, Buster Cubes, Nylabones, chew toys, knotted ropes, Goodie Ships and dental toys.
Why should I use activity toys?
An activity toy will keep your dog entertained if you have to leave him home alone.
They are useful when your dog needs some time out or a chance to calm down if he is over-excited.
When a dog eats from a Kong instead of from his bowl, he has to engage the thinking part of his brain and it is also much healthier to eat slowly.
The process of playing and thinking about activity toys will help to tire your dog out.
How to use Kongs
Kongs are ideal for dogs who are food-motivated.
To stuff a Kong, place something really tasty like dried liver, peanut butter or cheese into the hole at the top and fill the cavity with your dog’s daily dried food. Leave a titbit out of the opening to provide an immediate pay off and entice your dog to get stuck in.
It is important for dogs to succeed at their work so make it easy to remove the stuffing at first. As they become more experienced, make it more challenging by packing them tighter or freezing them.
1 Comment
We adopted a dog a few weeks ago and got her a Kong, but hadn't thought of freezing it to make it more interesting for her. Brilliant advice - thank you!