After having pampered your bow-wow for several days, you must now go back to work. Anxious about leaving him alone, here are 7 toys to keep him entertained while you are away.
Foreword
Before proposing you my occupation toys selection, here are three key steps to garantee you to succeed:
Make sure you dog is used and okay to be left alone. Being alone should be teach from ther earliest age possible.
Prefer quality toys from recognized and certified brands to get non-toxic and regulated products.
Choose toys according to your dog profile. Depending on breed or age, needs are not the same.
>> To know more, read my dedicated article to teach him/her to be alone "8 real tips for teaching doggie to be alone"
>> If you wish to know more about occupation toy, check-out my dedicated article "Everything you need to know about occupations games for dogs"
Best of Occupation toys for dogs
Snuffle Mat
Made of several rows in which you may hide treats or food. It will then take to your dog several long minutes to eat everything, instead of devouring very quickly. You can buy it or make it yourself.
TIP: Recommended for non-destructive dogs. Otherwise you rmay have a non pleasant surprise on your return.
Kong
You have probably seen it before, as it is by far the most popular game! Come from the Brand Kong itself, however you may find other brands just as good, and sometimes cheaper. The goal is to slip some croquettes into a round container. It will force your companion to chew it and turn it upside down to get his precious sesame inside.
TIP: Place food in a compact way inside. Leave it in the fridge or the freezer, and give it to your dog at the last minute before you leave. It will increase the difficulty and therefore time spent getting the food.
Pipolino
This bone-shaped treat dispenser is designed to encourage the dog to play with it to get treats out. Although pipolino was originally created for fun and to reduce the stress of loneliness, it can also replace an anti-glutton dog bowl.
TIP: to introduce your dog to the game, place the toy next to a wall (preferably where the bowl is) and place one or two kibbles between the wall and the pipolino. Your doggie will have to push it away to retrieve the kibble.
Strategy game
Strategy games are designed to keep your dog's brain active. It includes several hatches to slide, elements to move or release to obtain kibble. It encourage your dog to think for satisfaction, and stimulates him intellectually.
TIP: Be careful to choose the right one accodring to the degree of difficulty and the profile of your dog. Start with an easy one (especially for puppy), then over time you may increase the difficulty, and even creat your own one.
Gyro
With its shape of Saturn planet, the Gyro is a mix between Kong and Pipolino. Made of one central ball where treats are inserted, and one resistant disc that spins around the ball. Your dog as to move and turn the ball to get the treats. Designed to be used alone, you can give it during your firsts absences.
TIP: Place food in a compact way inside. Leave it in the fridge or the freezer, and give it to your dog at the last minute before you leave. It will increase the difficulty and therefore time spent getting the food.
Snoop
Awarded several times in the United States for its innovation. The Snoop is a transparent and flexible ball in which you can insert treats of different sizes. It is also bouncy which adds fun and difficulty for your dog.
The snoop floats, and can be used in the water for more fun.
TIP: Insert another Planet ball or Orbee-Tuff ball in the initial one for more difficulty.
Hide & Seek
Yes, a hide-and-seek as in your childhood in the playgrounds! We are not going to "look for your dog" but rather to "make your dog look for" something. Whether it's his favorite toys or treats, hide them in your home, under a sofa or behind a door, for your dog to play Sherlock Holmes.
You can play this game with him, for example in the house when the weather is despicable, but also while you are away to entertain him.
TIP: Do not give hin access to too large space (such as several rooms) at the begining. It will increase the risk of mischief. Start with a easy room as the kitchen. Alternate treats and toys, while favroing toys that are not too old, such as a teddy bear, to avoid suffocation if it breaks.
All you have to do is choose the right game for your friend. Vary games and activities, and remember that nothing can replace a good walk to spend his energy outside and socialize him.
Share your experiences and advice in the comments! If you have any other game that works well, please share them with us, Raymond will be happy to have new toys.
>> If you wish to know more about occupation toy, check-out my dedicated article "Everything you need to know about occupations games for dogs"
