Even the most committed stay-at-home pawrent has to occasionally crate their puppy or leave their dog at home while they run errands. This is where dog enrichment toys become vital for our peace of mind. Let’s look at why interactive dog toys are key to happy dogs and list our top enrichment picks to keep our pups having fun.

Why our dogs need enrichment toys

• They’re essential for our dogs’ well-being

Enrichment toys do exactly as their name suggests; they enrich our dogs’ lives. In fact, studies confirm that enrichment toys enhance a dog’s welfare and quality of life and suggest that dogs should have a variety of toys to pique their interest. 

Interactive toys stimulate a dog’s natural impulses to chew, gnaw, chase, and forage. They also keep their minds busy with the opportunity to solve problems in exchange for a reward. Not only do puzzle toys give your dog’s brain a workout, but they also allow your dog a positive sense of achievement.

Like humans, being able to solve problems and being rewarded for it is good for a dog’s overall mental well-being. 

• They prevent unwanted behaviours

The major reason we want to keep our dogs mentally stimulated is to channel them away from unwanted behaviours. While exercise, playtime, socialisation, and training are all key to a well-behaved dog, we can’t hover over our dogs all day to ensure they don’t fall into nuisance behaviours like digging, excessive barking, or eating our favourite pair of shoes.

Making sure our dogs have puzzle toys, chew toys, and other high-value items simply keeps them busy and provides them with a positive outlet. In other words, preventing our dogs from being bored is the number one way we keep our shoes intact.

• They help prevent separation anxiety

Another reason that we can never have enough toys to keep our dogs busy is that it helps our velcro puppies who grow anxious about being alone. After all, not all problem behaviour is rooted in boredom. Dogs that suffer from anxiety and stress may resort to:

• Urinating or defecating in the house
• Excessive barking
• Fear-related aggression
• Destructive chewing
• Digging

Some dogs can even injure themselves trying to escape when they are left alone or affected by loud noises or other stressors. This is why having toys ready to teach our dogs that being alone can be fun and to distract them during stressful events like thunderstorms is so crucial.

The 5 best dog enrichment toys we recommend

Luckily, interactive toys that stimulate a dog’s mind are plentiful on the internet and easy to have delivered to your door. Online stores like Pet Chemist and Waggly have fantastic ranges to pick from. 

But in case you’re not sure what to get your canine, we’ve put together a small list of five doggy enrichment essentials.

1. The KONG

No doggy toy box is complete without a KONG. The classic KONG remains one of the dog trainers’ and behaviourists’ favourite tools to keep our pups busy and engaged in their environment. 

Kongs can be filled with treats, but a pro tip is to fill them with their dog’s dinner and a bit of broth and throw them in the freezer during summer. This makes feeding time a far more interactive experience and is great for soothing the gums of teething pups. 

2. SmartyPaws Interactive Puzzler

We love slow feeders that utilise our dog’s problem-solving skills. Not only does this puzzle toy slow our grub guzzlers down when they eat but it provides them with plenty of mental stimulation and reward.

This toy has different difficulty settings, making it suitable for dogs of all ages, and a non-slip base to keep it still while your dog puts their mind to the task of getting those treats!

3. KONG Gyro Treat Dispensing Toy for Dogs

The KONG Gyro is by far one of the most interesting toys to hold an active and inquisitive dog’s attention. The spinning orb in the centre holds treats, and dogs need to paw, nudge, roll, or push the toy to get their reward.

It’s a great way to get a break while your dog plays independently. It also provides that essential mental stimulation that keeps dogs occupied to ease separation anxiety and boredom.

4. Tasty Bone Nylon Trio Bacon Chew Toy for Dogs

If you have a chomper who loves to gnaw and chew, we suggest the Bone Nylon Trio Bacon Chew. Made from nylon, it won’t damage your dog’s teeth, but the flavour will ensure that they get just as much joy from it as from a real bone.

The tough core in this toy is ideal for even the strongest of jaws, and it has the added benefit of doing some dental cleaning while your dog is chewing.

5. SmartyPaws Sunflower Puzzler

A great enrichment toy is all about appealing to your pup’s curiosity, and testing their problem solving skills. The SmartyPaws Sunflower Puzzler has three tiers that, when rotated, reveal the goodies hidden inside!

Help entertain and reduce boredom, giving them a challenge and ultimately a sense of accomplishment. Perfect for small treats or even kibble, to help slow down feeding time!

Final thoughts

Enrichment toys for dogs are not just a treat; they’re essential for dogs who need to spend time crated or hours alone at home. In general, they enhance canine well-being by stimulating their environment and channelling their natural instincts. 

Whether it’s a KONG or puzzle toy, having a collection of different toys prevents your pup from getting bored of just one. Remember, providing our dogs with positive and interactive ways of problem-solving, foraging, or chewing is best to help soothe anxiety and prevent unwanted behaviours.

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Why do dogs like squeaky toys?

There’s no single answer to the question, “Why do dogs like squeaky toys?” As it turns out, there are a few different theories!

Squeaky toys tap into their instinct to hunt

Even though modern-day doggos are far different to their ancestors, they’ve retained their hunting instincts. Ever seen your dog going to town on an innocent plush rabbit? It’s highly likely they think it’s a real rabbit that they’ve caught themselves. Bless!

Squeaky toys tap into this very same instinct: the high-pitched noise emitted by these toys somewhat mimics the sound of terrified prey. 

You may also find that your dog can’t help but try and tear their squeaky toy to shreds. This is in an effort to find – and destroy – the source of the squeak. To them, doing so means they’ve successfully slaughtered their prey. 

They make our pooches feel good

Squeaky toys could very well be giving our puppers an ego boost. Every time they chomp on their toy and it makes a squeaking sound, it’s a sign that they’ve given it their best, most effective bite. 

Over time, that sound becomes a reward for your dog. It activates the reward centres in their brain, which triggers the release of dopamine – a hormone that makes them feel good. They’re then more likely to want to chew on it again and again and again and…

They might associate them with fun times

If your dog has ever started playing with a squeaky toy and you’ve subsequently picked it up to join in the fun, they’ve likely learned that squeaking noises equal good times. 

Positive reinforcement is hugely influential on a dog’s learned behaviour. Every time you pick up the toy, your doggo starts to associate it with a play session. Eventually, they learn that by making the toy squeak, you’re more inclined to want to play with them.

They’re nice and chewy

Dogs love to chew. Be it on a fresh bone or your favourite pair of kicks, for dogs there are few things better than gnawing. Many squeaky toys double as excellent chew toys for dogs, because they’re often made with rubber or other tender materials. Or, they’re soft plush toys that dogs can easily sink their teeth into.

Bonus? Chew toys with squeakers are also great for your doggo’s oral health! They promote saliva production, and can reduce plaque build-up and prevent pet dental disease.

While not always the case, why do dogs like squeaky toys and then grow to be disinterested in them?

Much like how our interests change over time, so too do those of our puppers. When your dog is young, they might be drawn to fun squeaky toys, plush toys that they can snuggle with to cope with separation anxiety, and chew toys for the teething stage.

As they get older, many dogs prefer toys made with tougher materials or things they can chase around the park. And when they’re getting really old, they may circle back to soft toys because that’s all their senior teeth can handle.

Some dogs develop a life-long love of squeaky toys that carries through to old age. But, you still might want to switch up their toy selection depending on their life stage. In fact, some of the best dog toys are those that have been specifically tailored to a doggo’s age.

What should I do if my dog is scared of squeaky toys?

Some dogs can’t get enough of squeaky toys, but others aren’t so taken by them. The loud noise might scare them, or perhaps they’re simply not interested. 

The good news is, if you’ve already bought a bunch of new squeaky toys, you can try and motivate your dog to play with them. See if you can engage them in a game of tug-of-war. Or, throw the toy and encourage your pooch to go and fetch it. Eventually, if they warm up to the toy enough, they might become accustomed to the sound.

There are also lots of different types of squeaky dog toys on the market. Some emit loud, shrill noises, while others are quieter and softer. Your pupper might prefer the latter. And if not? Well, luckily there are lots of other types of dog toys you can choose from!

Important things to know about squeaky dog toys

When you give your doggo a squeaky toy, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Gauge your pooch’s playing and chewing style

Is your dog a gentle biter with little interest in destroying their toys? Or are they more likely to demolish every single toy in their collection? If your dog sits in the first camp, they should be okay with plush toys that squeak. If they sit in the second camp, you’re better off choosing squeaky toys made with harder rubber. Online dog toy and treat subscriptions like Waggly Club take the hassle out of finding the right toys for your doggo. Whether they’re a puppy, active dog or power chewer, you can have an endless supply of toys & all-natural treats shipped direct to your door!

Supervision is key

Even if you’re confident you’ve found the toughest squeaky toy on the market, supervision is a must. If your dog manages to rip the toy to shreds and find the squeaker, it could end up where it shouldn’t: in their throat or digestive system. 

To minimise the chance of choking or another nasty incident, keep a close eye on your dog whenever they’re playing with a squeaky toy.

Make sure the toys are in good nick

Regularly inspecting your doggo’s toys will ensure you can swiftly remove those that have seen better days. If they’re visibly damaged, bits are coming off, or stuffing is coming out, get rid of them and replace them with fresh toys.

Train your dog to give up the toy if needed

Your pupper might get a little overzealous with their chewing, which puts them at greater risk of swallowing the tiny little squeaker. However, you may find it tricky trying to pry the toy out of your dog’s mouth. For them, this is a game, and why would they want to give up their freshly caught prey? 

Instead, train your doggo with easy dog tricks like “drop it”. They’ll then hopefully be more inclined to let the toy go. If they don’t obey, you can try and entice them with a tasty treat to see if they’ll do a swap – something that, to your dog, is way more appealing than a half-ravaged squeaky toy!

The post Why do dogs like squeaky toys? appeared first on Mad Paws.

Here are our picks of some of the best dog stimulation toys you can buy, plus several reasons to add these awesome toys to your dog’s collection. 

What are dog stimulating toys?

Put simply, these kinds of toys are designed to stimulate your dog’s brain. Unlike simple dog toys like chew toys, balls, and tug-of-war ropes, stimulation toys are a lot more interactive. 

And because we know dogs are incredibly food-motivated, these toys often involve treats. They then require your furbaby to use their mind and senses to work out how to retrieve said treats. Some interactive toys use squeakers instead, a sound that your doggo is actually hard-wired to crave.

Some of the most common dog stimulation toys include: 

• • Interactive chew toys, where your dog can satisfy their need to chew and try and retrieve treats
  • Puzzles, many of which allow you to place treats inside

• Treat-dispenser toys, which drive your dog to work for their supper

• Slow feeders, which, true to their name, slowly dole out food to make mealtime more interactive and fun

• Hide-and-seek toys, which allow your dog to forage for treats or other treasures

Why is it important to stimulate your pooch?

There are loads of benefits to dog stimulating toys – here are some of the top ones.

They engage your dog’s mind

As much as dogs need physical stimulation through walks and playtime, they also need mental stimulation. Interactive dog toys are excellent because they allow your dog to use their smarts. 

By engaging with an interactive toy, your dog builds their problem-solving skills and strengthens their mental abilities. This kind of stimulation offers lots of upsides, including warding off boredom, stress, and anxiety.

They satisfy their natural behaviours

While we’ve raised dogs in domestic environments for thousands of years, they still retain a number of their natural instincts. Some dogs love to forage, while others are born sniffers. Others still have an in-built need to hunt. Many interactive toys satisfy these natural urges by forcing your doggo to rely on their senses.

They keep your dog busy

Need to hang the washing on the line, cook dinner, or even head to work for the day? Interactive dog toys are great for keeping your pupper occupied for longer periods.

And what does a busy, engaged dog mean? A pooch who’s much less likely to go nuts on your couch cushions or a roll of toilet paper. If they’ve got plenty of stimulating toys at their disposal, dogs generally aren’t as inclined to engage in inappropriate behaviours, like chewing.

They can help manage your dog’s weight

If your dog is prone to eating too quickly, treat-dispensers, puzzles, and slow feeders can help slow them right down. This is because they effectively drip-feed treats and kibble rather than simply handing them to your dog on a platter. This is especially useful if your dog needs to shed a bit of weight. 

What are some of the best dog stimulating toys on the market?

Now that we’ve gotten the basics of dog-stimulating toys out of the way, let’s find out some of our favourite buys. Here’s our pick of the best dog toys that combine fun, learning, and often, treats!

The top interactive chew toys: Classic KONGs

In our opinion, nothing beats a KONG. These toys are adored by Dog Owners the world over – and for good reason. KONGs are made with tough natural rubber and offer the ability to stuff treats or peanut butter inside. This means they satisfy your dog’s desire to chew as well as their need for mental stimulation. Plus, KONGs are available in a range of sizes to suit different breeds and life stages.

Our preferred puzzle toy: The KONG Ballistic Hide “n Treat

The KONG Ballistic Hide ‘n Treat may not look like a puzzle at first glance. But, it’s absolutely one of the best puzzle toys for dogs. 

The Hide ‘n Treat lets you hide treats inside its heavy-duty pockets, which your doggo then has to find. Leave the pockets open for an easier challenge, or close them up to really put your dog’s senses to the test. Bonus: you can also use this one as a fetch toy.

The best treat-dispensing toy: The KONG Wobbler

Can KONG do anything wrong? Another of our favourites from the KONG family, the Wobbler wobbles, spins, and rolls on the spot as your dog nudges it in an effort to get treats out. 

Aside from being lots of fun for your pooch, the KONG Wobbler is great for puppers on the heavier side. This is because it slowly dispenses treats and kibble, and keeps your dog moving as they work for their food.

Our number-one slow feeder: The Happy Bowl – Pineapple

Does your furbaby eat too quickly? A pineapple might just be the answer. Nope, not the actual fruit, but the Happy Bowl – Pineapple. 

This nifty slow feeder has raised edges, which means your dog will eat up to 10 times slower. Not only can this help maintain your dog’s weight, but it can also prevent them from choking on their food or suffering from a nasty case of belching or bloating.

The funnest hide-and-seek toy: The Zippy Burrow – Honey Pot

The Zippy Burrow – Honey Pot might just be the cutest interactive toy we’ve ever seen. But don’t let its cuteness fool you; this is one seriously excellent toy. All you need to do is hide the squeaky bees inside the honeypot. Then, watch as your dog tries to retrieve them. It’s a great one for pooches who particularly love foraging!

The post Top Toys to Stimulate Your Dog appeared first on Mad Paws.

What makes a good one? What makes a bad one? And why does my dog even need a chew toy anyway? We get that picking the right toy can be quite the conundrum. So, to save you from chewing over your decision, here’s everything you need to know about chew toys.

What are the benefits of chew toys?

Where do we begin? There are so many benefits to giving your dog a chew toy. Here are some of the top ones:

• Dogs simply need to chew. Chewing is a natural behaviour for dogs. It helps them understand their environment, and it’s simply a lot of fun. Left to their own devices, though, and you might find that your dog meets their need to chew by chowing down on your favourite pair of shoes. Instead, a chew toy provides your doggo with an outlet to chew to their heart’s content.
  

• Chew toys keep dogs stimulated. Chew toys provide lots of mental stimulation. This is because they force your dog to focus on something for a prolonged period of time.
  

• They’re also pretty good for their teeth and gums. Chew toys are great for boosting your dog’s dental health. The chewing action stimulates saliva production to help clean your dog’s mouth, and can scrape away tartar buildup. And if you’ve got a teething puppy on your hands, a chew toy can actually soothe their teething pain.

• They help relieve dog stress and anxiety. Some dogs will engage in chewing behaviour when they’re stressed or anxious. Chew toys are perfect if your doggo is prone to stress-induced chewing, as they keep them relaxed and preoccupied.

What kinds of chew toys are available?

There are lots and lots and lots of chew toys on the market. The most common types include:

• Rubber toys, many of which are hollow so you can put treats inside
• Dental chew toys with special coatings or ingredients that improve your dog’s dental health
• Rope toys
• Edible chew toys
• Chew toys made with real wood or meat
• Fake bones or sticks
• Teething toys and rings, which are mostly designed for puppies
• Chewable soft toys
• Rawhide chew toys and other animal products like pig ears (these are a little bit contentious among dog experts and Owners – more on that soon!)

If you’re looking for the best quality and range of options, take a look at Pet Chemist’s dog chew toys. There’s something for all breeds and life stages, from puppy to power chewer!

Why is it important to buy the right chew toy for dogs?

There are some important things to keep in mind when picking a chew toy for dogs. This is because not all chew toys are created equal. You’ll want to look out for a few key features to ensure you’re getting a safe, quality toy that’s right for your dog.

Unfortunately, some toys can splinter or have small parts that break off easily. These may end up in your pupper’s digestive system, which can lead to pain, irritation, or vomiting. In some cases, a dog will require surgery to remove any stray bits of toy from their stomach or intestines. 

Some chew toys are simply too hard for your dog to chew on. If they’re struggling to chew on something, they may chip or break a tooth, or even suffer a mouth injury. Sounds pretty nasty, doesn’t it? If your dog is having a hard time eating, or bleeding from their mouth, take them straight to the vet.

And even if you find the perfect chew toy, it’s important to supervise your dog while they’re chomping on a chew toy, just in case things go awry.

What makes a good chew toy for dogs?

In short, the best dog toys are durable, high-quality, and provide lots of fun for your doggo. But here’s what to look out for when specifically chew-sing a chew toy.

Make sure it’s the right size for your dog

Size is a big factor when selecting a chew toy for dogs. Too big and your tiny pupper will struggle to get their chompers around it. This could result in an injury to their jaw. Too small and your giant furry friend could choke. To make things easier, many toys indicate on their label which size of dog they’re most appropriate for. 

Assess the hardness of the toy

Some toys are designed for aggressive chewers, while others are made for light nibblers. The former tend to be firmer, and the latter are usually a bit softer. Understanding your dog’s chewing style will help you pick the right firmness.

Regardless of their chewing style, though, make sure you choose a toy that has a bit of give. Gently squeeze the toy to make sure it’s not rock-solid. If it’s too hard, your furry friend could damage their teeth or mouth. 

At the same time, you don’t want the toy to be too soft. If your doggo can easily tear it to shreds, they could end up with a tiny piece of chew toy somewhere in their digestive system. That’s why soft toys are generally not advised for aggressive chewers.

Check that your dog can’t swallow any parts of it

Good chew toys won’t have any parts that are easy to detach, like strings, ribbons, buttons, or other bitsy things. If your dog tears off one of these bits, it could make its way into their stomach or intestines. Instead, a solid toy with minimal decoration is a better choice.

Ensure your chew toy for dogs is easy to wash

With all that chewing going on, naturally a chew toy can start to get a little grimy after a while. The best dog toys are easy to wash and disinfect. Bonus points if you can safely chuck the toy in the dishwasher or washing machine.

Inspect the material

You’ll want to ensure that the chew toy is made from a material that’s safe and durable. Some toys are stuffed with polystyrene beads, while others are made from flimsy materials that shred or break easily. 

On the topic of materials, you’ll find that many chew toys are made from rawhide or other animal parts. These include pig ears, beef ears, pig trotters, jerky, and other animal-based products. The jury is still out as to whether rawhide is good or bad for dogs. 

Some argue that the coating on some of these products can cause digestive upsets. Others believe it’s too easy for dogs to choke on bits of rawhide. Then, some say it’s perfectly safe for many dogs. If you’re unsure, you can ask your vet for advice on whether rawhide is suitable for your doggo.

Evaluate its durability

While durability certainly applies to the toy’s material and quality, it’s also very much relevant to how much enjoyment your dog will get from it. A good chew toy shouldn’t get boring quickly. Instead, it should entertain your pupper for hours. 

If your dog is food motivated, you might want to pick a toy that allows you to stuff treats inside it. If they love nothing more than interactive play, a rope could be a good idea. Rope toys allow them to chew and engage in a friendly tug-of-war at the same time. And if your doggo is a gentle chewer with a tender and loving side, a chewable soft toy that they can slowly nibble on could just be the perfect pick.

The post What makes a good chew toy for dogs? appeared first on Mad Paws.