If you are a dog owner, then you must be familiar with the playful nature of dogs. They need much more than a bowl of kibble and peanut butter treats from time to time. Many people, however, are not familiar with the breeds of their dogs and treat them all the same.
Though every dog needs mental stimulation, not every dog likes to play—some of them are very lazy. A Japanese Chin or Maltese dogs are not as playful as a Corgi or an English Springer Spaniel. So, carry out a little research on your dog’s breed and make a play schedule for them accordingly.
Dogs require mental stimulation and lazy dogs, if not providedwith adequate play time, gradually become lethargic. If your dog lays idle all day, then they might suffer medical complications further in their life and if you do not indulge them in activities, then even a little run in the yard might wear them out.
Before you even think about getting a dog, any good dog-caring site tells you about a specific breed’s necessities such as dog food, the right collar and leash, a dog bed, food crate, etc.
What most of these sites forget to mention is your dog requires equal amounts of exercise and activities to help them stay active. You must have things in your home that your dog can play with, other than a chew toy. Therefore, we have picked the top five best interactive toys and puzzle toys to keep your dog busy.
These toys not only provide them with exercise but they also test your dog’s mental ability to solve problems. Plush toys with treat dispensers and other similar puzzle toys are what your pup needs. Moreover, as they become preoccupied with the toys, it reduces the risk or separation anxiety.
1. [amazon link=”B018HQTXB0″ link_icon=”amazon” /]:
There must have been times when your work has stacked up, but your dog can’t get enough of the outdoors. Don’t worry—we have the perfect solution for this situation.
It is an automatic and interactive ball-launching device, perfect for those times when you are too busy to play with your dog.
It is an on-demand ball launcher that lets your dog play fetch indoors and as well as outdoors. It throws tennis balls at distances of 10, 25, or 40 feet, depending on your selected range.
The large size of the tennis balls prevents your dog from accidentally swallowing them. Once your dog fetches the ball and puts in into the hole at the top of the iFetch Too device, it simply launches the ball again. This fun-filled activity lets your dog play fetch to their heart’s content.
Fetch enthusiast dog breeds include Labrador Retrievers, Rat Terriers, Australian Shephard, Golden Retrievers, and Border Collies. So, if your dog belongs to anyone of the previously mentioned breeds then the iFetch Too will become their favorite toy. Plus, it saves your arm from the pain caused by throwing the ball repetitively. This device runs on a built-in rechargeable battery.
2. [amazon link=”B001JQLNB4″ link_icon=”amazon” /]:
This food dispensing toy has received more than two thousand five-star reviews on Amazon. This toy mentally and physically stimulates your dog.
This Interactive Dog Toy is manufactured from a non-toxic material and its shape is like a bobo doll with a weighted anti-slip bottom which makes the toy retains its upright position.
In other words, the shape of the toy makes it bob and wobble which entices your dog a great deal. This interactive toy has a large bottom chamber which can hold up to three cups of dog treats, which is enough for a full meal.
So, it engages them in exercise and feeds them at the same time. It comes with an adjustable opening at the top and bottom that allows you to adjust and accommodate the types of treats that passes through it. The openings can be adjusted to increase or decrease the difficulty level. Bear in mind, however, that this toy is for small dogs because large dogs and aggressive chewers gnaw its top off sometimes.
3. [amazon link=”B007X7FJAO” link_icon=”amazon” /]:
Hyperactive dogs crave to do things. A pet feels a kinship to their owner when they play with them. If you want to indulge your dog into mentally interactive games, then ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy should be on your list of toys.
This game is best suitable for small to medium-sized dogs who love to chase things. It comes with three squeaky hedgehogs, which hide in the three holes of the den. After fitting the hedgehogs into the den, your dog’s task is to fish them out.
The squeaky sound made by the hedgehogs will entertain your dog and keep them busy for hours. However, one should not leave their pet alone with the toys. The owners should supervise play time or the dog might harm themselves.
4. Nina Ottosson DogTwister Interactive Game:
Dogs enjoy puzzle games a lot, especially when they get positive reinforcements in the form of dog treats for every step they solve.
Created by a leading Swedish dog trainer, it is an interactive puzzle game which provides the best kind of remedy for boredom.
It’s a smart way to bond with your dog as well. The material of the dog twister is hard-wearing, durable, and slobber-proof.
Plus, it is also water and dishwasher-friendly which makes it easy to clean. The physical effort required for this game will prevent your pet from getting too fat. Moreover, this toy aids in training your dog to follow commands, such as ‘Find,’‘Sit,’ ‘Go Ahead,’‘Wait,’ etc.
5. [amazon link=”B0054Q9TMA” link_icon=”amazon” /]:
Unlike the Nina Ottosson DogTwister, this flip board game has an increased level of difficulty because it has a various number of places to hide the dog treats. It has lids, sliding discs, and cone that with cavities under them to hide dog food.
The TRIXIE Dog Activity Flip Board is an ideal game for intermediate canine players as they can easily lift the lids with their teeth. By correctly sliding and lifting the cones and flaps the food will be presented to your dog as a reward.
The design prevents the cones from getting knocked over and they must be lifted straight up for the pet to avail the treat hiding under it. The Trixie FlipBoard is an excellent way to channel your dog’s energy into something positive. In addition, the Dog Activity flip board can also be purchased by cat owners.
Automatic Dog Ball Launchers
Are you looking for interactive toys to keep your dog healthy? Dog ball launchers might fit the bill! Check out our page on the different types of dog ball launchers. There are many different types of automatic launchers that might fit your dog. Check out the petsafe launcher in this article “Petsafe, and the Newest Dog Ball Launchers on the Market”.