In our era, keeping children busy is as easy as handing them a tablet. Tablets are full of videos, games, and interaction that every child needs. This can keep them busy for hours. Alternatively, they have toys, television, other children and beyond to keep them occupied and, for the most part, building skills (whether it be educational or social).
But what happens when we need to occupy our fur children? It’s not as easy as handing them a tablet—though with how technology is going and with the progress of apps this may become a reality. Right now, though, before that technology arrives, what can we do to ensure that our pups are happy, educated, and having fun?
First of all, let’s discuss why they need to be occupied. For a start, they need more than a simple tennis ball, tug toy, or boring dog chew toy. Though these dog toys have a place, not many of us realize how similar dog’s reactions to different environments and situations are to humans.
Dogs and puppies do get bored easily and need mental stimulation. Though perhaps they don’t take on the amount of thought capacity and complexity that we do, they still can get stressed out when not kept mentally stimulated. In fact, because we spend the majority of our day deep in thought about our problems, our day, our to-do list, and we actually only spend a small portion of our day looking for entertainment.
While because dogs don’t have similar stresses, especially with domestication and the decreased fear of predators, threats, and hunting, they end up spending more of their time looking for entertainment and challenge. One of the largest symptoms of boredom is misbehavior.
Dogs will start to jump, chew, and become destructive if they are bored. Additionally, they may start to bark and bite (not aggressively but in a way to say ‘pay attention to me’). Long-term and more serious symptoms are laziness, weight gain and depression (seeing the similarities here?).
Dogs are like children except for their entire life. Play and challenge are integral to their long-term development.Play is not always easy—we’re busy. We have all those stresses listed above. We don’t have the time to be making sure that our pups are being entertained every minute of their waking hours.
So, how do we take care of ourselves and our lives while simultaneously raising a dog that is developing, growing, and needing attention? That’s what this article is here to help you with. This article goes through and recommends the best puzzle toys, squeakers, and dog treat toys to keep dogs (and puppies) busy and having fun.
1. The Ethical Pet Seek-A-Treat Shuffle Bone Dog Puzzleer
This Product Is Rated 3.5/4 Stars On Amazon.
This interactive toy comes in tan and provides mental stimulation for your pup. The puzzle rewards your dog for being able to complete the task and is considered a dog IQ puzzle.This stimulating toy allows the owner to put their dog’s favorite treat inside as a reward for solving the puzzle.
2. Starmark SMBALS Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy, Small
This Product Is Rated 4.5/5 Stars On Amazon.
This treat dispensing toy is available in one color, green, and purple mix and comes in two sizes, including small and medium.This toy is can fit an entire can of dog food and its purpose is to keep your dog engaged by dispensing the treats.It wobbles at the bottom to slowly spill food out. This dog toy is meant for entertainment but can also be used to slow down aggressive eaters, which can help prevent bloat.
3. Outward Hound Kyjen 31004 Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy 7 Piece, Ginormous, Brown
This Product Is Rated 4.5/5 Stars On Amazon.
This Fun Dog Toy Is Available In One Style And Comes In Four Sizes, Including Junior,Ginormous, And Large (Their Descriptions, Not Ours). 
The toy features six squeaky squirrels and includes a durable plush tree trunk. This interactive toy uses a hide and seek play pattern that dogs love.You hide the squirrels in the tree trunk and the pups will sniff and dig them out.The plush material is well-made and durable.
Additional squirrels can be purchased separately so that if (and when) pups destroy the old ones there is no need to purchase the entire unit again.The plush material is well-made and durable. Additional squirrels can be purchased separately so that if (and when) pups destroy the old ones there is no need to purchase the entire unit again.
4. Trixie Pet Products Mini Mover, Level 3, Red/Yellow/Black
This Product Is Rated 4.5/5 Stars On Amazon.
This toy only comes in one color and one size but features four different games for dogs to play.It is meant for advanced, intelligent dogs.
- Game 1: lift up cones straight up
- Game 2: move sliders with nose or paw
- Game 3: move the knob to open the drawer
- Game 4: open the drawer using the rope pull
The hidden treat compartments for reward and to keep your pooch engaged. The unit features non-slip rubber feet to keep the game in place while being played with.This game includes a booklet with tips and tricks for challenging and training dogs of all ages through play. It is also dishwasher safe for convenience and comes with a 1-year warranty.
5. The Company Of Animals Dog Twister Interactive Game Puzzle Dog Toy
This Product Is Rated 5/5 Stars On Amazon.
This puzzle is available is one style and one size and is an interactive activity for pets and owners to complete together. This toy features treat compartments for animals to find them.As your pet masters the game, you can increase the difficulty if required with bone pegs.
This toy can also assist you in training your pet and teach them training commands such as wait, go ahead, find, sit, etc.The tough exterior on this game won’t easily wear and you can use it for both cats and dogs. It is also water-resistant and dishwasher safe so it’s easy and convenient to keep clean.
These products are under $100.00 (a range from $20.00 to $90.00) and all are designed for big and small dogs (some of the products have specially-made sizes for different sizes of dogs and the one-size is meant for all sizes).Play time aids in the development of dogs from young to old. Keeping dogs active and engaged strengthens both their bodies and their minds.
It’s not always easy to keep dogs amused, let’s face it, it seems like they have Energizer Bunny type energy and though it’s not possible to keep the pup entertained all the time, there are helpful products like these that help with the task. We hope this article was helpful in your search for busy toys. Happy play!
Does your dog need a lot stimulation?
Some dogs need lots of stimulation and exercise. Sometimes it’s hard to keep these dogs entertained. If that’s the case you might want to consider an automatic dog ball launcher. These launchers can provide many hours of fun and entertainment for you dog while also providing healthy exercise and entertainments for all.
Check out these reviews of Dog Ball Launchers to provide your dog with entertainment for hours!
