Entertaining my dogs

Hello,

I'm looking for inexpensive ways to entertain my dogs when they are
left alone. I'm currently using things like a Kong stuffed with kibble
and some peanut butter and then frozen.
One of my guys is a very strong chewer and needs something that can
withstand his jaws for a bit.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Sabine

Comments

Entertaining dogs

Do you walk them before they are left alone for the day? Or play frisbee, or take them swimming? Anything to get them a little tired so they are more likely to settle by themselves.

Dog popsicles are great - freeze some meat or other treats in an iceblock. Like the kong, it takes them time to eat it.

A big meaty bone that is too large to bury, or choke on. Try your butcher. Some people don't like leaving their dog with a bone, though in case there is a problem and there is no one there to assist.

You can get tug toys that attach to a tree or overhead structure - some of them dispense treats. Try your pet shop or vet.

Hide food so they have to look for it. Small pieces of kibble hidden will keep the dogs sniffing them out, and they are not sure when there are none left.

A view. If your fences are solid, consider putting a window in, so they can see out - well, not glass. But a small hole they cannot escape through, or a hole that is meshed over. The view needs to be of some activity, even if its just traffic.

Do your dogs play together? What about a ball that is partly deflated, that can be carried around, and thrown by the dog? Squeaky toys?

A sandpit could be good too. Teach them to only dig there, and bury some treats and toys for them.

A comfortable bed, or other place to snooze. Plenty of shade, water, shelter. But I guess you know that.

Aidan's picture

re: Entertaining my dogs

I love all of Bluefilly's ideas! Lots to keep you going there. I'm a big fan of raw bones, but there are risks and I would separate your dogs if you choose to leave them with raw bones suitable for recreation.

Something to consider is that what your dogs do when they are alone has more to do with what you do for them while you are home than what you give them to do while you are out. All the ideas Bluefilly suggested can be applied when you are home, say, while you are preparing or eating dinner, or tidying the house. It all adds up, and ideally your dogs will sleep for more of the time you are away and won't need to be destroying chew toys!

Regards,
Aidan
http://www.positivepetzine.com