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How To Keep Your Dog Occupied (And Avoid Destruction)
Our nature as humans is to try, at all costs, to avoid the inevitable abyss of boredom. I think we all can agree that this has been nearly impossible over the past year. Turns out, dogs have that exact same instinct, except their options are much more limited than ours. As a matter of fact, they depend on us to entertain them, which unfortunately is not always convenient for us. When we are unable to entertain our dogs, they tend to seek out ways to entertain themselves, usually resulting in some sort of destructive behavior. Although this is undeniably frustrating for dog owners, it is also a reminder of how important it is to keep your dog mentally stimulated. When you fail to do so, you’re just as much in the doghouse as they are. So, to avoid this problem altogether, I’ve put together a list of five beneficial dog toys that’ll keep you sane and your dog occupied.
First up we have the AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat which is just $17 on Amazon. It will not only keep your dog occupied, but it will also help him release energy and relieve stress. Additionally, the snuffle mat mentally and physically stimulates dogs as it encourages them to use their natural foraging skills. Just stuff some treats in it, and let your dog do the rest of the work.
Next we have the StarMark Bob-A-Lot Toy, available on Amazon for $14.50. This interactive toy is great for mental and physical stimulation, as well as for preventing destructive behaviors. It has an adjustable opening so you can regulate the difficulty, and its small and large sizes make it suitable for any sized dog.
Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy — $14.49
Similar to the snuffle mat, but slightly different, is the 2-Pack Lick Mat For Dogs on Amazon for $13. Smother it in yogurt or peanut butter, and your dog will be distracted for hours. Lick mats are great for reducing anxiety, relieving boredom, and aiding with slow eating and digestion. Better yet, this lick mat has a suction on the bottom so you can stick it on bathroom walls or windows to keep your dog distracted while trying to bathe or groom them.
The Pet Teeth Cleaning Chew Toy on Amazon kills two birds with one stone for just $13. This chew toy is a great alternative to a toothbrush for your dog. When you add toothpaste into the bristle lined grooves, your dog will basically brush her own teeth. Additionally, you can add peanut butter instead of toothpaste, turning it into the perfect chew toy to reduce anxiety and boredom. This one comes in two sizes as well to ensure the safety of your dog, so make sure you choose the one that’s best suited for your fur baby. This one probably isn’t best for aggressive chewers; but if you do decide to use it as a way to avoid the impossible task of trying to brush your dog’s teeth, just make sure to monitor how much time your pet spends with it to prevent complete destruction.
Lastly, we have the KONG Classic Chew Toy. This one probably comes at no surprise to all my fellow dog owners out there, but I couldn’t leave it out. This is the most ideal chew toy for aggressive chewers, as it is nearly indestructible. Sizes range from XXS to XXL, and prices range from $7.50 to $25, respectively. It helps dogs satisfy their instinctual needs, relieves anxiety and boredom, and provides mental and physical stimulation as well. This is also a great toy to get your puppies during teething to prevent them from picking up any unhealthy or destructive chewing habits. You can stuff these chew toys with treats or peanut butter, then sit back and relax as your dog plays for hours.
KONG 41938 Classic Dog Toy, Large, Red, KONG Classic Large — $12.99
These toys will save your most prized possessions from complete annihilation, yourself from going hot under the collar, and most importantly, your dog from the dark abyss of boredom.