Toys to Keep Your Dog from Getting Bored

If doggy is sleeping more, moping more, or being very high maintenance, it could be that the little (or big) fella is bored. Not to worry, your friendly Featured Pet Contributor has discovered a crop of dog toys that can keep your dog fascinated, occupied and enjoying life. They might even raise his IQ. Sure, he loves his tennis ball, but how about something more stimulating? Something he can hunt, chase and chew?

New toys that make dogs use their heads also give them an outlet for all that energy, keep them busy, and reward them for their efforts. Not only that, some are even dishwasher safe. And sturdy. And good to use indoors. After all, there are lots of days when it's just too yucky out to throw that ball. So here they are: Dog toys to fight dog boredom and more.

These Nina Ottoson Interactive Dog Puzzle Toys Fight Dog Boredom.

The Dog Brick puzzle toy can be as difficult as your dog needs it to be. (See picture.) Ultimately, he will learn to take the removable bones out, slide the covers over, and find the treats. You can make it easier in the beginning by putting the plastic dog cups sideways so he can get at the treats more easily. Then there is the Dog Spinny which is so much fun your cat will love it too. (Uhoh, is that a problem?) When the dog knocks off the bone shaped cup on top, it reveals an opening, and then doggy rotates the top to reveal through the opening where the treats are. There is also a Dog Tornado, a Dog Twister, a Dog Finder and even a Dog Casino. (See prices and ordering instructions at the link above.)

This Waggle Toy Won't Bore Doggy.

With its wiggly flexible middle, the Waggle toy lets him wag it, roll it, or toss it. When he shakes it, it randomly releases treats to reward him. That should make him happy for a while.
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The Kong Toys End Doggy Boredom too.

These super bouncy Kong toys are perfect for chewing, and for stuffing with treats and peanut butter. Dogs don't have time to misbehave with a Kong toy around. They're made of nontoxic, durable natural rubber. Pet stores carry them, and you can also order from Amazon at the link.

Teaser Balls Are Anything But Boring.

It's a ball that has another ball inside. Teaser balls were originally designed for primates and young lions and tigers at zoos. They roll erratically, float, and keep animals guessing, and running. Sturdy to handle even aggressive play, and available in different sizes.

Bored No More: Push n' play balls.

These durable high density plastic balls come in five sizes. The bigger ones have a screw plug that comes out so the ball can be partially filled with sand or water. They won't sit still, but keep rolling crazily to intrigue dogs.

Homemade dog toys. Make Some and Stop Dog Boredom Today.

If you don't want to spend money or wait to go shopping, make a dog toy or two yourself. Find a length of rope and make big knots at each end. Now you have a pull toy that's also good for playing fetch. "Food-Bait" a toy by putting treats in a cardboard paper towel cylinder and taping one end shut. Then there's the Old Peanut Butter Jar Toy: When you can't get anything more out of the peanut butter jar, Bowser can. Let him lick it; it will keep the doggy occupied for an hour or so. Then wash it and save it for another day. You can always put another tablespoon of peanut butter in it to give your dog some fun.

Whether it's a pull and tug toy, a crazy ball, a kong or an interactive dog puzzle, these are the toys that can keep your dog's life exciting and stimulating, which is important in dogs of all ages. Older dogs, like older humans, can suffer from forgetfulness and forms of dementia. Puzzle toys, action toys and food-baited toys challenge and sharpen brain function. They were designed to defeat dog boredom and delight dogs and owners, too.