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The 5 Best Toys that will Help Enrich Your Dog
While the ideal situation is spending all day with our dogs and puppies, the reality is that enrichment toys are a saving grace for when you need to pop out for errands or commute to work. Dog enrichment toys will give you peace of mind knowing that your dog is occupied with something safe and fun.
WHY DO OUR PUPPIES NEED ENRICHMENT TOYS FOR DOGS?
Enrichment toys do precisely that; they enrich our dogs’ lives with activities that help pass the time. Studies have confirmed that dog enrichment toys can enhance their welfare and quality of life, keeping them entertained while you’re away.
Additionally, they prevent unwanted behaviours like digging or chewing on your favourite clothes. Mental stimulation is vital for energetic puppies and dogs with separation anxiety, helping them exert energy while occupying their minds on a particular task.
THE BEST ENRICHMENT TOYS FOR DOGS
This helpful guide outlines which enrichment toys are for large and small dogs – we recommend trialling a few and seeing what works for your dog, as not every dog will respond the same to certain toys.
SNUFFLE MAT
Sniffing is incredibly beneficial for dogs and essential for their wellbeing. After all, it’s their prized possession. According to research, dog experts tell us that 20 minutes of sniffing is equivalent to an hour’s walk. Snuffle mats are an excellent enrichment toy for dogs if you live in an apartment or prefer to have your dog inside.
Even if your pup has a busy schedule full of feeds, walks, playtime and cuddles, use a snuffle mat to hide their favourite treats to sniff and find. Using energy as they sniff will help calm them down throughout the day, so you may even come home to find your dog napping after a day of sniffing.
LICK BOWL SLOW FEEDER
Dogs love to eat and have a big appetite, so you’ll regularly see them practically inhaling their food as soon as it arrives. Our lick bowl slow eater is made from silicone, non-toxic, and food-grade for safety. Alternatively, you can use a lick mat that suctions onto floors, tiles and cupboards as a stimulating indoor activity.
Lick bowls encourage slower eating habits, which aids in better digestion overall. Moreover, if your dog is timid and dislikes being groomed, a lick bowl calms them down and distracts them while you bathe, brush their fur or clip their nails.
CHEW TOYS
Chew toys are excellent enrichment toys for large and small dogs. If you have a chomper who loves to gnaw and chew, the last thing you want is them doing that on your favourite couch or shoe. Chew toys are designed not to hurt your dog’s teeth, and the tough material will ensure longevity.
Our Hercules Chew Toy cares for your dog’s teeth and gums with its gentle texture and pattern. Like all of our products, we’ve tested this ourselves and the design is proven to last longer than regular food dispenser toys. Made from food-grade, biodegradable and non-toxic rubber with a natural vanilla scent, stuff it with your dog’s favourite treats and they’ll be entertained for hours to come.
TUG TOYS
Tug toys for dogs are more than something fun and playful. It’s one of the best learning tools for small and large dogs. With fun exercises like tug of war, you can teach your dog impulse control and bite inhibition and teach them to understand phrases like “drop it”.
It can also be used as an alternative reward during training sessions. It’s always handy to have an option besides food treats when training for those unexpected moments you need to do a command and don’t have a treat handy.
USE AN ENRICHMENT KIT FOR DOGS
If you can’t decide or you’re overwhelmed by the options, we’ve curated the perfect kit for you, including all of your enrichment essentials: snuffle mat, chew toy, lick bowl and lick mat. Your puppy will be entertained with the best enrichment toys for dogs all day long!