{"id":15618,"date":"2021-07-06T07:19:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-06T13:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/?p=15618"},"modified":"2022-06-09T11:41:14","modified_gmt":"2022-06-09T17:41:14","slug":"diy-dog-enrichment-toys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/dogs\/diy-dog-enrichment-toys","title":{"rendered":"Best Dog Enrichment Toys + DIY Solutions for a Well-Behaved Pup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dog toys are usually pretty simple. You have a ball for fetch, a treat toy filled with peanut butter to keep your doggy busy for a few minutes, and a rope to play tug-of-war. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these toys are certainly fun, they may not be providing the kind of mental stimulation your dog needs to grow and feel fulfilled. Instead, you need to invest in dog enrichment toys. Otherwise, he can turn to destructive behaviors<\/a> when they’re bored instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the lowdown on dog enrichment toys, as well as some other interactive games you could try out on your pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are Dog Enrichment Toys?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Essentially, dog enrichment toys are interactive dog toys that will challenge your pup, ensure he is having fun, and that he isn\u2019t bored. They will also help him feel physically, mentally, and emotionally satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your dog needs different kinds of activities to keep him engaged, or he could become anxious<\/a> or start doing things he thinks will entertain him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Has your dog ever dug holes in your yard, destroyed your shoes, or scratched up your walls? He was likely either bored or anxious and just looking for something to do. If he had an enrichment toy to treat dispenser to play with, he may not have engaged in that kind of destructive behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best enrichment toys are the ones that empower your dog to embrace his innate behaviors like chasing, sniffing, scavenging, chewing, and playing. You can purchase enrichment dog toys or make your own using things like muffin tins, a ball, and dog food, as laid out below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Word of Caution About Enrichment Toys<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before choosing an enrichment toy, treat dispensing dog toy, or creating one yourself, make sure that whatever toy you go with is suitable for your pup<\/a>. For instance, if your dog is an inhaler, you need to ensure that he\u2019s not going to eat a toy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, if your dog likes to chew and destroy things, try toys that are suitable for chewers. If there are any small pieces, watch your dog when he\u2019s playing with his toys so that he doesn\u2019t accidentally swallow something he shouldn\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the enrichment toy should be suitable depending on your dog\u2019s breed, age, and ability. For instance, your senior dog may not be able to move as well as he used to because he has arthritis, so you may not want to challenge him physically too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nina Ottosson’s tip for injured or arthritic dogs: Elevate puzzles on a chair or table that meets their level so it’s easier on their joints.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

If you have a flat-faced or Brachycephalic breed<\/a> dog, then something like a food puzzle made out of tubes is going to be hard for him to use. If he has bulging eyes, they could get scratched on the tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monitor your dog the first time he engages with the enrichment toy so you can make sure he\u2019s happy and having fun. You can always ask your veterinarian or dog trainer for recommendations for toys to make and buy as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now that you know about choosing appropriate enrichment toys, here are some you can purchase or DIY that your dog will enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Dog Toys for Enrichment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Snuffle Mat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n