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We have just about everything you need to prevent boredom and frustration, and keep your dog, cat or little critters happy. All top name brands that will supply your pets with entertainment and mental stimulation. Do have a look at our website for options, plus see if any of the products you are interested in are on Promotion or Sale. www.mcmac.co.za
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Prevent Boredom and Frustration
Friends of the Dog
The Nina Ottosson Treat Tumble
As a behaviorist, I’ve found that a significant number of behavior problems in dogs stem from boredom and frustration. Providing your dog with appropriate entertainment while you're away can go a long way in reducing these issues and keeping your dog happily stimulated.
It is crucial to ensure that the activities you provide are safe. When it comes to chew toys, always opt for high-quality options and check them daily for wear and tear to prevent any accidental swallowing of broken pieces.
In addition to leaving toys, it’s important to remember that walks and social interaction are vital for your dog’s well-being. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it’s best to seek professional assistance. Simply leaving chew toys behind may not be enough to solve the issue.
Many of our dogs spend a considerable amount of time alone, especially if their owner works full-time. Instead of leaving them to their own devices, consider providing some entertainment to keep them occupied.
Toys like ropes, balls, and stuffed animals may only provide entertainment when someone is actively engaging with them—throwing the ball or pulling the rope. Outside of these interactions, these toys don’t offer the mental stimulation your dog needs.
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. Not only does it provide a rewarding activity, but it also keeps them busy. The mouth is connected to the limbic system in the brain, which controls emotions and learning. Chewing helps to reduce stress, which is particularly important for dogs with separation anxiety—chewing can help them feel better.
If you have more than one dog, ensure that neither dog is prone to resource guarding. It’s best to provide at least three chew toys to avoid conflicts, giving each dog a choice and reducing the likelihood of one dog trying to take the other’s toy.
It is crucial to ensure that the activities you provide are safe. When it comes to chew toys, always opt for high-quality options and check them daily for wear and tear to prevent any accidental swallowing of broken pieces.
In addition to leaving toys, it’s important to remember that walks and social interaction are vital for your dog’s well-being. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it’s best to seek professional assistance. Simply leaving chew toys behind may not be enough to solve the issue.
Many of our dogs spend a considerable amount of time alone, especially if their owner works full-time. Instead of leaving them to their own devices, consider providing some entertainment to keep them occupied.
Toys like ropes, balls, and stuffed animals may only provide entertainment when someone is actively engaging with them—throwing the ball or pulling the rope. Outside of these interactions, these toys don’t offer the mental stimulation your dog needs.
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. Not only does it provide a rewarding activity, but it also keeps them busy. The mouth is connected to the limbic system in the brain, which controls emotions and learning. Chewing helps to reduce stress, which is particularly important for dogs with separation anxiety—chewing can help them feel better.
If you have more than one dog, ensure that neither dog is prone to resource guarding. It’s best to provide at least three chew toys to avoid conflicts, giving each dog a choice and reducing the likelihood of one dog trying to take the other’s toy.
Foobler Pop Shot
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Dog Casino
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Crunchcore
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It’s also important to take the chew toy away when you return home. If the toy is only given when you leave, the dog will place much higher value on it, which can make it more exciting and rewarding.
For an extra treat, consider freezing the stuffed toy for “Konsicles.” The coolness helps your dog stay comfortable, and it’s especially great for puppies who are teething.
- We highly recommend toys like Busy Buddies, Kongs, and Peanut Stuffers. These toys can be stuffed daily with various treats (see link for recipes below) and are among the safest chew toys for dogs. Be sure to check them daily for wear and tear. Link to recipes
It’s also important to take the chew toy away when you return home. If the toy is only given when you leave, the dog will place much higher value on it, which can make it more exciting and rewarding.
For an extra treat, consider freezing the stuffed toy for “Konsicles.” The coolness helps your dog stay comfortable, and it’s especially great for puppies who are teething.
- Another toy I love is the Foobler Pop Shot Toy. This interactive toy allows you to stuff it with kibble or treats (about 1/4 cup) and has a timer that can be set for anywhere between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. When the timer goes off, it makes a noise that grabs your dog’s attention. The dog can also move the Foobler around with its paws, making it a fun and engaging toy.
- If you have a tiled area in your home, try using a hard plastic or metal circular container and place kibble underneath it. Your dog will enjoy pushing the container around to reach the treats beneath it. You can use more than one of these, and some dogs may need a little guidance at first to understand how the game works.
- Many owners use empty water bottles for dogs to chew on, even cutting holes in them to add treats for extra stimulation. While dogs love the crunchy sounds these bottles make, we don’t recommend them. If the bottle breaks, sharp edges could pose a danger, and the plastic cap can lead to serious gastrointestinal issues. An alternative to this, which makes lovely crunchy noises is the Crunchcore.
- Treat-dispensing ball toys are another great option. These toys come in round shapes, balld or with hexagonal designs. As your dog pushes the ball around, treats are dispensed. This encourages your dog to keep moving and stimulates their mind.
- Scenting games are also a simple and fun way to engage your dog. Start by teaching your dog to follow a scent trail (using a word like “findies”) and placing a treat just ahead of them. Gradually increase the distance and difficulty as your dog becomes more proficient. You can eventually hide treats all over the garden, allowing your dog to do what comes naturally: scenting and scavenging for food.
- Pull toys are another great way to keep your dog entertained. You can hang a rope or small tire from a tree or set up a bracket on a wall, providing your dog with something to tug on. The toy should hang at mouth level, or slightly higher, depending on your dog’s size. Even small breeds can enjoy these toys. Initially, you’ll need to show your dog how to play, but once they get the hang of it, they can enjoy playing on their own. Make sure to purchase tires that are designed for pets, as regular tires often contain metal, which can be harmful. Always check the toy daily for wear and tear.
- If you have space, consider setting up a digging pit. This can provide hours of entertainment, but be sure to restock it daily.
- Puzzle toys are excellent for mental stimulation, but they can be pricey and sometimes come with small parts that can be chewed or swallowed. If you decide to use a puzzle toy, make sure it is safe and that small parts cannot be ingested and top quality
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