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"Dogs need appropriate toys and equipment to aid in their development and prepare them for adulthood. Cute soft toys are charming, but they may not be enough for your dog.
Your pet needs toys and equipment that stimulate their brain and help develop problem-solving skills, which build confidence - a crucial aspect for both dogs and humans.
Puppies need tools and equipment that challenge them mentally, helping them to grow and mature into well-rounded adult dogs. These toys and equipment should be a top priority for every dog owner. They not only provide entertainment, but they also teach dogs to be independent and confident, encouraging them to use their noses and problem-solve to access treats.
It's important to remember that your dog may need guidance and patience as they learn to use new toys and equipment. Don't assume they know how to use them.
Work with your pet, teaching them how to interact with their toys.
Later, you can relax and let them play and have fun - though it's still necessary to monitor certain toys to ensure they don't chew them excessively (such as a licking mat). "
A licking mat is one of the most important tools to help your dog 'unpack' any negative emotions such as frustration, irritation, or 'monkey brain'. I call it 'yoga for the mind and body.'
When a dog licks, they release an endorphin, a hormone that goes to the brain and results in a happy dog. Licking calms your dog down and I always recommend a licking mat whenever you can use it, especially when your dog shows any negative emotions. This will help them to relax after any stressful walks, or baths, or even noisy visitors.
Please remember to monitor your dog when giving them a licking mat. It's also best to take it away as soon as they finish, partly so you can clean it but also to ensure they don't excessively chew their new relaxation method. Some dogs might need you to hold the mat at first until they get used to it.
I just love this toy! My Lexi does too, especially when we use it with frankfurters :) Whenever I have that feeling she is bored, I use it to keep my Lexi stimulated.
With its unique and challenging design, it teaches them how to find out their favourite yummy treat, keeping them busy. For some dogs, it may even help them stay quiet during the meetings or visitors.
At the beginning, you can put some soft treats to make it easier for your dog to take it out. With time, you can then change to harder treats which will challenge your dog's mental abilities as they work out how to get their treat.
Please remember to watch your puppy with this toy and help them get to know what it's for. With your help, they won't change it into their next chew toy.
This toy is not only incredibly soft and cute, it's also very challenging. Not only is it perfect for play time, it encourages their foraging behaviour with its specially designed tentacles. To get their yummy treats, your dog needs to unroll the tentacles with their nose or mouth so they can take the treats out of the small holes.
My Lexi especially loves this toy and she's always sleepy afterwards, perfect result from such a good brain game! It's definitely a fun way to stimulate your dog and even involves several levels so it doesn't matter about your dog's initial skill level. Roll up one, two, or all six of the tentacles and even, when that gets a bit too easy, each tentacle can be attached via velcro to increase the difficulty level.
This toy is amazing too! My daughter even calls it the "planet," :)
Some dogs aren't as confident as others may be when it comes to moving objects. Whether it's impatience to find the treats, the sound, or the movements, this toy is perfect to build their confidence while giving them a fun challenge. This puzzle toy stimulates the brain and even keeps them engaged too with the tantalising offer of more treats!
It's also perfect for nose work as it encourages them in using their nose to move an object instead of just their paws.
It's not just the dog who gets huge benefits, the owner gets some benefits too! The biggest one? More free space :)
Another of my absolute favourite toys! It's especially brilliant for nose work and really gives your dog a fun new brain game to enjoy.
This toy can be a bit more challenging as this one teaches a dog to open something, put their mouth between the material (object), and then take the treat out. It even has two small pockets within so you can hide some more of their favourite snacks. These pockets increase the difficulty level but they do increase the reward as well with more spaces to hide yummy treats!
These are a must if you want a loose lead walk with your dog.
Being a dog owner, poo bags and treat pouches are just a part of every day life. Storing them on the move though can be a bit finicky. You need to have everything in one place and this bag is the answer. It's brilliant for summer time and long walks as you can put the whole ensemble within it, not just the treats and poo bags you're used to carrying as a keen dog walker, but your keys and phone as well!
The bag also allows you to always have the treats on you for the recall and loose lead walk (plus other good behaviour training). Timing is key with this!! I often see owners scrambling through their pockets for treats and their dogs just walk away. Too little, too late, you wasted 3 seconds! This training is all about the treat and delivering that treat at the right time to encourage your dog to repeat the good behaviour. You need to have the best equipment to teach that, plus commitment and be persistent too.
This lead? The best, again. You need to feel your dog, navigate your dog, and let them decide if they want to approach another dog or not. This way you know the personality of your dog, where they're confident and what they might like or dislike.
NO EXTENDABLE LEADS!!!!!!
A combination of toys are good for stimulating the brain. From the Ninan Ottosson Puzzle Games to adding a bit of tasty liver paste to the next playtime, there's plenty out there to suit your dog's skill level and style of play.
