As a loving parent to a gorgeous dog, you know that keeping your them happy and healthy involves more than just regular walks, scheduled meals and a comfy bed to sleep on. Mental stimulation is crucial for holistic wellness and this is where enrichment toys and activities come into play!
So how do you choose the right option for your inquisitive dog? We’ve put together 7 tips for choosing the right enrichment toy to suit your dog’s needs.
What is an Enrichment Toy?
An enrichment toy is a type of interactive activity designed to provide mental and physical stimulation. They are intended to engage a dog’s natural instincts, such as:
- foraging
- chewing
- problem solving
They often involve puzzles that reward your dog with high value snacks through challenging entertainment, keeping them both mentally and physically active. Think of it like sudoku for dogs but they get a delicious reward when they solve the puzzle!
What are the different types of enrichment toys?
There are so many enrichment toys available for dogs. We have put together an easy to understand list of the most popular and user-friendly options:
- Snuffle Mats: Felt fabric flat mats with hidden pockets among soft material strips, encouraging dogs to use their noses and forage, similar to grass searching. Perfect for bigger dogs with keen nose skills.
- Snuffle Toys and Balls: Portable soft toys with hidden reward compartments that engage dogs' foraging instincts, while providing fun play. Great for small areas and calmer dogs.
- Puzzle Feeders: Interactive feeders with compartments and sliders that require movement to reveal the incentive. These suit confident dogs that enjoy a challenge.
- Licky Pads: Textured mats with grooves and dents that suit soft foods like peanut butter and raw meats. They encourage licking to calm and reduce anxiety. Perfect for calm or anxious dogs.
- Snuffle Pads: Larger licky pads with various sections that allow for bigger pieces of food to be hidden, encouraging dogs to lick and forage. Suitable for larger dogs.
- Slow Feeders: Feeding bowls with obstacles that slow down eating, preventing bloating and indigestion. Great for fast eaters!
- Interactive Reward Balls: Toys that dispense rewards as they are rolled or played with, promoting physical activity. Perfect for active dogs to help burn off energy.
When choosing the perfect enrichment toy for your dog, it’s important to consider 7 key factors to make sure you find the right fit for your dog and their current needs.
1. Consider Your Dog’s Personality and Preferences
It is important to choose the right enrichment toy based on your dog’s personality and preferences. By taking this into consideration when choosing, it ensures they stay engaged, entertained, and mentally stimulated without getting bored or frustrated.
There are three personality traits to take into consideration:
- Heavy Chewers: If your dog loves to give their jaw a workout, it is recommended to choose durable rubber toys that can be stuffed with rewards. This type of enrichment toy will satisfy their natural chewing instinct and keep them occupied for a long time without allowing them to cause destruction. If choosing a mat, we suggest choosing an option with suction to ensure your dog can’t pick it up and destroy it, for example, our Snuffle Pad Interactive Enrichment.
- Active Dogs: For highly energetic dogs (think Border Collies and Belgian Malinois), choose toys that encourage physical activity, like balls that roll and dispense rewards as they move. These toys provide a great workout as your dog won’t be sitting in the same place for long. Our Interactive Enrichment Ball and Acorn Wobbler are great options for even the most active dogs.
- Curious Quiet Dogs: Puzzle toys that require problem-solving are perfect for curious or anxious dogs. This type of enrichment toy aims to challenge their minds safely and keep them engaged as they work out how to get the reward inside. Great options include puzzles, snuffle mats, and hide-and-seek burrow toys.
2. Difficulty Level
How would you feel if you were given a complex puzzle to solve with no instructions? Frustrated! It isn’t fair or fun if they don’t understand what to do but can smell the scent of the delicious rewards close by.
It’s important to start with easier toys and activities to prevent your dog feeling overwhelmed or frustrated. Always start slow with a gradual introduction. Sit with your dog to monitor their problem solving style, offering assistance and encouraging interaction with using praise. Using high value dog treats is a great way to pique their interest and entice them to get involved.
Once your dog understands the actions and movements involved to solve the puzzle, gradually introduce more complex puzzles to reduce boredom.
3. Keep It Engaging
Our dogs, just like us, enjoy a variety of new experiences. Variety is key! Rotating through different types of enrichment toys can keep things interesting for your dog and prevent boredom with the same type of challenge.
4. High Value Rewards
Incorporating high value reward in the form of food, creates motivation and positive reinforcement, encouraging your dog to keep trying and engaging with their new enrichment toy.
Our Australian made healthy dog treats make great high value rewards in your pet’s enrichment activities. By using foods which are not part of their everyday meal, you are incentivising your dog to engage in a fun new activity.
Hazel @our.aussie.fam selecting the perfect treats for an enrichment session
5. Involvement Required
Some toys allow for interactive play for both you and your dog, strengthening your bond. If you enjoy getting involved and cheering your dog on while they solve the puzzle, consider enrichment toys that you can use together during playtime. If you are time poor, there are many options that your dog can enjoy without any assistance. Always take into consideration the time you have with your dog while they enjoy these activities.
6. Safety First
Always choose toys made from non-toxic, durable materials and check for any small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed. Ensure the toy is appropriately sized for your dog. Small toys can be a choking hazard for large dogs, while big toys might be dangerous for smaller breeds.
Read any instructions thoroughly and guide your dog through safe use. When using enrichment toys and activities it’s important to supervise your pet to ensure their safety.
7. Consider Longevity and Cleanability
Choose toys that are easy to clean and durable enough to withstand regular use. It is recommended to clean enrichment toys after use to ensure all food has been removed. Always read the cleaning instructions for each individual enrichment toys as care may vary.
Hazel @our.aussie.fam exploring The Treatery's Head in the Clouds Enrichment Puzzle
Selecting the perfect enrichment toy is about understanding your dog’s individual personality, needs and preferences and choosing a toy that matches them. With the right enrichment toy, you can help keep your dog mentally stimulated and physically active, leading to a healthy and happier life.
If you are looking for the perfect enrichment activity for your pet click here and we have a great selection of high quality dog treats, made in Australia, to compliment your enrichment choice. Click here for options.
