There are so many dog toys on the market these days that you will no doubt find yourself interested in playing with them too. Such amazing options out there combine or focus on various senses for various effects, neural, physical and emotional. That means that dogs of all ages and types will be able to have fun, even those with special needs and those with owners on even the tightest budget.
Lots of toys include an option for treat or food retrieval, so this will help dogs with overeating disorders, making it a rewarding challenge for them to eat. Likewise, it is good for dogs who may have lost interest in eating, if they are encouraged by games. All dogs will otherwise find interest in figuring out something new regardless and the treat is an added bonus, even when not really hungry.
If you are able to get several balls, try playing a game like bobbing for balls (similar to bobbing for apples) in an outdoor kiddie pool or even playing speed throw. In speed throw, you can quickly grab a ball just as they catch the last one to keep them engaged in more active play and excitement. Of course don’t let it get aggressive, but allow them to hear the word fast repeated or even introduce the game by announcing speed throw. This will engage their thinking as well.
If you live in an area that permits it, try using the water hose to play for short periods of time or if you’re already using a sprinkler system in your yard, the dog will love running around in a water spray. A sand dig box can also be built in any available outdoor area. Another option is building an agility course. It can be modest or great. In other words, if you happen to have carpentry skills, go all out but until then, a hula hoop is fun for a dog of the right size to jump through. A regular living room area can accommodate this, as well as improvised (or well-thought out) couch cushion forts and tunnels. Retailer pop-up tunnels and tents are widely available too. Jumping over things by following a flirt stick will get things going.
You can make many games by hide and seek as well. Even hide things around the house for your dog to find and they will be amazed. However, don’t hide the toys or treats too well at first. The dog needs to first be able to at least develop a sense of what it means to find things. It can become more challenging in time.
Keeping a stuffed Kong is one of the most popular ways to activate a dog’s play instinct. It’s got fad qualities due to an overwhelming amount of sales but it is easy to use, quite durable and relatively adaptable for different uses. First, the Kong toy needs to be filled with something like treats. It can also be used with anything that will stick to it like peanut butter or wet dog food.
For this purpose, the food or nut butter should be stuffed well into the Kong and so, it will protrude a bit from its opening. That’s okay. A treat or two may be stuck inside to pop out in the middle before freezing until solid. The dog can then chew and squeeze on the toy, getting a cool treat and relaxing experience. Don’t forget that any new, old or vintage child-safe toys can do as well.