Help, My Dog is Bored! The best 5 boredom busting toys for smart dogs

To a dog, mental stimulation is often more important than physical exercise and boredom can lead to destruction, disruptive behaviour or possible self harm. Does your dog dig in the garden, chew your furniture or bark constantly? He could be bored. A clever dog or puppy will quickly find his own entertainment and it will probably not be something you would like him to do, so you need to stay one step ahead.

Providing your dog with brain stimulating games or toys can help keeping your dog entertained and it will also help building a strong bond between you and your canine friend. Here is a list of toys and games that your dog can play with on his own, or with your help.

1. Dog Pyramide

This is a brilliant brain game for a clever dog. Each time the dog moves or knocks the pyramid, it is rewarded by the release of food. If you feed your dog kibble, then serve part or all of his food in the pyramid and watch him work for his dinner. You can of course also add some of his favorite treats to the pyramide. The pyramids are weighted at the bottom to make sure it stays on the right keel throughout the game.

2. Treat balls

There are several version of the treat ball on the market – some with and some without sound effects. The basic idea is that you stuff it with kibble or treats and watch the dog push it around the floor catching the treats as they drop out one by one. It’s a great toy for bored dogs.

3. Kong

Possibly the best dog toy on the planet. Fill it with peanut butter, dog food, mashed banana or anything your dog likes and watch him concentrate like never before as he tries to get to the treats out by chewing and licking. Teething puppies like having their Kongs frozen as it helps soothe their gums, and adults dog also love an ice popsicle Kong in summer time. This is also a great toy to leave with your dog if he suffers from separation anxiety.

4. Bubble machines

The bubble machines are battery operated and blows thousands of bubbles a the touch of a button. Perfect for keeping your pooch entertained in the garden for hours on end. Most of these machines come with bacon flavoured bubbles and the refill bottles are quite pricey – consider making your own soap bubble mix, your dog will love the bubbles whether they taste of bacon or not.

5. Interactive games

There are several interactive brain games designed to occupy and stimulate, whilst encouraging dogs to use their brains. They also encourage interaction between owners and dogs helping to promote a good relationship. One supplier is Nina Ottoson, where dogs simply have to move parts of the toys to reveal treats. Or make your own by hiding treats under a tea towel or plastic mugs.

6. Regular walks

Yes I know this isn’t a toy (which is why its number 6 on the list – practically a freebee!) but never underestimate the power of regular exercise. A dog who gets his regular walks is less likely to cause trouble around the house as he has already spent most of his energy walking, running, sniffing and playing with other dogs.

I hope your dog will enjoy these toys as much as mine has - let me know your dogs favourite toys by leaving a comment below…

This article was written by Linda Bliss. I am earning money online by writing here at HubPages.com. Would you like to earn money online too? Read the success stories and sign up today to get started!