Just like their human counterparts, dogs who feel stuck in the same routine without enough exercise or mental stimulation can experience boredom. Fortunately, there are several ways to keep a dog of any age engaged, and toys can be a huge help. Understanding the best dog boredom toys – and the ones to avoid – can help you and your pup feel happy, healthy, and safe.
Putnam Service Dogs takes our dogs’ health and safety seriously. While finding appropriate toys for aggressive chewers may feel like a challenge, the information and advice below can help you make informed decisions about the best dog toys to prevent boredom while also keeping your pup safe and stimulated.
Why Playing is Important for Service Dogs
Playtime is essential for every dog, and while service dogs may get special treatment, they are still dogs, and they still need time to roll around and play. If you are thinking about fostering a puppy, know that playtime will be a big part of every day. The benefits of playtime are incredible, and they include the following:
- Good Exercise: Playing is one of the best ways for any puppy or dog to exercise, especially when their heart rate is up. Like humans, dogs need cardio, and there’s nothing quite like a good play session to keep their hearts healthy and their weight under control.
- Better Balance and Coordination: Many service dog recipients rely on these dogs for their balance and coordination in times of extreme stress. Regular playtime keeps dogs’ muscles strong and helps them develop better coordination over time.
- Improved Mental Health: Playtime is an excellent time for dogs to let go of the stresses of the day or ease boredom.
- Stronger Bond: Finally, the more time you spend playing with your puppy or dog, the stronger the bond between you will become. This bond is absolutely vital with service dogs since their love and loyalty to their recipients often serves as their motivation to do their jobs well.
What Makes a Toy Good for Banishing Boredom?
Toys are phenomenal tools for banishing boredom in puppies and dogs. They keep the mind sharp, active, and engaged, allow puppies to “run off” their excess energy, or give them a safe place to direct their instincts to chew. No matter what motivates your dog, there’s a safe toy out there that you can use to keep boredom at bay.
Best Dog Boredom Toys for Pups in Training
The best dog toys for boredom vary depending on what motivates your puppy, and most dogs benefit from having their toys rotated so there is often something “new” to enjoy.
The Best Dog Toys to Prevent Boredom
Virtually any dog toy can chase away boredom, whether you aim for a chew toy or a ball to play fetch. Consider your dog’s motivations, and choose a toy accordingly. Some ideas include the following:
- Chewers: When left to their own devices without the proper outlet, a chewer can gnaw through virtually anything. If you have a puppy who enjoys chewing, a safe toy made exclusively for aggressive or powerful chewers is essential for your dog’s toybox. Some chew toys even allow you to stuff them with treats, which stimulates food-driven dogs.
- Thinkers: Service dogs benefit from toys made for “thinking” dogs. These animals are incredibly smart and good at solving problems, and they need to stay sharp and mentally stimulated between shifts. Sometimes, you might find puzzle-like toys labeled as “slow feeders” since the dog has to figure out how to get the kibble or treats out.
- Sniffers: Sniffable mats are the best dog boredom toys for dogs who love to use their noses. Hide-and-seek balls hidden around the fenced-in backyard can also get the nose working.
- Eaters: Some dogs are more motivated by food than play, but they still need exercise and mental stimulation. Food enrichment toys are essential for these animals, and you may even be able to turn mealtime into playtime with one of the aforementioned slow-feeding devices. A food stuffed kong is a great way to keep a dog entertained. Add a little peanut butter to slightly moistened kibble, and gently stuff the kong. If you pack it too hard, the dog can’t get the food out. Be sure to subtract whatever food you include in your pup’s toys from his daily food intake.
Safe Chewing Toys for Pups
Now that you’re aware of some of the best dog boredom toys, it’s important to understand which toys to avoid. Puppies are often very aggressive chewers, so any soft or edible toys should be avoided. Similarly, you should also avoid any chews labeled edible, and rawhide (and similar materials) or soft bedding in or around the dog crate as they can cause serious – and sometimes even fatal – digestive issues. Every chew toy you purchase should be specifically designed for powerful chewers, and many brands have designed excellent products that suit the puppy’s size, age, and motivations. There’s a variety of flavors available with some brands. Buy them all! Variety is the spice of life.
Special Considerations for Service Dog Toys
Service dogs are still dogs, but because they have such an important role, keeping them sharp is vital. Many foster parents and recipients find that their service dogs are much more interested in toys when they are rotated in and out regularly. Switching between two or three different toys every day can help keep your dog excited. However, be sure to check toys carefully and frequently and discard them if they show signs of significant wear or they become dangerously small from chewing. Service dog puppies are always excited to get a new toy!
Volunteer with a Credible, Local Service Dog Organization
The best dog boredom toys vary from one dog to the next. Even two pups from the same litter can have different preferences and motivations. If you are thinking of opening your heart and your home to a service dog puppy, consider volunteering with Putnam Service Dogs as a service dog puppy raiser.
Our organization is committed to transforming the lives of puppies into valuable members of the community, and we offer the support and guidance essential to raising a happy, healthy, and entertained pup. Learn more about us and our mission to help veterans with PTSD and individuals with disabilities other than blindness.
Nancy Teague, the founder of Putnam Service Dogs, is a dedicated advocate who embodies the mission of the organization every single day. Alongside the passionate individuals who have joined the cause, she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of both people and dogs. With an unwavering commitment to championing service dogs, Nancy understands the transformative power that occurs when a service dog is matched with its recipient, forging a remarkable team.