I have a crazy active dog. She gets lots of exercise, and is in search and rescue training at least twice a week, but she seems to need something to occupy her mind when we are home. I need to find something for her to do for an hr or so that doesn't need my full on attention. I just can't spend 12 hrs a day keeping her busy. This may sound way off, but I was wondering whether she might enjoy any toys meant for very young kids, or whether they make puzzle type toys for dogs. She is too smart for her own good, and it would be great if she could be learning while entertaining herself.
2007-01-19 13:26:26 · 8 answers · asked by Cara B 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
She's a Black Lab/Golden Retriever and about 70lbs, just turned 1 yr last Nov. She also likes to destroy things. She's a great dog but busy busy busy! Just my luck when I picked the 'quiet one'.
2007-01-19 13:35:26 · update #1
I have the same problem with a working dog, I got her a cheap football (oval one like in Rugby, AFL, or American football) its thick rubber like a basketball- (I had it pumped tight so that she cant chew on the pointy ends) and it keeps her amused for hours even when I am outside. My dog loves the erratic bounce/rolling of the ball and has taught herself how to steer it along the ground whilst running flat out and lately has started flicking it into the air with her nose then jumping at it like a basketballer. Its a hi energy activity so after 10 minutes flat out after the footy she goes and lays down for a rest and after a rest is at it again.
I don't know whether its just that my dog is a bit strange or whether your dog might also think its fun- but worth a try with a borrowed ball to see what happens.
2007-01-19 23:04:10 · answer #1 · answered by magpiez 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Ed with the first answer of Kong toys some even have holes to put treats into to encourage the dog to work for it. Peanut Butter is great because it takes a long time for them to lick it out or pieces of liver treats. I have seen pics of zoos giving them to lions for entertainment and exercise. I don't believe kid's toys would be safe, she might eat small parts and cause a blockage in her bowels.
I love it when they are crazy active because they keep you laughing that is until they destroy something important. Its great you have her in Search and Rescue training, she definitely has the energy for it.
Here's the Kong Company link so you can see all of the products they offer and get her a variety of types and styles. They even have a link to send in photos of your pet playing with Kong Toys.
Good luck!
2007-01-19 14:44:15 · answer #2 · answered by dazedreamr 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I found one of the best dog toys ever!!! This might sound crazy but yes they do make puzzle type toys for dogs... actually it is a maze!! I just checked the toy and it does not have the toy name on it but I can describe it. (It is not a Kong) It is a red plastic ball and you put small treats in it. The dog has to roll it certain ways and then a treat or two will fall out. I got it at Wal-Mart for about $5.00. The box even says great for hours of unsupervised fun. You have to work with the dog for about 15 minutes the first time to make them learn to roll it and not chew on it, that's it. Our dog plays with it for hours when we give it to him. (We don't let him have it all the time just when we want him to have something to do and so he gets so excited when he sees it come out) As they get smarter and learn the exact maze, you can make it harder with a turn of the hole.
He is a 130 pound great dane!! So your dog will not be too big for this toy... nor too small, our cocker spaniel likes it too!
2007-01-19 13:47:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have never seen a dog learn from a little kid toy but if you want to teach her something with out putting in the time set up something where there is a food or treat reward at the end and show her the rewards just like in training i would think or just like a stuff animal or a rawhide bone sorry if can't give you more ideas but its good your trying to make her learn good things because its all to easy for her to learn bad things you will not like but no little kid toys she will just chew on more then likely
2007-01-19 13:42:21 · answer #4 · answered by shoguncarsguns 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i don't know about the puzzles...but Kong dog toys last my really active english springer spaniel for days - and he usually chews other toys in about 20 minutes!
2007-01-19 13:30:50 · answer #5 · answered by Ed 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some breeds are much more entergetic than others.
The fact that she is in this training really helps rev her mind and body.
The fact that she is a pup also adds to the playfulness.
Just enjoy this time with your special friend!
2007-01-19 13:31:01 · answer #6 · answered by Marsha 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try getting one of those disco machines that spins a laser around and point it at the floor. (you can get them for less than $30 at most novelty stores)
My dog LOVES chasing a laser, and those things drive her mad!
(too many lasers... so little time....)
2007-01-19 13:37:42 · answer #7 · answered by bpbjess 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
check petsmart.com. i think i recall seeing something like that.
2007-01-19 13:34:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋