Just as physical exercise is important, so is mental exercise. This is what is referred to as “environmental enrichment.” Dogs are intelligent, sentient beings, and can become bored if they’re stuck in the same environment day after day with nothing new to challenge them.

It’s important to give your dog something to do when you leave him alone. A dog that is happily occupied is much less likely to become destructive, to bark constantly, or fixate on the fact that you’re gone. The more you can find to keep Fido happy, the less likely he is to get into trouble!

Environmental enrichment should be entertaining, but not overstimulating. When you can’t be with your dog, consider turning on the radio or giving your dog access to the TV. Many dogs love watching Animal Planet. You might also consider buying a CD specifically created for dogs, such as “K-9 Lullabies” or “Music Through a Dog’s Ear.” Talk about a happy dog! Another fun idea is “The Movie for Dogs,” which shows dogs having fun in a variety of settings.

Important tip! Be sure to rotate the toys! If a dog has access to the same toys every day, boredom will set in. Offer one or two toys daily (ask dog to sit first), and pick them all up at the end of every day.

Suggestions for safe toys and chewies:

1. Kong Toys:  These toys are a big hit with most dogs.  Kongs come in many fun shapes and can be stuffed with all kinds of goodies–kibble, cheese, cream cheese, peanut butter, apples, bananas, canned pumpkin, yogurt, etc. They can even be frozen overnight and offered the next day. If you stuff them correctly, a kong can be interesting for hours! Be careful that you stuff the kong so that the goodies are neither too easy or difficult to access.
2. Treat Ball Dispensers:  There are so many treat dispensing toys to choose from. These toys are filled with the dog’s kibble. As the dog moves the ball or cube, the kibble dispenses from the toy. A variation is the “Talk to Me Ball” which includes a tape recording of your voice (especially great for dogs with separation anxiety).
3. Everlasting Beanie Ball:  The Everlasting Beanie Ball is made from a soft, yet tear resistant material that holds up to tough chewers. Try Everlasting Treats, Every Flavor Treats, or any other food your dog enjoys. Dental dimples help keep your dog’s teeth clean
4. Halo Spot’s Dental Chews or Whimzees Dental Chews:  Wonderful, healthy alternatives to many of the other chews available.
5. Tug-a-Jug:  The Tug-a-Jug is a clear, super hard, nontoxic plastic “jug” designed to dispense treats to your dog as she works for them. Scent holes at the bottom of the jug get your dog interested in the toy. Because it’s clear, your dog can see them, too.
6. Hide-a-Toy Series:  These toys challenge a dog to try and remove smaller toys that are hidden inside.
7. Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy: This treat dispensing puzzle toy helps foster natural hunting and foraging behaviors, and helps prevent destructive boredom behaviors. The Bob-a-Lot holds a variety of treats, is easy to fill and clean, and the difficulty level may be adjusted to accommodate every dog’s abilities.
   There are so many wonderful, safe ways to keep your dog entertained these days. Please remember that whenever you give your dog a new toy, it’s important to supervise him to make certain that: a) he’s not trying to chew it up and consume it, b) that he understands how to use the toy, and c) that it’s neither too easy nor too difficult for your dog to get the treats.

   Every dog is a unique individual so a toy that entertains one dog won’t necessarily keep another dog’s attention. You may have to try a few toys before you find one that your dog loves. Even so, it’s worth the effort many times over, both for your dog and for your peace of mind.