Latest News

Top 12 Boredom Busters for Dogs in 2020

Is your dog spending long hours home alone? Our dogs will happily sleep 12-14 hours per day (a lot more for puppies and seniors) but if you don't provide adequate physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis, be prepared for them to create their own fun! 

This could mean anything from rearranging your home décor to pulling clothes off the line or impressive landscaping efforts... Common signs of doggy boredom include:
  • Digging
  • Chewing or other destructive behaviours
  • Excessive Barking / Whining
  • Following you around when you are at home
Many professional dog trainers and behaviourists suggest our dogs should not be left alone for more than 4-5 hours but when you work full-time, this is sadly not an option!

You can enrich your dogs' environment by providing an exciting selection of tough dog toys, treat dispensers and puzzle feeders but remember to rotate them often as even the best toy can get boring...



When it comes to keeping bored dogs occupied, the team at Habitat recommend Outward Hound Puzzle Feeders


Designed by Swedish dog trainer, Nina Ottosson, these toys will have your dog intrigued.

Each Outward Hound puzzle is different, but the basic idea is the same: hide a few treats or pieces of dry food inside and let your dog loose! Your dog will need to use their paws, their nose and all their wits to get to their tasty treats.

Once your dog’s mastered their Puzzle Feeder, it’s time to step things up a little. All of Outward Hound’s puzzles can be gradually increased in difficulty to keep clever dogs on their toes. Plus, the range is suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes.

RRP: from $25.99 from www.habitatpets.com.au




The Rogz Tumbler is putting a spin on slow feeding!

This Treat Puzzle will help stimulate your dog's body and mind all while filling their tummy. 

There are 3 adjustable release rates for different levels of learning and feeding. 
The unique inner ring counterweight allows you to adjust the rate at which treats are released according to your dog’s learning level. 

Made from food grade, high resistant ABS, this treat puzzle-toy is highly durable and is a great addition to any meal time! 

Rogz Tumbler is designed to prevent gulping. With a large treat cavity, this toy is easily filled with various types of treats or dry food for your dog to enjoy. This serves as a slow feeder for dogs who guzzle their food. 

Available in five Rogzilicious colours (one size), it's also dishwasher safe.

RRP: $29.99 at www.petstock.com.au



Do you have that kind of dog that you just can't stop from either ripping your couch apart or taking a nice big chunk out of your newest shoes? So did the creators of Toothy!

They tried every rope toy and ball throwing gizmo out there, yet it didn't solve their problem. Their little fur baby (more of a monster really...) just got bored and moved straight back to ripping  pillows again! 

This got them thinking: what do dogs love? They love treats. What else do they love? They love chewing things.

Toothy is exactly that; the combination of their two favourite things in the world (apart from you obviously).

Toothy has strong elasticity, it’s bite-resistant and made from natural but extra tough rubber. Toothy is non-abrasive and 100% safe for your fur baby to grind, chew and can help clean their teeth.

RRP: $29.99 (includes FREE shipping) at furrymatesco.com/products/toothy




KONG Rewards Tennis adds a top spin to treat dispensing that rewards your dog with kibble, treats and fun with every action-packed roll. 

Built from durable materials and featuring unpredictable movement, this toy is sure to keep dogs engaged while providing mental and physical enrichment. 

An easy-fill funnel makes repeated use simple. It can also be used as a food bowl replacement to help manage weight. 

To see this product in actionwatch this video.

RRP: $19.99 (S) - $24.99 (L) available online and from pet stores nationally.




LickiMat added to their existing range last year introducing additional tasty boredom busters to their already popular  range.

The LickiMat Buddy Delux, LickiMat Playdate Delux are solid versions of the originals. 

LickiMat Slomo is an exciting new addition that has the added benefit of being used as a slow feeder which reduces bloat and improves digestion. 

Another welcome addition is the LickiMat Splash perfect for keeping your dog focused on something else apart from bath time which can be an anxious time for some dogs.

The range of LickiMat products along with alleviating boredom has also been shown to reduce stress and promote calm behaviour during stressful times, like storms.

RRP: from $14.99 at www.woofnwag.com.au



Busy Buddy Twist n Treat will keep your dog busy, while they work to get the delicious treats from their favourite new toy. 

The versatile design means that the Twist ‘n Treat can be used with wet or raw food as well as dry kibble or treats, so it’s perfect for any diet!

The opening size is completely adjustable - twist the two halves further apart for large pieces of food or to allow your dog to lick the wet food from it, or closer together for kibble and dried treats. Easy to clean and fill, the toy can also be frozen with wet food inside for a cool summer treat. 

The Twist ‘n Treat comes in 3 sizes, to suit every pooch. 

RRP: $11.20 - $24 at www.animalenrichmentaustralia.com, where you’ll find many other foraging and enrichment products.



Beat doggy boredom with a fully ‘pawsonalised’ dog subscription box or bespoke gift box from Paws N’ AllForget the one-size-fits-all approach – yawn!

Every item in Paws N’ All’s Smart Dog Box is specifically selected for your dog, so they can do what they do best: eat, play, love!

Everything from breed, size and age to temperament, energy and anxiety levels are taken into account, meaning your dog is kept entertained and you’re not paying good money for unsuitable treats or toys that just sit idle.

Paws N’ All are also committed to sustainability, using recyclable and/or compostable materials in all their branded packaging, and supporting other Aussie businesses wherever possible.

RRP: $64.95/month (includes FREE shipping) at pawsnall.com.au



The Scream Xtreme Treat Toys are designed for your Xtreme Chewers! 

Made from Xtremely Tough TPR Material that is vanilla scented and dishwasher safe. They are perfect to stuff with treats, raw feed or they can be used on their own.

These toys float (great for water play) and are suitable for puppies and dogs of all ages.

Available in 2 designs & 3 sizes (S: 9 & 11.5cm, M/L: 13 & 14cm, XL: 20cm), these toys are BPA free, lead free and phthalate free.


A range of 4 Loud colours means you can match your pet’s personality. The ScreamPet range is proudly distributed by Prestige Pet Products.

RRP: $9.99 - $24.99. Find them at Budget Pet Products.




Make every meal time fun and healthy for your dog! 
The Chow Slow - Slow Feeder Bowls are designed to slow down your fast eaters and provide a fun challenge every meal time.

Your dog will eat in an unhurried and enjoyable way - similar to their natural foraging method of eating. Dogs use their tongue to scoop out the food in small chew size mouthfuls.

On average, this bowl slows down the rate of feeding by a factor of six. By slowing down feeding, the bowl can prevent bloating, indigestion, gas and vomiting (regurgitation).

The maximum volume is 500ml or about 1.5 cups of dry or wet food. It is made from food safe ABS plastic, is easy to clean and has a rubber footed non-slip base.

RRP: $17.50 (FREE delivery Australia-wide) from chowslow.com.au



Doggytopia undoubtedly has the best selection of Snuffle Mats we’ve seen and they’re so popular that you’ll need to be quick before they sell out!
Keep your fur child mentally stimulated, while they sniff and snuffle looking for their hidden treats or meal in one of their colourful Snuffle Mats with many unique designs to choose from.

You could give your dog their meal of dry food in the snuffle bowl and scatter some yummy treats throughout the rest of the snuffle mat.

All the creative flips and folds make great hiding spots for your dog to forage through. This provides mental stimulation while satisfying their instincts to sniff and snuffle for their treats or meal.

RRP
: will depend on design. See all these options and more at www.doggytopia.com.au


Squishy, soft and beautifully scented the Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop is a translucent treat ball that dogs love to push roll and shake to dispense treats.

Looking for a great way to entertain your dog on a rainy day? 

Planet Dog have you covered as the Snoop is also a great indoor treat-dispensing toy, being soft it won’t damage furniture by knocking into it making it a great treat toy for those rainy days when your dog can’t go outside and play.

And now the Snoop has a smaller sibling - Lil Snoop! Great for smaller breeds.

RRP: from $32.99 at www.woofnwag.com.au





The PetSafe Ricochet Electronic Dog Toys are a set of two interactive dog toys that will create irresistible fun for your dog.

Once both toys are turned on, they will pair together automatically to create a digital squeak sound that ‘jumps’ from one toy to the other, to stimulate your dog’s hunting instinct.

The moving squeak provides a fun puzzle for your dog, as the sound is never where he expects it.

The toys have a range of up to 30 feet  (9 metres). As your dog gets used to the game you can increase stimulation by hiding one of the toys behind furniture or in a nearby room.

RRP: $79.99 at store.intl.petsafe.net/en-au/petsafe-ricochet-electronic-dog-toys
« PREV
NEXT »

No comments

Post a Comment