It is a well-known fact that every dog likes to play. However, not all dog owners use the option of interactive toys. These toys, in addition to being fun and an outlet for energy, also offer the possibility of development. They have a positive effect on mental abilities and stimulate the dog’s natural instincts. Furthermore, interactive toys may relieve dogs of the anxiety they may feel in some cases. But, how to choose the right interactive toy and what are the best ones on the market?
Basic selection rules
As already mentioned, interactive toys offer a great way of developing your dog’s mental abilities, while entertaining him and teaching him something new. Some of the toys may also involve food, teaching the dog to eat slower. If you decide to buy your dog an interactive toy, you should remember some basic rules:
1. Make sure that the toys you buy are safe and of high quality.
2. Interactive toys should be highly durable. The dog will chew on most of them, so they should be made of appropriate materials.
3. If you decide to buy a toy in which food can be put, remember that its main purpose is to teach the dog to eat more slowly and in smaller quantities. Such toys are therefore suitable for dogs that tend to devour their food and eat large amounts of food at once.
Treat toys
The most popular toys are those that hide food or treats in them. These may, for example, include balls with holes with treats. The dog then has to find a way of getting into the holes and get the treat. Another popular variant are puzzles with different buttons, holes and more, where the dog has to navigate himself through them. This type of toy has a very positive effect on the development of the dog’s motor skills and mental abilities.
Development of the senses
If you want to develop your dog intensively, you can choose toys that will act on its senses. These are objects that make different sounds or colors and stimulate the reception of such stimuli. There are also toys on the market that can be controlled remotely using a smartphone. So, if you know you are going to stay at work a bit longer, you can entertain your dog at home this way.
Toys do not substitute personal contact
Interactive toys are great tools, especially in that they help with the dog’s development, keeping him alert, warding off boredom and helping when you are not around. On the other hand, they cannot transmit your touch and love and do not substitute regular activities outdoors. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that these tools cannot be relied on in all cases. Even if the dog had the largest number of toys at his disposal, he would still be most eager for contact with his owner, for a long walk, playing and cuddling topped off by a treat.
If you’re thinking about starting canistherapy with your four-legged friend, but you don’t know whether you would manage, here you will find a brief overview of the characteristics your dog is supposed to have and what he should all know.
Dermatological problems are one of the most frequent reasons of veterinary visits. Cats often suffer from them as well. A skin problem may appear due to several reasons and you may not notice it immediately. Also because of the time that cats devote to...
Toxocariasis is the most frequent parasitosis in dogs and cats. If we want to keep both ourselves and our pets safe, regular deworming is necessary. Do you know what’s behind this disease and how it’s transmitted?
If you’re thinking about getting a rabbit, maybe you will find handy a bit of advice how to house him at home. A rabbit has certain needs as any other animal and it’s up to us, the owners, to make its life as comfortable as possible.
Holiday time is approaching fast and maybe you’re considering where to go with your four-legged friend. If you’d like to go camping, there are certainly many things you should consider. You have to plan and pack not only for yourself, but also for your...
Zoonoses are diseases common to both animals and humans. Are you interested in how such a disease can be transmitted, which ones are we at risk of in the Czech Republic or how to defend against them?
Guinea pigs are one of the most common pets that parents get for their children. They are considerably less demanding to take care of than cats or dogs. They stand out among rodents because of their sociable nature, willingness to snuggle and they are...
I have already written about dogs and how they (don’t) feel pain. So let’s look at cats. It is often not very simple to recognize. But the early recognition of the problem is important for their health and well-being.
Last time, I explained that allergy to fur as such does not exist. I wrote about allergens, the symptoms of allergy and the breeds that are hypoallergenic. Today, I will share with you how to cope with the allergy without giving your pet away.
Did you know that the concept of "allergy to fur" is actually a nonsense? The hair itself are not the only allergens. So what exactly is the person allergic to if he/she is allergic to dogs/cats and does he/she have to get rid of the animal immediately...
No matter that the surgery is minor, each brings certain risks. It is also a mental and physical burden for the animal. I wrote down several tips how you can eliminate the risks and the burden as much as possible.
This is really what this sport is about – herding balloons. The aim is the same as for herding sheep, get all the balls into the gate. And do not be mistaken, treiball is not only for herding dogs. You can do this sport with dogs of any race, size and...