Trying to work from home but your dog thinks you’re just having an extended weekend to play with them? Here are some tips and tricks to keep your dog busy as a bee!
Stuff a KONG… or 2.. or 3!
The best distraction is also a tasty one! Add hydrated kibble, wet food, or get really creative with your KONG stuffing recipes. If you’re maximizing your time, you can find some quick and easy things to stuff your KONGs with here. Make sure your dog always has a KONG ready to go by following The Key is Three.
- Play today: you know the drill—give your dog a stuffed KONG to keep them busy, happy, and relaxed.
- Freeze for later: stuff a separate KONG and stick it in the freezer. Frozen KONGs are a greater challenge for your pup and will keep them occupied longer.
- Wash for tomorrow: KONGs are top rack dishwasher safe, so when your dog has emptied theirs, you can pop it in the dishwasher and save yourself some time scrubbing.
Interactive Toys
Bust boredom with puzzle toys that keep your dog’s mind mentally stimulated so you can focus on your task at hand. Try swapping out their regular feeding bowl for the Tiltz, a no-mess treat and food dispensing bowl which spins, tilts, and rocks while food is erratically dispensed for excitement and mental stimulation! The KONG Wobbler is also a great feeding option for an action-packed meal. Puzzle toys not only help them get an enticing mental workout; it can also slow feeding down so their digestion is improved. We all know that dog that gobbles food in 2.5 seconds! You can check out our full range of food and treat puzzles here.
Hide and Seek
Hide your dog’s favorite toys or treats around the house for them to have fun finding. Start by enthusiastically showing them the toys or treats chosen for your game and ask them to sit and stay in one spot. This gives you the chance to strategically hide as many toys or treats around your house while they patiently wait (with excitement). Bonus: Hide a stuffed KONG to make the game last even longer.
Ice Cubes with Treats
Whether the weather is hot or cold, creating ice cube treats for dogs is a great way to keep them occupied for an extended amount of time. Many dogs love ice cubes anyways, so why not make it more interesting by freezing in a few treats, kibbles, or even a whole stuffed KONG! The added hydration is always a bonus as well. If you can’t give your dog their frozen treat outside, try putting it on a towel or mat so it doesn’t melt on unwanted surfaces. #KONGDog Baker loves this Cube Chillers recipe that’s so easy to make with things you probably already have in the house. You can even make a giant #KONGsicle with a to-go container or glass dish, a few treats, and a stuffed KONG. Lilly loves licking away at these for hours!
Rotate Toys
Introduce new toys (or old) one at a time to keep them interested. Put all others away so your dog can enjoy the toy without being overwhelmed with options. This makes each toy feel special. Creative storage is also key in keeping your house in order while still catering to your furry pals’ play sessions. Storage baskets or bins are an efficient way to store pet toys without breaking the bank. You can even personalize, or DIY decorate them! Some pets even enjoy and find mental stimulation in the task of picking their favorite toy out of the basket or bin they are held in. Other creative ways of organizing that aren’t so in-reach include storing toys neatly on shelves, or a DIY KONG holder like the one below. Learn more about organizing your pet’s toy collection here!
No matter what is going on in the world, Dogs Need to Play, so we hope these tips and tricks help keep fido busy, happy, and at ease!
