Are you looking to give your furry friends the best toys you can?
They don’t have to be from the store. In fact, you can make them right at home. Cardboards are simple, and it does the trick, especially with cardboard that you have directly around the household.
Do Dogs Like It?
Yes.
While we all know cats love boxes, dogs do too.
A few reasons why dogs like it are:
The texture is slightly chewy, and it can be satisfying for them to gnaw on this.
The sound of cardboard is a little bit of a crunch and wrap, and when dogs play with it, it’s entertaining
The smell of this is something that can also stimulate dogs, and the doors from the previous location may get their attention.
Dogs tend to be curious, and when you interact and explore with cardboard, it offers enrichment and stimulation for them.
It reduces stress, so they won’t’ be tearing up other items
So you definitely will get some benefits from this, and you’ll be able to give them a good experience. However, always make sure to watch them, so they don’t ingest this as they are harmful.
Dog Enrichment Toys
Jus like the puzzles that they sell in the store, these dog toys are great for physical and mental stimulation. It boosts curiosity and natural instincts, while also improving alertness, and also prevention of boredom.
Whether it’s a treat toy that does make them solve to get it, or a squeaky toy for them to be active when playing, the enrichment toys are good for sustaining their entertainment, especially for hours.
The challenges do help with anxiety, destructive behaviors, and a better outlet for driving and energy of a dog.
Enrichment toys also improve the bond between a dog and their owners, so they can have something that’s good for them to play with. Encouraging them to play with these ensures that these companions are healthy, happy, and thereby mentally fulfilled as well.
DIY Dog Enrichment Toys
There are different enrichment toys that you can make yourself.
The most popular is a dog busy box. This is basically an enrichment box that has different storage aspects of this, involving different objects, puzzles, and even challenges that’ll keep them physically and mentally active.
Some of the features include:
Sliding compartment hiding treats they have to figure out how to access
Latches and locks to help them open and reveal hiding compartments and treats
Squeaky toys that add to sensory appeal for dogs
Puzzle parts, such as treat dispenser that challenges your dog to get their food via work
Textures such as fabric, wood and rubber for tactile elements
Chewable parts for them to gnaw on
They’re great for many people, and to make them, it’s quite simple. You can even do it with stuff lying about.
How to make the Dog Busy box
First, you need the following:
A box that’s large enough for activities and treats, but not too big
Different objects and toys that are interactive including cardboard pipes and PVC tubing, wooden dowels and blocks, small locks and latches that are safe for dogs, puzzle feeds, fabric strips, and squeaky toys
Dog treats
A glue gun or adhesive
Then make it:
Make sure there’s no hazards or edges
Arrange them in the box.
Use hot glue to secure these inside so they won't come loose.
Put treats inside that are enticing
Give it to the dog and let them have fun!
