Dogs get bored, too. Keeping your pup entertained is the best way to prevent them from turning to destructive behaviors like digging, chewing, and barking. This is especially important when it's cold outside, or if you have to leave your dog alone for periods of time. The best dog toys for boredom engage all the senses to keep your dog challenged. Offer your best friend one of these five interactive toys, and they won't even have the chance to get bored.
A dog's sense of smell is between 10,000 and 100,000 more sensitive than ours, so they experience a lot of the world through their nose. Keep your dog stimulated with a toy that uses their mighty sense of smell: the snuffle mat. We love the AWOOF Snuffle Mat because it has tons of little nooks and crannies where you can tuck pieces of food. Your little one can spend hours following their nose to forage for whatever treats you decide to hide in there. Plus, it's machine-washable and folds up for easy storage.
Treat-focused dogs will love this puzzle game by Outward Bound. Simply hide small pieces of food or treats within the many compartments, then let your dog navigate through the puzzle to retrieve their reward. The intricate puzzle forces dogs to rotate the tiny pieces or pull out drawers with their nose, paws, or mouth. However, aggressive chewers might try to gnaw through the puzzle, so make sure you keep an eye on your dog while they play.
You've probably seen videos on social media of dogs communicating with their owners through brightly colored buttons. Well, you can train your dog to do the same! Training through talking buttons is a great way to keep your dog engaged to avoid boredom. It definitely takes some work on your end, but the experience can help strengthen your bond and mentally stimulate your dog. But be warned, once they start talking, they might never stop …
You might be surprised to learn that one of the best dog toys for boredom is also your favorite toy: your tablet. If you're an iOS user, download the Puppy Tapper app to keep your dog entertained. This game allows you to choose one of three cute squeaky toys (or you can select a fourth design for $0.99) that your dog will follow across the screen. Touch the toy with your finger or their nose to make it let out a big "Squeak!" It might take a few minutes for your dog to get the hang of it, but once they do, they'll have a blast.
Hide-and-seek is a great boredom buster for dogs, and it's even cuter when it involves dinosaurs. The Frisco Hide & Seek puzzle features plush squeaky dinos that your dog can only access if they pull them through the small openings in the top and sides of the plush volcano. Maneuvering the toys out requires some skill and patience, so it can keep your dog entertained for a while.
The 5 Best Dog Toys to Fight Boredom
A busy dog truly is a happy dog. If you're stuck indoors for the day or just want to give your dog a little more mental stimulation, these five boredom busters are great activities to have on hand. They each use a combination of the five senses; smell, sight, sound, touch - and every dog's favorite - taste, to keep your dog from becoming bored.
