Dog Not Interested in Toys? Best Ways to Entertain Your Dog.
Okay, so my dog, Buster, he's a weirdo. He's never been into toys. No squeaky toys, no ropes, no tennis balls... nothing. It's always been a challenge to keep him entertained, especially when I'm busy. So, I embarked on a mission to find ways to make his life more fun, even without the typical doggy playthings.
The "Sniff It Out" Game
First, I started simple. I grabbed some of his favorite treats – those stinky, dried liver ones he goes crazy for. Instead of just giving them to him, I hid them around the living room.
- Under the rug
- Behind the curtains
- On the coffee table (but pushed way back)
I showed Buster one treat, let him sniff it good, then I said, "Find it!" At first, he was confused, just staring at me like I'd grown a second head. But after a couple of tries, with me pointing and encouraging him, he got the hang of it. He sniffed around like a little detective, tail wagging furiously when he discovered each hidden treasure. It was hilarious to watch, and he was clearly loving the challenge.
The "DIY Obstacle Course"
Next, I decided to get a bit more creative. I built a mini obstacle course in the hallway, using stuff I already had:
- Some cushions from the sofa to make tunnels.
- A rolled-up blanket to create a hurdle.
- A few empty cardboard boxes to weave around.
I lured Buster through the course with – you guessed it – more treats! He was hesitant at first, especially with the cushion tunnels (he's a bit claustrophobic, I think). But with lots of praise and tasty rewards, he navigated the whole thing. We did this several times, and he seemed to get more confident and enthusiastic with each run.
The "Food Puzzle"
This one was super easy. I took an old muffin tin and placed a few treats in some of the cups. Then, I covered each cup with a tennis ball (ironically, the only balls he'll even acknowledge). He had to figure out how to nudge the balls out of the way to get to the treats. It kept him busy for a good 15 minutes, and he looked so proud of himself when he emptied the whole tin.
The "Bubbles!"
I blow the bubbles mixture to make it float, the ingredients is very simple that made by myself. And my dog jumped and tried to catch those flying * looks so * he enjoyed it.
The Result?
These simple games have made a big difference! Buster is definitely more engaged and less bored. He's using his brain, getting some exercise, and we're bonding in the process. It just goes to show, you don't need fancy toys to entertain your dog. A little creativity and some tasty treats can go a long way!
