Discover the best toys for dogs who dont like toys, solved.
Okay, so, my dog, Max, he's a weirdo. He just doesn't get toys. Like, at all. I've bought him, I don't know, a million squeaky things, plush animals, ropes... nothing. He just looks at them like, "What am I supposed to do with that?" So I started my project for Max.
First, I observed him. I mean, really watched what he did. He likes to sniff, he likes to dig in the backyard (don't tell my husband), and he loves food. Okay, that gave me something to work with.
My First Attempts
- Attempt 1: The Treat-Stuffed Sock. I took an old, thick sock, filled it with some of his favorite kibble, and tied a knot in the end. He sniffed it, licked it, then walked away. Fail.
- Attempt 2: The Cardboard Box of Doom. I got a big cardboard box, threw in some crumpled newspaper, and hid a few treats inside. He cautiously poked his head in, grabbed a treat, and then… proceeded to nap next to the box. Almost.
- Attempt 3: The "Frozen Delight". Took some of the old plush toys and made sure to try and freeze one with a bit of diluted chicken broth. I just fill up the ice cube tray. Get the toy wet, freeze it together, and take it out. He licked it for about five minutes, then got bored. Getting there, so close!
The Breakthrough!
Then, I had a brainwave. It was a combination of all the failures, really. I call it the "Buried Treasure Box". Here is what it is comprised of:
First, Grab a sturdy, shallow cardboard box. It shouldn't be too deep, or they'll get frustrated.
Then, Gather up some old towels or blankets that you don't mind getting dirty. Max has a few old fleece blankets he's not allowed on the couch with anymore.
Next, Get Max's absolute favorite treats. The smelly ones. The ones he goes crazy for. For Max, it's those little jerky bites.
Now I put the towels and blankets into the box, kind of loosely crumpled. Then I sprinkled the treats throughout the layers, making sure some were buried deeper than others.
I presented it to Max. He went nuts. He was sniffing, digging, pulling out the blankets, happily munching on the treats he unearthed. He spent a good hour entertained by this thing! Success!
I've learned that for dogs who don't like "toys," you gotta think outside the, well, toy box. It's all about engaging their natural instincts, like foraging and digging. It might take some trial and error, but seeing your dog finally have fun is totally worth it. Now every evening I have to set up his game, he loves it.
