How to Keep Your Dog Interested in Their Toys: Tips and Tricks

  • By: Dragana Kodzo
  • Date: May 2, 2023
  • Time to read: 5 min.

Dogs are social animals and crave attention and interaction from their owners. Among the different activities that dog enjoy, playing with toys is one of the most popular. Toys offer a source of mental and physical stimulation, helping dogs stay active, healthy, and happy. However, it is not uncommon for dogs to lose interest in their toys after a while. As a responsible pet owner, it is crucial to keep your dog engaged and excited about their toys to prevent boredom and promote healthy behavior.

Rotate the Toys Regularly

Source: The Guardian

It is important to regularly rotate your dog’s toys in order to maintain their interest in them. You can create a toy box for your dog and fill it with different toys, swapping them out every few days or once a week. By rotating the toys, your dog will have something new and exciting to play with, preventing boredom and promoting healthy behavior. You can find on this site exciting and unique Tough Dog Toys that will entertain your dog and make him happy. Additionally, rotating the toys can help prevent excessive wear and tear, extending their lifespan. It is important to note that some dogs may become attached to specific toys, and it may be necessary to keep them in rotation for longer periods.

Introduce New Toys

Introducing new toys is an excellent way to keep your dog interested in playing. When selecting new toys, consider different types of toys, such as puzzle toys, chew toys, and interactive toys. Puzzle toys, such as treat-dispensing toys, can provide mental stimulation, while chew toys can satisfy your dog’s natural urge to chew. Interactive toys, such as fetch toys, can provide physical exercise and strengthen your bond with your dog. It is essential to supervise your dog when introducing new toys to ensure their safety and prevent them from destroying the toy too quickly. Additionally, it is important to choose toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size and breed.

Play With Your Dog

Source: The Wildest

Playing with your dog is an excellent way to keep them interested in their toys. By playing with your dog, you provide mental and physical stimulation, and you also strengthen your bond. You can engage in different activities with your dog, such as fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek, using their toys. When playing with your dog, make sure to keep it exciting by switching up the games and using different toys. You can also use different tones of voice or make funny noises to keep your dog engaged and interested. It is essential to pay attention to your dog’s body language and stop playing if they show signs of fatigue or discomfort.

Make The Toys More Challenging

Dogs love a challenge, and making their toys more challenging can keep them interested in playing for longer periods. For instance, you can stuff puzzle toys with treats, making it more challenging for your dog to get to the treats. Similarly, you can hide the toys in different places and ask your dog to find them. By making their toys more challenging, you will not only keep your dog interested in playing, but it will also improve their problem-solving skills. Additionally, providing a challenge can help prevent destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture or digging holes in the yard. However, it is essential to start with easy challenges and gradually increase the difficulty to prevent frustration.

Change The Location

Dogs can become accustomed to their environment, making their toys less interesting over time. Changing the location where your dog plays with their toys can make them more exciting and new. You can take your dog to a different room or play with them outside to keep things fresh and interesting. Alternatively, you can take your dog on a walk and bring their toys along to play with them in different environments. This will not only keep your dog interested in their toys, but it will also provide additional exercise and mental stimulation. It is important to make sure that the location is safe for your dog and free of any hazards.

Use Scents

Dogs have an excellent sense of smell, and using scents can make their toys more interesting to them. You can use your dog’s favorite treats to scent their toys, making them more appealing. You can also use scents that are associated with positive experiences, such as lavender or vanilla. Additionally, you can rotate the scents to keep things interesting. It is essential to avoid using strong scents that may be overwhelming or unpleasant for your dog, as this may have the opposite effect and discourage them from playing with their toys.

Incorporate Training

Source: Humane Society

Incorporating training into your dog’s playtime can provide mental stimulation and keep them interested in their toys. For instance, you can use their toys as rewards for performing tricks or obedience commands. This will not only improve their behavior but also strengthen your bond with your dog. Additionally, incorporating training into playtime can make it more structured and prevent your dog from becoming bored or frustrated. It is important to keep training sessions short and fun, avoiding repetition or drills that may discourage your dog from playing.

Make It Social

Dogs are social animals and enjoy playing with other dogs and humans. Incorporating socialization into playtime can keep your dog interested in their toys and provide additional exercise and mental stimulation. You can organize playdates with other dogs or invite friends over to play with your dog. Additionally, you can enroll your dog in a dog park or daycare, where they can interact with other dogs and play with different toys. However, it is essential to supervise your dog during socialization and make sure that the playmates are compatible with your dog’s personality and behavior.

Set a Schedule

Setting a schedule for your dog’s playtime can establish a routine and keep them interested in their toys. Dogs thrive on routine and predictability, and having a set time for playtime can make it more enjoyable for them. Additionally, setting a schedule can prevent your dog from becoming bored or restless, reducing the likelihood of destructive behavior. It is important to set aside enough time for playtime and avoid rushing or cutting it short. You can also incorporate playtime into your daily routine, such as before or after meals or walks.

Provide a Variety of Toys

Dog toys
Source: The New York Times

Providing variety in your dog’s toys can keep them interested and prevent them from becoming bored. Dogs have different preferences and may enjoy different types of toys, such as soft toys, rope toys, or balls. Additionally, providing toys with different textures, colors, and shapes can make playtime more interesting and stimulating. It is important to rotate the toys and provide new ones regularly to prevent your dog from becoming bored. However, it is essential to choose toys that are safe and appropriate for your dog’s size, age, and breed. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor their toys for wear and tear and replace them if they become damaged or pose a safety risk.

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