My favorite Enrichment Toys for dogs
Easy, stress-free enrichment is a cornerstone of wellbeing for both you and your dog. Proper enrichment makes all the difference in maintaining sanity for all members of the household- and providing outlets for species-typical behavior in your dog. Below, we talk about my enrichment staples that I use for my own dogs and recommend for clients.
1. Toppl
The Toppl is my all-time favorite because of the wide opening, size options, and hassle-free cleaning. You can seriously fit an entire meal in these things and it is a favorite for many dogs I work with because it is easy to get the hang of. These can be used for treats, kibble, raw or fresh food- and can be frozen for an extra challenge. They can also be interconnected with another toppl to create a whole new toy. Although a bit pricey, these are a crowd favorite for a reason.
2. Metal Bowls
Basic as it may be, having a few spare metal bowls on hand is a great idea and there is a lot you can do with them. My favorite is spreading wet food along the sides and bottom then freezing to make a “licky bowl”. You can also flip them and put food underneath, or stack multiple bowls with food between them. I’ve also seen some genius folks on the internet putting a frozen lick bowl in a larger bowl of shallow water- this way it is harder for the dog to lick at. Just keep in mind that sound sensitive dogs may not appreciate this idea.
3. Snuffle Mat
I love using snuffle mats in behavior work, for crate training, daily enrichment, and during training/desensitization sessions. These are a staple in my work and home life. Choosing the right snuffle mat makes a big difference, and I find that the best ones are dense and filled in with fabric.
4. Woof Pupsicle
This is a newer addition to my daily rotation of enrichment toys and I have to say I didn’t get the hype around it at first. However, I feel comfortable giving it my support now after seeing how it works in daily life. This toy comes with a freezer mold and after filling the toy, your dog can lick at the frozen item inside. It doesn’t last as long as I had hoped but this is still something I come back to. Filling a large bag or bin with the molds once they are frozen allows you to have plenty to cycle through when you need it most. Great for dogs who need food management throughout the day at home. For sound sensitive dogs, this one may not be the best as it can make a loud screeching noise when screwing the top on and off.
Stay tuned for some budget-friendly and DIY enrichment ideas too! Let me know, how do you feel about these products?
