Why are Busy Buddy dog toys so popular? Discover the benefits for your dogs mind.
Alright, let's talk about keeping the dog busy. My guy, Cooper, he's mostly a good dog, but gets restless, you know? Especially when I need to get some work done or step out for a bit. Started chewing on things he shouldn't. Standard stuff.
Heard folks talking about these toys designed to keep dogs occupied longer, the puzzle types or the ones you stuff treats into. Figured it was worth a shot. Went down to the local pet shop, looked around. Saw one of those rubbery things, looked pretty tough, and it had these rings you could screw onto the ends. Treats, basically. Seemed like a decent idea. Grabbed one and a pack of the treat ring refills.
Trying It Out
Got home, washed the toy first, just in case. Then I twisted on a couple of those treat rings. Felt a bit fiddly at first, getting them on tight, but managed it. Showed it to Cooper. His tail started going immediately. He knew it was something for him.
I put it down on the floor. He sniffed it all over, gave it a lick. Then he started nudging it with his nose, trying to figure out how to get at the rings. It took him a few minutes, pawing at it, chewing the ends. Eventually, he got the hang of gnawing on the rings specifically.
Here’s what I noticed:
- It definitely held his attention. He was focused.
- He spent a solid 20-30 minutes really working on it the first time.
- Lots of chewing, licking, and figuring things out.
- He seemed pretty satisfied afterwards, less antsy.
Longer Term Use
So, we've been using these kinds of toys for a while now. That first one, the rubber bone with the screw-on rings? It's held up surprisingly well to Cooper's chewing. He's a strong chewer, too.
It's become part of the routine. If I need him settled, I'll load it up with the rings and give it to him. It doesn't last as long now he knows the trick, maybe 15 minutes, but it still works to redirect his energy. Gives him a job to do.
Cleaning is easy enough, just soap and water. The refills aren't super cheap, but cheaper than replacing chewed-up shoes, right? We also tried a different type, one of those ball-shaped ones you put kibble inside. He likes that too, batting it around the room to get the food out.
Overall, yeah, these things have been pretty helpful. Not a miracle cure for boredom, you still gotta walk them and play with them, obviously. But as something to keep them occupied and give their brain a bit of a workout? Thumbs up from me and Cooper.
