How does the log and squirrel dog toy provide enrichment? Learn how this fun puzzle challenges your dogs brain naturally.
Okay, let me tell you about this log and squirrel dog toy thing I got.
Getting Started
So, my dog, Buster, he gets bored easy, you know? Always needs something new to mess with. I was just browsing around online, not really looking for anything specific, just killing time. Then I saw this toy, looked like a plush tree log with little squirrel heads poking out. Thought it looked kinda silly, but also maybe something Buster would actually play with.
It wasn't super expensive, so I figured, why not? Added it to my cart and got it ordered. Didn't think much more about it until the package showed up a few days later.
Trying it Out
Pulled it out of the box. It's pretty straightforward – just a soft, hollow log thing and three little squeaky squirrel toys stuffed inside it. Felt decently made, not like super tough, but okay for a plush toy.
I tossed it on the floor. Buster, he walks over, gives it a good sniff. Tilted his head. Looked at me like, "Okay, what's the deal with this?" He pawed at it a bit, then sort of knocked it over.
Then he noticed the squirrels properly. He started sniffing at the holes, trying to figure out how to get them out. It took him a little bit, lots of pawing and some gentle chewing around the openings. Finally, he managed to pull one squirrel free. Success!
As soon as he got it out, he gave it a good shake. Found the squeaker pretty fast. Then it was game on. He trotted off with the squirrel, squeaking it like mad. Left the log behind for a minute.
The Process and Result
Eventually, he remembered the other two squirrels still in the log. Went back and worked on getting them out too. Took maybe 15-20 minutes for him to empty the whole log. He seemed pretty focused, which was good to see. Better than him chewing the furniture, right?
He spent the rest of the afternoon playing with the squirrels mostly. Tossed them up in the air, chased them, brought them over for me to throw. The log itself got a little bit of attention, some chewing, but the main event was definitely the squirrels.
Putting them back in? Yeah, that's apparently my job now. He hasn't figured out how to reload the log himself. He just brings me the empty log and the scattered squirrels when he wants to play the 'get the squirrels' game again.
So far, it's holding up okay. He hasn't ripped anything apart yet, which is honestly surprising sometimes. The squeakers all still work. It seems like a decent enough toy, keeps him occupied for a while. Seems to satisfy that urge to pull things out of other things, I guess.
Overall, yeah, it was a decent buy. Buster likes it, gives him something to do. If your dog's into puzzle-type things or just loves squeaky toys, it might be worth checking out. Simple idea, but it works.
