Are these things even possible?
They can be! By investing in some interactive dog toys that should keep them busy during your time apart, you offer your dog an alternative. These toys should also be able to stimulate their minds.
Interactive dog toys are different
Different from the normal and simply squeaky toys! Interactive dog toys are multi-functional, meaning, they should incorporate almost all aspects of a dog toy into one package. They should be able to function as bouncy balls, treat dispensers and chew toys all wrapped up into one.[1]
It is advisable, if possible, to inspect your dog as they play, because the likelihood of them swallowing a piece of the toy they ripped apart is very high, and bearing in mind that most toys are made of plastic, or some other material which could be harmful to your dog, then this can be a dangerous thing for your pet.[2]
But, you need not worry about all that, because, these interactive dog toys are made of super-durable materials which should ensure that the dog is unable to rip them apart. That being said, it is a good idea to be present the first time they play with the toy, so you can keep an eye on them, and ensure they are not able to tear them up with their teeth.[3]
Examining interactive dog toys
Most dog owners would love nothing more than to spend all day, every day with their four-legged friends, but, unfortunately, we all have to work, and this involves leaving our pets for long periods of time, even up to 10 hours a day!
Thankfully, these interactive dog toys can help fight boredom and provide stimulation in the meantime.
iFetch Too Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs
If your dog loves to play fetch, which most dogs do, then this is one of those games that should excite them and keep them preoccupied all day long. It is however ideal for big dogs that love to catch tennis balls.
The toy has three main launch distances of 10, 25, and 40 feet, but there is also an option to select random distances in order to make it much more fun and unpredictable. The iFetch normally launches the ball immediately it receives it, to minimize any chances of the ball hitting the dog.
This is basically what it should do all day long, launching the ball for your dog to fetch.
It comes with an inbuilt battery that is able to last a long time, and when you buy it, it should come with three standard sized and non-abrasive tennis balls, but it should also accommodate any other type of ball you may have lying around the house.
Pros
- Keeps dog busy all day
- Different launch distances
- Long battery life
Cons
- Costlier compared to the other toys
Customers feedback
This toy has earned a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars rating. Customers were happy with the design, and the ability to keep their dogs engaged for long periods of time, but most of them were worried that it would wear out too fast, plus the balls were a little smaller than anticipated.
TRIXIE Pet Products – Trixie Gambling Tower
This is a simple, level one, kind of toy that should keep your dog busy for most of the day. It is a great way to involve their intellect, whilst also giving them delicious treats.
This is how the game is played: The toy has drawers which the puppy should pull out, but there is a catch. She must pull them out in the correct order. There are three drawers and three cones. Each drawer has a rope loop, which should release the treats on to the bottom of the tube, and the dog can then enjoy them.
The design of this interactive dog toy is very sturdy and should ensure that the cones are not knocked over easily, but rather lifted up to reveal the treats. You can vary the placement of the treats and their number as well, to make it more difficult for the pooch.
Pros
- Able to engage the dog for long periods of time
- Treats make the puppies happy
- Sturdy design
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Intelligent dogs figure it out quickly
Customers feedback
With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from the majority of customers, you can rest assured of this being a good toy; that should keep your little puppy happy and busy while you are at work. One customer who was extremely impressed with the toy called it stimulating and entertaining.
OurPets IQ Treat Ball Interactive Food Dispensing Dog Toy
If your dog has trouble eating, or you want to have better control of their diet, then this would be a good way to make them eat. The OurPets IQ Treat Ball is normally filled with a portion of the dog’s meal and allows them to feed on what is dispensed after they roll the ball.
The ball has been described as a slow feeding bowl that promotes a healthy eating lifestyle for your dog. You can also fill it with kibbles or treats, and set the desired level of dispensing which can be difficult enough, so the dog works extra hard to receive a treat.
Pros
- Promotes a healthy feeding lifestyle
- Made of strong, durable and non-toxic plastic material
- Keeps the dog engaged for long periods of time
- Comes in all sizes
Cons
- Strong dogs can chew it easily
Customers feedback
This is a toy that has received great reviews from many customers, earning a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating; most of them praised its ability to keep their dogs entertained all day long.
Plus the dispensation of treats kept the dogs happy till they come home in the evening. The material used to make the ball was also a big plus with a vast majority of them.
StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy
This should help exercise and feed your puppy, all at the same time. It has top and bottom chambers. The bottom chamber is very large and can fit up to three cups of food at a time, which should be enough for a full meal.
It has openings at the top and bottom, where the dog should be looking for treats. You can adjust these openings to make it more difficult for him. The bottom also keeps wobbling around, and this entices the pooch to keep playing erratically.
Pros
- Keeps your dog busy all day long
- Acts as a feeding bowl
- Enable the dog to exercise as well
Cons
- Can be ripped by super-strong dogs
Customers feedback
What most customers loved about this product was its ability to keep their pooches energized and busy all day long. For those who had slow feeding dogs, they had nothing but praise for the toy, as their pets were finally able to feed. With a high majority of them giving it a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating, it’s a great addition to any household.
Dogit Mind Games 3-in-1 Interactive Smart Toy for Dogs
This is a good toy because it is three-games-in-one kind of toy, that should keep your little puppy occupied all day long. Each game should test your dog’s problem-solving ability and promote a healthy intellect.
The three games are:
- Hide-and-seek. In this game, the dog dislodges the top of the toy in order to find some rewards.
- Spin-a-whirl. This should enable the dog to nudge the wheel around so as to reveal some delicious treats.
- Sliding puzzle. In this game, the dog should be sliding the puzzle, so as to find the hidden treats.
Pros
- Very entertaining
- Tests the dog’s intellect
- Keeps the puppy busy all day long
Cons
- The games are pretty easy to figure out
Customers feedback
Most of the customers unanimously agreed that the toy was pretty easy to figure out for their puppies. The product has a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars rating. Though not as stimulating as some would have liked, they still report it as being a very well made product.
Final say on interactive toys for dogs
If you have ever had a new pair of shoes or brand-new pillows destroyed by a bored puppy, then you should be able to understand why you need to buy a toy to keep them busy while you are at work.
The great thing about interactive dog toys is that they help stimulate your pups mind as well as muscles; which is much better than just having them lay in a kennel all day waiting for you to return.