[PABLO]

Hi all!
I am going insane trying to find a toy to keep my puppy busy.

Kong toys don’t work since he cannot chew even if his life depended on it & whereas treat dispensing toys seem to be okay for him. However, they’re not practical for the crate I find since he can’t move around much. Anyone got recommendations?

 

[Dechi]

A simple flirt pole (for cats) from the dollar store is Beckie’s favorite toy. Even Merlin likes it ! This will be the best 2$ you spent if your dog likes it too !

Other than that, they both love any toy that looks like a prey and squeaks (stuffed squirrel, rabbit or other). They like to shake it and « kill » it !

These aren’t good for the crate though. Have you tried bully sticks ? The small ones ? Or peanut butter frozen in the kong ? No chewing required, just licking...

 

[PeggyTheParti]

Have you tried the Kong "puppy tire"? Peggy's a spoo, but she loves the tire so much more than the traditional Kong. It might be worth a shot.

You can stick your puppy's kibble into it with a dab of something extra tasty. Peggy likes banana, apple, or peanut butter. You could even take it to the next level by blending your filling into a paste, stuffing the tire, and then freezing it. Great for teething puppies.

Just make sure whatever toy(s) you choose can't escape through any gaps in the crate.

 

[PeggyTheParti]

(You definitely want the "puppy" kind. It'll be pale pink or blue. The rubber is much softer and seems more enticing.)

 

[fjm]

Perhaps one of the Ottosson treat dispensing puzzles? You can make them very simple to start with by leaving out the blocking "bones" or pegs, and build up as he gets used to working the toy. Mine like the Dog Brick best, but enjoy the Casino as long as I don't put the pegs in - they have never managed to get a grip on them to pull them out again. I have had the toys for years, and they still come out on rainy days!

 

[PeggyTheParti]

Perhaps one of the Ottosson treat dispensing puzzles? You can make them very simple to start with by leaving out the blocking "bones" or pegs, and build up as he gets used to working the toy. Mine like the Dog Brick best, but enjoy the Casino as long as I don't put the pegs in - they have never managed to get a grip on them to pull them out again. I have had the toys for years, and they still come out on rainy days!

Do these puzzles require supervision?

 

[twyla]

All toys require supervision, puppies are mischievous.
How old is your pup?
My youngest is a white toy poodle named Leonard he will be 3 in August. All my toy poodles have been a bit different in regards to toys.
Beatrice loved her "Keys"
Puppy chew toy

Pia loved her play mate Beatrice,
Leonard just wanted my company, playing with girls is up there.

 

[fjm]

I agree with Twyla - all toys need supervision. The Ottosson Dog Brick has large parts made of solid plastic, so is reasonably safe for a small puppy that is not given to chewing.

Sophy's favourite toys are IKEA rats and mice - she likes to nibble rather than chew, and they have lasted over 10 years now. Poppy has never had any interest in toys at all. They both enjoyed Kongs when they were young, and those were just about the only thing I ever left them alone with.

 

[PABLO]

A simple flirt pole (for cats) from the dollar store is Beckie’s favorite toy. Even Merlin likes it ! This will be the best 2$ you spent if your dog likes it too !

Other than that, they both love any toy that looks like a prey and squeaks (stuffed squirrel, rabbit or other). They like to shake it and « kill » it !

These aren’t good for the crate though. Have you tried bully sticks ? The small ones ? Or peanut butter frozen in the kong ? No chewing required, just licking...

He just gives up on it even if it's only licking

Flirt poles are amazing though! Definitely a good recommendation for all

 

[PABLO]

Have you tried the Kong "puppy tire"? Peggy's a spoo, but she loves the tire so much more than the traditional Kong. It might be worth a shot.

You can stick your puppy's kibble into it with a dab of something extra tasty. Peggy likes banana, apple, or peanut butter. You could even take it to the next level by blending your filling into a paste, stuffing the tire, and then freezing it. Great for teething puppies.

Just make sure whatever toy(s) you choose can't escape through any gaps in the crate.

Hmm I will definitely try your suggestions; I think it would help that he can see the treats in front of him. Boy has absolutely no patience nor persistence (I still love him like crazy though)

 

[PABLO]

Perhaps one of the Ottosson treat dispensing puzzles? You can make them very simple to start with by leaving out the blocking "bones" or pegs, and build up as he gets used to working the toy. Mine like the Dog Brick best, but enjoy the Casino as long as I don't put the pegs in - they have never managed to get a grip on them to pull them out again. I have had the toys for years, and they still come out on rainy days!

I was looking at these and they seem very interesting. I would love to have him occupied with puzzles and have his poodle IQ put to use. I'm just worried that he will give up within a few seconds as he often does - the whole building up to a more difficult kong didn't really end up working since if the treats didn't fall out immediately, he would simply ignore the kong (even while stuck with it in the crate!)

 

[PABLO]

All toys require supervision, puppies are mischievous.
How old is your pup?
My youngest is a white toy poodle named Leonard he will be 3 in August. All my toy poodles have been a bit different in regards to toys.
Beatrice loved her "Keys"
Puppy chew toy

Pia loved her play mate Beatrice,
Leonard just wanted my company, playing with girls is up there.

He's touching 4 months. Also, I'm always beside him when I give him chews in the crate - I get super paranoid otherwise. Still, even while he is out, I would love for him to be able to occupy himself say when I am doing some work and cannot play with him.

 

[PABLO]

I agree with Twyla - all toys need supervision. The Ottosson Dog Brick has large parts made of solid plastic, so is reasonably safe for a small puppy that is not given to chewing.

Sophy's favourite toys are IKEA rats and mice - she likes to nibble rather than chew, and they have lasted over 10 years now. Poppy has never had any interest in toys at all. They both enjoyed Kongs when they were young, and those were just about the only thing I ever left them alone with.

Another Ottosson recommendation. I might just get a super easy one and see how it goes.

 

[PeggyTheParti]

Oh! I thought you were specifically looking for items that could be used unsupervised in the crate.

Peggy likes Himalayan yak cheese chews, which might keep your little one busy for a while. They should definitely be supervised, though, so you can intervene when they get too short.

We sometimes stick one end in a Kong so it eventually disappears inside, but it can be tricky to pull out.

 

[Dechi]

Peggy likes Himalayan yak cheese chews, which might keep your little one busy for a while. They should definitely be supervised, though, so you can intervene when they get too short.

When it gets too short, pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and it will become a giant cheese popcorn, not dangerous at all. Let it cool at least 5-10 minutes before giving it to him because it will be very hot !

 

[PeggyTheParti]

When it gets too short, pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and it will become a giant cheese popcorn, not dangerous at all. Let it cool at least 5-10 minutes before giving it to him because it will be very hot !

I toss Peggy's "puff" in the freezer for five minutes. She sits and waits the whole time. Lol.

 

[PABLO]

When it gets too short, pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds and it will become a giant cheese popcorn, not dangerous at all. Let it cool at least 5-10 minutes before giving it to him because it will be very hot !

I've heard! In fact your post made me go ahead and try it out since his Yak stick was nearly finished.

 

[vandog]

I usually give my spoo yak chews as well but they’re taken away if they start cracking or get too small. I’ve also bought this yak cheese popcorn and that I’ll make and give as treats over a week or two (makes a fair amount). I also will crush the piece that I take away from her into pieces and microwave those which greatly reduces the mess that the giant puff would make and she seems to like it better 😅

my spoo loved bully sticks (I get the odor free ones) and I would freeze kongs, west paws and I have quite a few treat dispensing balls that I fill with a mixture of kibble, she likes nylabones, or ethical pets skineeeez. I found she destroyed a few kongs so I don’t tend to leave them unsupervised unless it’s the more durable ones (black or bigger) or if I’m still in the house.

Maybe try a smaller size kong or the puppy ones or the ones that are different shapes if he isn’t a big chewer?

 

[fjm]

If you want to build perseverance I would try hunt the treat. First few times place a few small treats in the pen while he watches, then pop him in to get them. Gradually make it a little more difficult - put one under the corner of a bed or blanket, etc. Then use upturned yoghurt pots - just one at first, and let him see you put it underneath. Then several. Then a treat under just one of several. Once he has learned to use his nose to find things (good brain training in itself) and that sometimes it takes a bit of effort to get to the treats, he is more likely to work at it.

The Dog Brick may be a good start - the one with sliding lids. If you leave out the blocking bones and leave the lids partly open it is very easy for the puppy to push them the rest of the way. You can then build up gradually to closing them completely, and putting in one or more of the bones.

 

[PABLO]

If you want to build perseverance I would try hunt the treat. First few times place a few small treats in the pen while he watches, then pop him in to get them. Gradually make it a little more difficult - put one under the corner of a bed or blanket, etc. Then use upturned yoghurt pots - just one at first, and let him see you put it underneath. Then several. Then a treat under just one of several. Once he has learned to use his nose to find things (good brain training in itself) and that sometimes it takes a bit of effort to get to the treats, he is more likely to work at it.

The Dog Brick may be a good start - the one with sliding lids. If you leave out the blocking bones and leave the lids partly open it is very easy for the puppy to push them the rest of the way. You can then build up gradually to closing them completely, and putting in one or more of the bones.

Will definitely be doing this! He's awfully nose blind so I'll start slowly as you suggested.