Multi-Toy Fetch: Tanner's New Mental Game

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Meet Red. Tanner's Toys Have Names!

© L. Glavin
Well, boss?

Tanner has become so good at Fetch that I began to notice he was getting less exercise when we play. Gone are the days when he romped around the pool with the toy in his mouth, celebrating his retrieval from the depths.


Tanner now dutifully returns the toy to my feet, and gazes at me with a stare, as if to say,

"Well, boss; when's the next toss coming, huh?"

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner Grabs Orbee

I began to wonder if I would soon have a couch potato on my hands, when one day I realized he may need an additional mental challenge. The game had gotten too easy and not as exhilarating. Enter the Multi-toy Fetch Game, our new invention.

Tanner's newest challenge is to remove all of the 4 toys that I toss into the pool at different locations, before I will toss any one of them again. Sounds easy, right? Not so much! This was definitely the mental challenge I had hoped for when I first tried it yesterday. I now have my ADD Dog back!

The Retrieval game looks something like this:

© Carrie Boyko
Double Fetcher:
Yellow & Gator

• Tanner is released to Fetch and heads off after one of the toys.
• Seeing another toy in his peripheral vision, he suddenly changes directions and swims toward the second toy.
• Before arriving at the second toy, he sees yet a third toy floating nearby and redirects himself once again. You get the idea, right?
• When Tanner finally grabs a toy, I think he's going to bring it to the pool deck. Oops. New redirect and suddenly he's swimming for the steps with 2 toys in his mouth. Great!
• Oh no! Now he has dropped the 2 toys and is swimming after a third toy that he's spotted in the far end of our lap pool. 
• And so the game goes. Thirty minutes later I finally called Tanner out of the pool and rinsed him. He was unsuccessful in retrieving 3 of the toys. One managed to make it to the pool deck, but was not even returned to my feet. 

© Carrie Boyko
Relaxing with Firefly

This is going to be a long training period, I fear. Yet I'm excited to see how it goes and to learn what there is to learn from this new approach. I'll keep you posted. Please cheer for Tanner. He may be feeling like a bit of a failure tonight. 

This post is part of the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop hosted by Confessions of the Plume, Two Little Cavaliers, and Life with Dogs. Their rules for participation follow, as copied from Life with Dogs' site on 10/5/11:

• Link up your pet blog name and URL using the Linky Tool below. You only need to add your link once to be seen on all the Saturday Pet Blogger Blog Hop Linky Tools for that week. Note that if your blog is not pet related your link will be removed. Also note that only one post per blog is acceptable, and links promoting giveaways that are unrelated to the pet blogger hop will be removed. This is a community building exercise and not a promotional vehicle – please treat it as such.
• Grab the “Saturday Pet Blogger Blog Hop” button on the right hand side of this site and include it in your Saturday Blog hop post so that your readers will know what is going on. *Note – posting is optional. Feel free to just link and follow.
• Follow your co-hosts listed in the first 3 slots of the Linky Tool.
• Follow as many other blogs on the linky as you’d like.
• Take a moment to comment on the blogs telling them you’re from the blog hop.
• Follow back when you get a new follower through the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop.
• Make friends and grow. ♥

Ask the Dog Trainer, with Terry Lynn CuylerWhy is My Dog Restless?

by Terry Lynn Cuyler, APDT, CPDT-KA

© Carrie Boyko
Fetch Training is
Good Physical and Mental Exercise

Dear Trainer:  Why is my dog so restless?
--------------------------------
Dear Restless,

Many dogs who exhibit restlessness are young, under exercised and under stimulated. And restless behavior often grabs our attention so that is rewarding, even if it is negative attention. Two 20-minute brisk walks per day would be great, if feasible.  These walks should be moving walks, not sniffing every bush.  Only once or twice in said 20-minute walk should dog need to eliminate.  Walks are great, but so are many other forms of exercise.  TV trainers sometimes use doggie treadmills.

  

Dogs have working brains and they need to be used.  Our sedentary lives and long work days do not lend themselves to enriching our dogs' lives.  Training a trick can drain energy because it makes a dog use his brain. Something as simple as scattering half his kibble in the grass and making him hunt for it is an enrichment exercise.   

Many enrichment toys are available to keep dogs brains as busy as their feet and mouths. Check out Pet Expertise for some of my recommendations: Kongs, Buster Cubes, Squirrel Dudes,  Wobblers and the Everlasting Fun Ball are but a few.   Chew toys also act as doggie pacifiers.  I like the Nylabone Durables, hollow bones and real marrow bones.  

HIde a food dispensing toy while your dog is practicing a STAY and then go back to him and release him to go find the food toy.  Nan Arthur has written a book for your restless dogs entitled Chill Out, Fido that has some excellent exercises to practice.  Hope we hear a report that your dog is soon a couch potato. 

Terry, PawsProf 

© courtesy tlc
Agility Training:
Great for a Restless Dog

Our ASK THE DOG TRAINER Column can be reached at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. For more information on Terry Lynn Cuyler and her training, you may find her at Paws Prof. A personal appointment with a trainer will likely provide more specific information on your dog's issues and your questions.

The PawsProf's advice does not replace an actual consultation with a qualified trainer.

Related Reading:

Dog Treadmill Training: Is it Right for Your Dog?

Dog Mental Stimulation

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Two Dogs vs. Two Puzzle Toys: Kyjen Puzzle Review and Holiday Giveaway

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Ready...Set....I'm Waiting!

© Carrie Boyko
Ready, Boss!

The challenge is on. Kyjen, the dog toy manufacturer, has sent us two of our favorite puzzle toys to try out with Oliver and Tanner. Given a 10-pound, toy-sized dog, Oliver, and a 70-lb Golden Retriever, the question is which toy will challenge each dog the most.  

© Carrie Boyko
"Yummy, MOM!"

I evaluated both toys and hypothesized that Tanner would quickly figure out both, but wondered how Oliver's diminutive mouth would factor into his success. I hoped the tiny holes in the Treat Wheel would help Oliver sniff out the goods, but was concerned about his ability to get the yellow paws out of the holes. Using a few tidbits of good-smelling stuff like cheese mixed in with healthy, organic kibble, I had great success once I tipped a yellow paw cap to show him how it opened. He was able to catch the small hole with his canines to lift the cap out, finally exposing the goodies underneath.


What's really cool about this toy, that is not obvious on the packaging, is that once all the yellow paws are removed, the inner compartment spins and holds more areas for treat exposure. This adds a whole new level of fun and exploration for the dog, keeping his interest for quite a long while. Oliver spent nearly a half hour eating his breakfast from this toy, which for some dogs could be a real advantage in feeding.

© Carrie Boyko
Paws Don't Work Well for Tanner

Once exposed, the inner compartments were more easily manipulated by Oliver's small mouth and tongue. Tanner found this toy more difficult for his much bigger snout, although he was able to manage and enjoy the treats by using just his long tongue. While not a toy for your Mastiff or Great Dane, it should be fine for any dog of Tanner's size or smaller.

© Carrie Boyko
No Problem! I'm a Whiz.

Tanner was a quick study for the Star Spinner toy, while Oliver needed a little help with the swivel the first time. He's wary of using his snout as a tool, while Tanner's snout was probably made by Craftsman tools. Tanner plowed through the Star Spinner, slowed only by the small compartments, which once again made him use his tongue. With ten tiny bowls to find, this toy kept him busy for a good while, and slowed his eating pace a good bit.

© Carrie Boyko
I Can Get in Small Places

Oliver's approach to the Star Spinner was more methodical, working from one section to the next one in a circular motion. It was sort of cute, almost like he was working a buffet! He didn't miss a single morsel, as his smaller snout fit nicely into the opening between the levels.


When it comes to using problem solving skills, these two toys can hardly be topped. Both Tanner and Oliver took a nap after breakfast, something that generally waits till after a morning walk. I suppose you can guess that this was because of mental fatigue, not simply the physical effort of eating. This is one great way to give your dog a job--finding his dinner!


Now comes the real fun. I'm going to give these great Kyjen toy samples away to two lucky winners. All you have to do to win is be one of the first two people to solve this puzzle:


Both my small and large dogs enjoyed each of these Kyjen puzzle toys. If I were to recommend one to you, I would suggest that you choose the ________________ for a toy-sized dog, and the ___________________ for your large dog. Let the guessing begin! And don't miss the hints over at 5 Minutes for Fido. Oliver and Tanner have strict instructions to be very subtle!


Answers will be accepted through comments below, on our Facebook page, or by email to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. The contest will close when 2 correct answers (to both blank spaces) are received, or on December 14, 2010.  Prizes will be shipped immediately; however, arrival before Christmas Day cannot be guaranteed. This offer good only to U.S. addresses. 


Are there other ways to get Kyjen's great toys? Of course! They are currently running a toy-a-day giveaway through Christmas. You can sign up here for their "Boycott Boring Dog Toys" program. You could even become a toy reviewer for Kyjen and be entered to win a grand prize drawing that will include all of their toys! Sounds like fun, huh?!!!


Can't wait? Gotta, hafta, coulda, woulda....buy it here:


Full disclosure: The Kyjen products described in this post have been donated to All Things Dog Blog for an independent review. I have not been paid to provide my opinion of these products, and the opinion provided is my own.

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Don't Miss "Dog Mental Stimulation" at Dogtipper

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Let the Games Begin

Dogtipper is hosting our guest post today, featuring a mentally stimulating toy. It's game on for Tanner vs. the Jolly Ball, and Tanner loses. The ball is just too tough for him to beat! Don't miss the cute slideshow and learn more about this great toy. Want one for your dog? You can order it right here:


Happy holidays to you and your furry companions. Don't miss Tanner's take on this ball over at 5 Minutes for Fido, where he's moping over the score. 

Fido Feeding Fun

by Carrie Boyko, C.E.B.

Just like us, occasionally our dogs may enjoy a little changeup in the way their dinner is presented. Here's a few ideas that will make dinner a little different, and perhaps even a bit of a mental game. That's good for your pup too:

1. Play Hide-a-Kibble with Rover's dinner. Choose a contained area where you have a hard floor, to protect from any staining. Measure up your dog's meal and then scatter the chow around and in between all pieces of furniture and other items on the floor. This 'treat for your dog's nose' will make for a fun game of Kibble Hunt. Just to make sure your dog knows what going on, scatter the last few pieces with him watching. Now it's your turn to watch. Grab your camera as your dog enjoys being a hound for a short time, even if he's a Terrier or a Retriever...even a Heinz 57! One final tip. If you have more than one dog, the food may be found more quickly by the bigger dog and your little one may miss much of dinner. Allow your pups to play this game solo, to assure they get to find and eat their own meal.
2. Tanner's favorite food-finding game is the treat ball. There are a bunch of these on the market, so when you choose one, just be sure to consider its size and weight compared to the size of your dog. A large, heavy treat ball will be difficult and even scary for your toy-sized dog to push with his snout or his paws. That said, "Let the fun begin" by filling the ball with your pup's meal and closing off the area in which you'd like him to play with the toy. Start by dropping the ball on the floor in front of Fido, and then a couple of pieces of kibble just in front of it, as you give the ball a little push. Fido will figure out very quickly where that kibble comes from and start to push the ball. NOTE: This is a terrific way to feed your dog if you have one of those "vacuum-eaters"; you know, the dogs that eat at the speed of light. This is not a healthy habit, so try the treat ball to slow the process down.
3. Hide and Seek: This game is simpler and again takes only one example to get your pup going. Just drop a mouthful of kibble underneath small items around the house. I like to use toys, rugs, pillows and other light-weight items. Help the dog find one, and off he'll go to seek out other treasures around your home. NOTE: Close doors to rooms you'd prefer he not snuffle through.
4. Another version of Hide and Seek can be played outdoors in your yard, but only if it is fenced. You don't want a food fight if another dog happens to get wind of the yummies in your yard. NOTE: Don't place handfuls of kibble under bushes, as stubby bush branches could scrape or cut Fido while he's focused on the hunt. Keep it safe!

At the top of this post you viewed a slide show of Tanner playing version #2 with the treat ball. Who can guess how long it took him to empty the ball? The reader with the right answer in a comment below will get a surprise gift. 


Want a treat ball for your Fido? We had one of these and it was great!


Be sure to stop in at GoPetFriendly to ready my latest guest post: Preparing Rover to be a Well-Behaved Holiday Visitor, and Fido Friendly, where I offer Healthy After-School Snacks for Kids and Dogs to Share.

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