Reg: 12-06-2010
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I keep trying to invent homemade mind toys for Jethro. I need something that will occupy his attention but not get him into trouble (ie. no tearing apart dish towels). He loves to use his jaws and mouth to explore and tear things up. I can give him bones, but it is a very elaborate process: the bone has to be chewed by Skipper first, I have to give the bone to Skipper while Jethro is out of the picture, after Skipper has discarded the bone Jethro will finally give it a good chew. The actual chewing toys I have purchased (read: safe), he absolutely has no interest in.
I do have kongs, the bob a lot, and a couple of other treat dispenser type toys. They work well, but not for very long.
Melissa Hoyer Webboard User Reg: 05-09-2005
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Loc: SE Michigan
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Quote: Jenny Arntzen
but it is a very elaborate process: the bone has to be chewed by Skipper first, I have to give the bone to Skipper while Jethro is out of the picture, after Skipper has discarded the bone Jethro will finally give it a good chew.
Any suggestions?
This is the only way?
I give my GSDs different things to occupy their time. Favorites include turkey feet (raw), beef trachea (raw or dehydrated little rings), and beef marrow bones. They don't get these things all the time, but they love them on occasion. My 12 month old has a few elk antlers that are available to him at all times (know some wouldn't agree with this, but having them out has been a teaching tool for him...he quickly learned to go find one of them when he wanted to chew instead of something else).
Cathy Goessman Webboard User Reg: 12-03-2007
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Loc: Phoenix, AZ
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Have you tried freezing the kong?
I use a 2 liter bottle with kibble/treats in it as a makeshift toy. They can normally occupy their time for awhile shredding it if they're capable of shredding it or spinning it around to get the treats if they aren't.
My parents dogs have a few jumbo smoked bones that they take turns with. It's a bit messy with the intial chew but after that it can just be left out.
If he shreds stuffed animals the dollar store can provide an afternoon of entertainment. I got 6 of the teddy bears when they had big ones for $1 each and gave them to my terrier girl. She had a blast and it's fairly easy to clean up.
I take a square plastic container and fill with about 1" of water. Freeze. Then place small pieces of treats (hard cheese, meat, hotdogs, etc.) in it and cover with more water (2" or so?) Freeze and pop out of the container.
This is an outside treat, obviously! You can also use watered down beef bouillon or broth.
Reg: 12-06-2010
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Loc: British Columbia, Canada
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These ideas are great! They are helping me think of other things I can use around the house. I wish I could give him stuffed toys to shred, but I had to force him to throw up a month or so ago because he had actually eaten the fabric he was very carefully shredding. If I could trust him not to swallow it, he would be soooo happy with a tea towel.
I'm working on the bone thing. Yesterday I managed to have two dogs chewing on two bones at the same time in different areas of the house. I'll keep working on that.
I played "find the piece of banana today". Its nice because I can roll the banana on the floor and then he can follow the scent to find it.
I like the frozen treats in ice idea. That will be great for keeping him occupied when I am working in the garden.
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mind games for dogs
#332613 - 05/14/2011 01:34 PM 
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