Best Toys For Lazy Dog Owners
Dogs make the best outdoor companions but there are definitely down days where you are the lazy dog owner. You don’t feel like taking a 5-mile hike or even a walk around the block with your best friend. Oftentimes, I’ll sack up and do it for him but when I just can’t rally, I look for ways to entertain him with the least amount of effort on my end.
Here are some ideas for slackers and their dogs. 🙂
Lazy Dog Owners Throw Things
If your dog loves to fetch, sit at the top of the stairs and toss a ball or favorite toy to the bottom. He’ll run down, grab it and run up. Hard to beat this indoor workout. I can keep my Aussie engaged for a good 30 minutes with this but you’ll want to use soft toys to avoid mishaps. No stairs or too much junk in the way? Take it outside for a ball or Frisbee toss.
West Paw Design Dash Dog Frisbee
The design of the 8-inch Dash Frisbee makes it easy for humans to throw and dogs to pick up. Although the weightiness will keep it from catching too much loft, it’s a solid chucker. In fact, the wavy edge makes it a hoot to roll on its side and watch dogs chase after the wobbly ring. The durable, nearly indestructible outer shell surrounds a soft foam material that won’t make dogs’ gums bleed but you still might have to grab slobbery sections unless you’re playing near water. Dash is injected with Air Technology making it floatable. If your pooch is a chewer the Dash is guaranteed against dog damage, latex-free, BPA and phthalate-free, FDA compliant, non-toxic and top rack dishwasher safe.
Speaking of water, the Kurgo Skipping Stones really do skip…and float but your dog better be a great retriever or you’ll be waiting an eternity for them to float back to shore.
Kurgo – Skipping Stones may not skip as well as a flat rock but they don’t sink as well as they do either. The bright colors help your dog to see them in the water as he paddles out. If he’s not much of a swimmer, the uneven shape makes for fun chases as they bounce erratically for land fetch.
Ruffwear Gnawt-a-Rock™ Rubber Dog Toy
If you’re a lazy dog owner than you’re probably too lazy to pick up bits of plastic from toys your dog shreds in minutes. Ruffwear makes some of the most durable tossables on the market. Stick kibble and treats into the “rock” through the slit and they drop out through two holes on either side as your dog pushes the toy around. You won’t want to leave the Gnawt a Rock on the floors for days without supervision but for treat dispensing and slow feeding, it can’t be beat. Plus, it kind of looks like a rock so you can pretend you’re outdoors? Not really but use your imagination.
Play Amongst Themselves
If you have two dogs (or more), or a friendly neighbor that welcomes a playdate by all means sit back and let them dance. Since I spoil my dog rotten (even when I’m being a lazy dog owner) I can’t share him with anything else but the cat. They seem to keep themselves company when my throwing arm gets tired.
Lazy Dog Owners Play With His Mind
There are all sorts of toys on the market for lazy dog owners that challenge a pup’s problem solving skills.
The Hide A Squirrel toy features a handful of squeeky squirrels that your dog gets to search for and tug out of a stuffy log. Your job is to find them all and put them back. I’m still working on getting Takoda to clean up his mess with this one!
Or just let her go to town ripping apart a toy that doesn’t leave stuffing everywhere.
You could also teach him a new trick, which, by the way, is great for stimulating your mind as well. The Pocket Guide to Dog Tricks By Kyra Sundance is a handy step-by-step instruction manual for impromptu training sessions.
Teach your pup the basics like Sit, Shake Hands, Fetch, and Roll Over, and graduate to more impressive tasks like Tidy Up Your Toys and Get a Beer from the Fridge. Kyra Sundance is a world-renowned dog trainer, lecturer, and author. Her other books include Dog Training 101, The Dog Tricks and Training Workbook, 51 Puppy Tricks, and 101 Dog Tricks, Kids Edition.
If you want to dig even deeper into the world of the trick dog, Sundance’s website Do More With Your Dog offers masterclasses and coaching and even a certification process if you’re looking for a new career.
That’s all I have for now. Would love to hear how you keep your dog entertained while you fell lazy! Leave comments below.