Keep Your Dog Active With Puzzle Toys!

With the dog toy market constantly evolving, there is now a new trend - Puzzle Toys. These interactive toys work well at keeping your pooch’s mind agile. Not only will they keep your dog entertained but they will also complement your dog’s training.


Trainers at Morris K9 Campus recommend a variety of interactive toys that can keep your dog amused while you are away from them as well as games that you and your pooch should do together.

Ball in Ball/Rover Rescue

The concept of the ball in ball is simple. There is a tennis ball located inside a larger rubber ball, in which your dog must figure out the right configuration to remove the tennis ball from the larger ball. The toy encourages the dog to problem solve, and like all interactive toys, makes them work for their reward, which is a vital component of training.

A toy similar to the ball in ball, which is also available at Morris K9 Campus, is Rover Rescue, the concept is the same as the ball in ball, and the difference being that instead of a tennis ball it contains a squeaker toy. The change allows you to pick the toy that best suits your dog’s preferences.

Magic Mushroom/Kibble Nibble

The Magic Mushroom and the Kibble Nibble are both treat dispensing toys, that after an initial supervised play, you are able to leave the dog alone with the toy. The toy is designed to hold treats, and as your dog plays the treats will randomly fall out. The treat dispensing toys are great for dogs that suffer separation anxiety, as it can keep them entertained while you are away.

Star Spinner Dog Toy Puzzle

The Star Spinner is a treat-hiding game that has ten chambers, it’s a great mentally stimulating game for your dog, and can be a great way for you to bond with your pooch. The ten treat chambers within the three layers, means your dog has to find that proper rotation in order to get all the treats. The toy also has an adjustable knob, which allows you to increase or decrease the resistance, and adjust the toy accordingly. The toy should always be used under supervision, but that allows you and your dog to be able to work at solving the puzzle together.

Kong

The Kong is a great training tool, and has been used by dog owners for years. The toy, which made of rubber and is hollow, is designed to be stuffed with treats, and can be used to entertain high energy dog, as well as having the benefit of cleaning your dogs teeth. The toy can be stuffed with anything from, treats, to toothpaste, to peanut butter and will keep your dog busy and out of trouble for extended periods of time.

So perhaps you should consider puzzle toys to stimulating your dog’s brain. There are toys that can be beneficial to both you and your dog. You can find all of these toys for sale at Morris K9 Campus or if you need a recommendation for your dog, we will be happy to help.

Has your dog used a dog puzzle and did they like it?

Fall Dog Walks for You and your Dog

Looking for fun and active ways to spend time with your dog this fall? What better way than to participate in a dog walk? It's a great way to enjoy the beautiful autumn weather while supporting a canine cause! We've put together a list of upcoming local dog walks.

Mutts Marathon - September 16, 2012 from 11:00AM to 3:00PM
400 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ
The Mutts Marathon benefits the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc. Activities include a Dog Walk, Dog Costume Contest, parade, vendors, a BBQ and more!

19th Annual “Grateful” Dog Walk and Pet Fair - October 6, 2012 from 10:00AM to 3:00PM
Brookdale Community College, 765 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ
The entrant with the most pledges for the "Grateful" Dog Walk will be featured as the 2013 Honorary Chairdog in next year’s logo, on t-shirts, bandanas, promos and billboards throughout Monmouth County!

16th Annual Hounds and Harriers Run - October 7, 2012 at 9:30AM
South Mountain Reservation, Crest Drive, South Orange/Millburn, NJ
This 3 mile run takes place on shaded park roads. Many prizes will be awarded by size of dog, veteran dog and more! A Paws from the Past run will also take place for those older dogs who can no longer run 3 miles due to age or disability.

St. Hubert's 5K-9 Run and Walk - October 13, 2012 from 9:30AM to 12:00PM
434 South Street, Morristown, NJ
Benefitting the St. Huberts Animal Welfare Center, the 5K-9 run and walk is 3.1 miles long and takes place on the trails of Loantaka Park in Morris Township. Entrants receive a T-shirt, dog bandana, and goody bag while supplies last.

FOSRAS Heart and Sole Shelter Walk - October 14, 2012 from 10:00AM to 2:00PM
Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, NJ
This 3 mile will take place in the Apple Grove Section of Duke Island Park. Top fundraiser will receive a $250.00 gift card and second pace will receive a $100.00 gift card!

9th Annual Dog Walk - October 14, 2012 from 11:00AM to 3:00PM
Community Park North Brunswick, Route 130 South, North Brunswick, NJ
This event is rain or shine and activities include a Dog Walk, games and a costume contest!

2012 Howl and Hike Dog Walk and Family Fun Day - October 14, 2012 from 12:00PM to 4:00PM
Horseshoe Lake, Succasunna, NJ
Along with the scenic trip around the lake, this entertaining day includes crafts and games for all, the Bow Wow Bazaar with vendor shopping, the Pet-I-Cure Boutique for the Pooch Spa, the Smooch A Pooch Booth for some doggie kisses and Adoption Alley to meet pets for adoption.

Bark for Life of Morristown - October 27, 2012 from 12:00PM to 3:00PM
Sunrise Lake, Lewis Morris Park, 270 Mendham Road, Morristown, NJ
This non-competitive dog walk and event is in an effort to raise funds & awareness in the fight against cancer.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ALLIE

Allie's morning routine consists of playing with her friend and fellow Boot Camp member, Fergie, the Portuguese Water Dog. These two ladies had an instant connection. They enjoy starting their morning with playtime and fetch with tennis balls.

Next up is training time:

We like to teach all dog's to wait or "stay" at the door until they are released to go outside. It's a wonderful way for your dog to learn that they shouldn't bolt outside without you allowing them to do so. Nice going, Allie!

Some of the things we have been working on with Allie is a good recall or "come," one of the most important commands you can teach your dog. Allie thinks it's a really fun game!

To continue to increase her exercise and fitness, Allie works out on the treadmill. This is a fabulous way to keep her active, stimulated, and tired.

Click here for more information about the Morris K9 Campus Boot Camp program or call 973.252.5100.

If you are interested in adopting Allie contact Eleventh Hour Rescue.