Dog Trainer Robert Haussmann’s Favorite Enrichment Toys

“ Kongs are a faithful industry standard. They can be filled with an array of mushy mixes of food or extra treats to engage your dog in chewing, licking, and problem solving. Kongs also promote foraging for food, which dogs thoroughly enjoy. For an extra special time consuming treat, it’s fun to fill a Kong with peanut butter and freeze it overnight. It’s always a good idea to keep some frozen filled Kongs on hand to keep your dog entertained when you need it most. They can also be used to make a positive association with your absence, crate, etc. Who wants to eat out of a boring old bowl when you can make meals an adventure?”

“Wobblers are great for dogs who only eat kibble or are on restricted diets, as they’re designed for small dry-food items. This interactive feeder is weighted on the bottom and wobbles when batted around by your dog, which allows the food to drop out of a small hole on the side. Some dogs may need help figuring it out — don’t be afraid to get on the floor to demonstrate.”

“Snuffle mats are a fun way to engage your dog’s super-powered sense of smell! Sniffing is an essential part of your dog’s life, and giving them a regular healthy outlet for it is a highly enriching activity. It’s also super fun to watch your dog forage the mat and sniff out their dinner/treats piece by piece.”

“The tricky treat ball is my dog’s personal favorite! Like the wobbler, the dry food goes in the ball and your dog then needs to push, paw, and roll the ball around to get the food to fall out of the single hole in the side. It may take some time for your dog to figure out how it works. It’s fun to roll the ball around with your pup and to use it as an opportunity to bond and play together. Once they figure it out, it’s like winning the jackpot every time.”

“Soft foods, such as peanut butter or canned pumpkin, can be smeared [on this mat]. It’s highly enjoyable, engaging, and — most importantly — delicious!”

“I use this on my own dog who is shaped like a whippet — it’s a fantastic everyday collar for dogs who are already calm and responsive on a leash. There is no tool that makes up for the relationship between you and your dog and the work and effort you’re putting into training that dog. A lot of times, people use devices to suppress behaviors instead of teaching their dogs appropriate behaviors.”