
Toys & Treats
When caring for a rescue dog, it’s important to choose toys and treats that help build trust, reinforce good behaviour, and provide mental stimulation. Here are some tips for selecting the right toys and treats for your rescue dog:
- Durable Chew Toys
– Choose strong, chew-resistant toys like KONG, Nylabone, or rubber chew toys. These are great for keeping dogs busy, especially those that may be anxious or prone to chewing.
– Some chew toys can also be stuffed with treats or peanut butter, which adds extra engagement.*Tans personal favourite for her pointers.I buy blocks of cheap mild cheddar every week and cut it up into cubes and have it all cubed up in a container in the fridge. I have two Kong’s for each of our dogs so when one is being prepped for them I always have a spare. I melt cubes of cheese in the microwave and then I mold the melted cheese like playdough with my hands (I use gloves) and make into a sausage like shape. I then push the melted cheese into the hole in the Kong and press the cheese against the inside of the Kong. I pop them in the fridge for a few hours or at least two and when the cheese goes hard I give them to our pointers. They suck them like dummies J and it takes them ages to get the cheese out! The constant licking motion that it requires for them to get the cheese out is very ‘calming’ and YOU can get on with other stuff while your pointer has more stimulus and very much occupied with a rather yummy long lasting treat! Here is an Amazon link to the right size Kong’s… and we are also in communication with Kong to see if we can get our ‘paws’ on some ‘Kong samples’ and discount codes too! The large size is generally the best size.Lick Matts!
Lick matts are great to smear liver paste or peanut butter on! They make for great yummy calming experiences for rescue dogs J
N.B. Make sure the holes in the Kong’s are larger and the treat inside in not at the small hole end. Dogs have been known to get their tongues stuck in them.
- Puzzle Toys
– Puzzle feeders or interactive toys (e.g., KONG Wobbler, check out ‘interactive games on Amazon as there are lots of ideas to choose from for all budgets) help engage your dog mentally and make them work for their food or treats.
– These toys are ideal for dogs that need mental stimulation or have lots of energy to burn. - Soft Plush Toys (for gentle chewers)
– Some rescue dogs may enjoy plush toys for snuggling or gentle play. Look for toys with minimal stuffing or ones designed to be more durable, especially if your dog is a bit rough.
– If the dog is prone to destructive behaviour, avoid plush toys as they may swallow stuffing or squeakers. - Rope Toys
– Good for playing tug-of-war or fetch, rope toys are also great for chewing and promoting healthy teeth.
– However, monitor their use to prevent fraying and ingestion of fibers. - Scented Toys
– Some rescue dogs may benefit from scented toys that engage their sense of smell, especially if they are anxious or nervous.
– These toys release a soothing scent or have a treat-like aroma to keep them occupied. - Tug and Fetch Toys
– Depending on the dog’s activity level, rubber balls, Frisbees, and tug toys can provide great physical exercise.
– Engage them in fetch games to build a bond and trust, especially if they are energetic.
High-Reward Food Treats
- Freeze-Dried Meat Treats
– Freeze-dried treats (like chicken, beef liver, or salmon) are often irresistible to dogs and can be used for training and positive reinforcement.
– They are usually healthy, minimally processed, and packed with flavour. - Soft Training Treats
– Choose small, soft, and flavourful treats for training, these treats are bite-sized and can be given frequently without filling your dog up too quickly.
– Soft treats are quick to eat, making them ideal for training sessions that require multiple repetitions. - Homemade Treats
– You can make healthy, homemade dog treats using simple ingredients like peanut butter, sweet potato, or pumpkin. You can also buy 1 kg bags of dried sweet potatoes and larger bags of sprats too.
– Dogs often appreciate the natural flavours and you can control the ingredients to avoid allergens or preservatives. - Peanut Butter (Unsweetened and Xylitol-Free):
– Most dogs love peanut butter, and it can be a high-value treat when given sparingly. It works well when used in KONG toys or as a reward for good behaviour. (I have filled up Kongs with peanut butter, a little banana and yogurt, and popped it in the freezer and ta dahhhh yummy Pointer ice cream!) I have also added blueberries sometimes.
– Always check that the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, a sweetener toxic to dogs. - Cheese
– Cheese, especially small cubes of cheddar or mozzarella, can be an excellent high-value treat for training or special rewards.
– Be mindful of portion size, as some dogs may be lactose intolerant. - Dehydrated or Freeze-Dried Liver
– This is a super flavourful, protein-packed treat that many dogs find irresistible. It’s a great choice for training or as a special reward. - Carrot Sticks or Apple Slices
– For dogs who enjoy crunching on something fresh, carrots or apples (without seeds) can make a healthy and low-calorie treat.
– These are especially good for dogs needing to watch their weight or for those who prefer something crunchy. - Dog-Safe Jerky
– Choose jerky made specifically for dogs (e.g., chicken, beef, or turkey) without additives or preservatives.
– Jerky treats are great as a high-reward treat and can be broken into smaller pieces for training.
General Tips
Rotate Toys: To keep things interesting, rotate toys weekly. This helps prevent boredom and gives your dog variety.
Trial and Error: It might take time to discover which toys or treats your dog prefers, especially if they came from a stressful background.
Avoid Overfeeding: When using treats for training, balance with regular meals to avoid weight gain.
Patience and Trust-Building: For rescues who may be timid, give them time to adjust to new toys and environments. High-value treats can be a great way to slowly build trust.
Excellent Game Idea for Pointers: Hiding treats around your garden, they love sniffing out the hiding places and this is amazing stimulus for them!
N.B. Generally, pointers have larger chest cavities so it is important to exercise your pointer at least an hour before feeding to avoid the risk of bloat which can lead to GDV. This is when the stomach twists due to gas build up and bloat. If this goes undetected and is not treated at the vet within a short time window it can sadly turn out to be fatal. Pointers have an increased risk by 20% so exercising before feeding is important to keep them healthy and safe.
