Stop feeding your dog in a food bowl

If you want to help your dog calm down, and reduce excessive barking, biting, and jumping, consider changing how you feed them. I've been using alternative feeding methods for my dog for years, and it has made him more relaxed and content. Not to mention, he now adores mealtime.

One effective alternative is using a puzzle toy to feed your dog. Many dogs were originally bred for specific purposes, and lounging around all day at home isn't their natural state. When they lack a purpose or job, they can get bored, leading to excessive barking, chewing, jumping, or biting. Puzzle toys are great for dogs because they stimulate their minds as they work to obtain their food. Whether they chew, roll, or lick the toy, it offers a fantastic mental workout. Furthermore, puzzle toys prevent rapid eating, which can lead to tummy problems, as dogs must take their time to get the food out.

If you're unsure about investing in new dog toys, you can easily create DIY puzzle toys for free. One straightforward option is the towel tree. Grab a towel and your dog's food, place the kibble in the center of the towel and fold it over. For a slight challenge, try rolling the towel into a breakfast burrito with the kibble inside. If your dog is a pro at the towel treater game, take it up a notch by rolling the treats in the towel lengthwise and tying a knot. They'll have to figure out how to untie the knot and open the towel to access their food. It may take a little time for them to grasp the unwrapping concept, but it's an enjoyable activity for both of you.

For a different DIY puzzle toy, consider the muffin tin game. Place your dog's food in different cups of a muffin tin and then cover the food with balls or other toys. This challenges their creativity and patience, as they need to move the toys to access their meal. You can make it easier for them by leaving a few cups unblocked so that they can see where the food is. To make it more exciting, mix in some treats with their regular kibble or smear peanut butter at the bottom of one of the muffin tins.

If you prefer ready-made puzzle toys, there are some excellent options available for purchase. One such toy is the Orbeez Snoop, a rubber toy that functions like a deep bowl, allowing the food to slide up the sides and hide from your dog. It provides both mental and physical stimulation, as they roll and flip it around to access the food. Another popular choice is the Kong Wobbler, a challenging toy that keeps dogs engaged and mentally stimulated. Although it may take some time for your dog to realize the food is gone, it offers a fantastic workout.

My favorite dinner-time puzzle toy for my dog is the NADA Rock. It's a hollow rock-shaped rubber toy that dogs love to throw and roll around to get their food. It strikes the perfect balance of fun and challenge without causing frustration. Plus, it's lighter and easier for dogs to handle compared to the Kong wobbler.

Feeding your dog through training is another fantastic option. It helps establish consistent training routines without adding extra calories. It also strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion, as you engage in three of their favorite things: quality time, work, and food. You can teach basic commands like sit, down, and come during mealtime or even have fun with more advanced tricks like Spin and Shake.

For playful training sessions, you can try the "Tree Toss" game with young puppies. Simply toss a piece of kibble across the room, encouraging them to chase it, and then show them another piece in your hand, calling them back to you. This game combines exercise and recall training, making it enjoyable for your puppy while reinforcing their responsiveness.

Alternatively, you can turn mealtime into a scavenger hunt for your dog. Instead of hiding the food inside a puzzle toy, scatter it around your house. This stimulates their brain and nose as they use their senses to find their food. Start with easy hiding places and gradually increase the difficulty as they become more proficient at the game.

By implementing these feeding methods, you can make mealtime a rewarding and mentally stimulating experience for your beloved canine companion. Remember to consider their individual preferences and energy levels when choosing the best feeding approach for them.