Dunmore Barks

Do you think they’re talking about me?

Some toys are built for independence, while others are meant for interaction.

Toys like stuffed animals, puzzles, and long-lasting chews can allow for self-entertainment and even decompression time.

But toys like frisbees, flirt poles, and tugs and are two-player games. Sometimes multi-player!

And when dogs are left alone with toys that are meant to be shared, they make up their own game.

Tug toys get shredded.
Frisbees get chewed up.
The little toy squirrel at the end of your flirt pole is now missing an eyeball.🐿️

Your dog isn’t destroying those toys to be bad, YOU just didn’t show up to play your role in the game.

So clear things up by being intentional about your dog’s access to certain toys. Decipher which toys are better suited for solo play, and which require your active involvement.

For the latter, simply use them, then put them away until next time. You’ll get better play, more engagement, and less mess to clean up.😉

So many behavior issues trace back to a life that’s too small. Not enough movement, not enough novelty, and not enough opportunity to explore the world in a meaningful way.

Dogs are at their best when they’re given the chance to behave in a way that aligns with what they were built for. Moving, exploring, sniffing, chewing, digging, foraging, chasing, and navigating the world with their bodies and minds fully engaged.

Earth Day is as good a reason as any to get out and meet those needs. Go outside, cover some ground, touch some grass, and let your dog do the things that feed their instincts and satisfy their souls.🫶🏼