My dog ignores toys. How can I help him entertain himself alone?

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear that you're having this problem with Odie. It sounds like he may be having some separation anxiety issues. Many dogs with this problem are so anxious and upset when their owners are gone that they have no interest in chew toys or treats, which can make it very challenging to help them without professional help. Since it sounds like you've tried the usual "easy" things we would recommend, I would definitely suggest working with a veterinary behaviorist or a trainer who specializes in this problem to help you get on the right track with him. Many dogs need prescription medication at first to help reduce their anxiety enough for training to be effective. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here, which would be my first choice: www.dacvb.org If you don't have a veterinary behaviorist nearby, I would strongly consider working with a trainer who specializes in separation anxiety cases. I really like Malena DiMartini for this - she can work with you remotely via Skype, so location isn't an issue for her. You can find her website here: https://malenademartini.com/

Hi there. Easily digestible chews like denteez (can be ordered online) may help. Slow feeder bowls can often deter boredom as well as the dog has to "work" for food. Toys like a kong will hold treats and make your dog play with the toy and work for it as well. This often helps with boredom. Some dogs enjoy a radio or television on as well-just for the background noise. You you always entertain the thought of getting her a playmate as well, although I know puppies are a big responsibility. Hope this helps you guys!

Puzzle toys that she has to solve in order to get a treat will keep Banba occupied while you are gone at work. They require that the dog has to use their mind to solve this puzzle, and they do get a reward at the end of it. There are some great ones available, but the best ones are by Nine Ottosson. Check out her website to see about getting some of these for Banba: http://www.nina-ottosson.com

Nope. He sounds bored! I would recommend giving him some appropriate dog toys that he can play with. You can look for puzzle toys where you put some of his kibble in and he has to figure out how to get them out. The everlasting treat toy from the brand starmark is another great recommendation.

Have a few toys at home but only give 1-2 at a time. Change it out every day for a different set to prevent boredom. You can try kongs or the type of toys that are puzzles and release food every time they figure it out. Instead of bones, invest into water buffalo horns or elk antlers, they are much more durable

Some dogs don't enjoy playing with toys, or may not have learned to play at all. You mentioned he was a rescue, which if he was kept in a shelter too long or didn't have much interaction with toys previously may have stopped him from learning. If he enjoys treats and chew bones, you can try hiding those inside toys to get him to start interacting. If he likes other objects such as sticks or a bone to play fetch, then using that is just fine. As long as he is happy, you are happy and he's getting plenty of exercise and play time, then it's not really a requirement to play with a toy.

I would recommend keeping toys out she can play with. Some toys allow you to hide treats and even rubber Kong’s have room for peanut butter. If you use a rubber Kong I would put freezer to make the peanut butter harder. Hope that helps