Video Password: kickinback

Felt foraging mat

This is such a great tool to let your imagination run wild with. Use all kinds of safe materials for your dog to hide treats in and stuff into the pockets. Use toilet rolls, cardboard boxes, scrunched up paper or tissues or large scraps of material.

Use with a combination of treats, scents (perfumes, herbs rubbed onto the materials, materials rubbed onto the outside world-poles trees grass etc) a shirt that smells like you or their favorite household member or your dogs favourite toys.

This mat can be used laying flat on the floor or tied to the side of the crate but always use under supervision. This is not a time alone toy - rather more of a team activity for you and your dog!

Video Password: SniffItOut

Can Toy

This mighty little toy is a must have for every dog owner. Learning to use this tool is the first step, then keeping them interested and appropriately challenged is the next step.

The first step is to find your dog’s favourite smear-able treats.

You could offer a tasting plate using a chopping board or plate and have little smears of treats to choose from and see which ones get the best response.

Try little dollops of Ziwi Peak wet food, peanut butter- (xylitol free), vegemite, cream cheese, natural yoghurt,coconut oil, fish/ham paste or honey. Once you know your favourites smear a little on the outside and a little on the inside to get your dog’s interest. Once they are getting the hang of the toy and you are starting to pack it you can use your smear-able treat to line the toy before you stuff it.

Remember to increase the level of difficulty slowly giving your dog time to build their skills- Can Toys can be tricky little toys to pin down and each dog will develop their own style of using them.

Your imagination will keep your dog keen for this toy and we are keen to hear your dog’s favourite combinations so hit us up on our socials and share with us!

Password: Canny

Sticky Fish

This great little tool has suctions to keep it in position therefore keeping your dog in position while they use it.

This is a great tool to use during physio manipulations to add a positive association to an otherwise uncomfortable procedure.

Licking is such a great activity as it releases the happy chemicals in the brain. Plus all dogs already know how to lick so they don’t even have to learn how to use this toy….just lick away!

Experiment with your smearables on this one- the tackier the smearable the longer it may last.

You could try freezing as well but be sure to supervise when using. By raising the degree of difficulty some dogs may get frustrated and try and chew it.

Phatso enjoys this one with a little cream cheese or peanut butter.

Video password: StickyFishy

Silicone Mat

This mat has such a large surface area and rolls up nicely so you can pre-load it, fold and roll and take it with you!

You could get creative with this one as it is very flexible. Try placing an upside down plate under it and watch the surface area change- this makes for an interesting uneven surface for your dogs to lick.

Use in the crate, when it’s time to do short walks or time outside on lead for a change of scenery. This mat is a great way to keep arousal levels down and avoid zoomies during the crucial recovery/healing period.

Please always use under supervision. This is a tool to help you calm your dog or assist during vet visits or physiotherapy. If your dog starts to chew at it swap it out for some treats and end the session.

Video password: critterzruletheworld