Need a toy recommendation

[rij73]

Hello all... Hudson is needing some more mental stimulation I think. We do a lot of stuff like: leash walks, playing with dogs at the dog run, playing with a couple of different treat dispensing toys. He loves all these activities. I'm also doing a lot of obedience training with him. There's a cute video on his website of him following all his commands. I have a thread about it...

BUT, I was just thinking that for times when he is hyper and the weather is bad and I don't want to feed him any more treats, is there another kind of toy that might hold his interest??? I could imagine some kind of self-propelled, unpredictable toy he could chase, or a remote-controlled toy (that would be cool!)... Does anyone have any advice for me?

Thanks!

 

[milos_mommy]

i think they have remote control mice for cats? try one of those, they'd work good. or those balls with the racoon tail type things attached, but you have to keep an eye on him with that.

 

[rij73]

aha... the cat toy sounds good. I'd just have to make sure he could never actually catch it. unless it's meant for dogs, i'm sure he could destroy it with one bite!

You should have just seen him on our walk freaking out over the squirrels. He tries to hunt them down! He gets so focused and tense over them... That's what gave me the idea of having something unpredictable he could chase around in the apartment.

 

[Bobsk8]

I took Smokey for her usual walk in the park this morning, and for some reason, the squirrels were everywhere we looked. Twice, a squirrel was sitting in the middle of the path as we walked up , before it spotted us and took off. Smokey almost yanked my arm off a couple of times :yikes:

 

[ToscasMom]

Get Hudson a cat.

 

[sam]

How about teaching him to tug and/or retrieve? That lets them get their energy out and lets you keep most of yours

 

[~Jessie~]

How about tennis balls? My friend has a dog who will play with a tennis ball forever!

My chihuahuas love the plush toys with squeakers and Petstages toys... but they are pretty easy to entertain, lol.

 

[rij73]

Thanks for the advice...

Tennis balls are a no-go, because he pulls off all the fluff and EATS it! He's not much into other kinds of balls. He does like this one squeaky vinyl ball, but it drives me NUTS!

Teaching retrieving is a good idea. He does it now and then, but not consistently. I'll try to train it...

Best idea is to get him a cat! But, we are not allowed to have a cat, nor am I sure I really want one. Besides, he literally scared the crap out of my sister's cat when we visited her. The cat story...

We were there a couple of hours and the cat stayed well hidden. But, once the cat got bold and showed herself, Hudson was like a bat out of hell. He chased her up the stairs fast as lightning barking all the time (very rare for him). Poor cat tried to jump out a closed window (ouch) and then managed to hide herself behind a desk (in the area between the back of the file drawer and the wall). There was cat poop everywhere she had run, and my sister had to remove the file drawer to get her out. When she did that, the kitty ran under the bed, and didn't come out until we had been gone for 4 hours! He traumatized her completely. Poor kittie...

 

[MomOf7]

Well if you want some helpfull hints to help Hudson want to retrieve let me know. I have a few tricks up my sleeve for that!!
One lil trick is some feathers or something light on the end of a pole and have him chase it around.

 

[rij73]

Momof7, I'll take as many tips as you've got! I'll think about how to rig up something like you mentioned...

 

[ToscasMom]

It wasn't Hudson's cat. Both were adults, so the way would have been a slow steady exposure. A free for all never seems to work. I'm telling you, a cat is the way to go. Or another dog. You pick.

Barring that, buy hudson large marrow bones. I'm telling you, a marrow bone even gets Tosca to forsake Mojo. Keeps her busy all day if I let it happen. Two bucks, I got three huge marrow bones. As opposed to the six dollar rawhide bone that cost me almost 50 in the end. I have not seen Tosca more interested in something other than Mojo and the recycle bin. She does the same thing as Hudson, chews the fuzz off tennis balls. The only time a tennis ball interests her is when you throw one for her to fetch outside. This can be destructive inside. I should know. lol.

The other thing that keeps her busy is her stuffed toys that make noises. Unfortunately they only keep her busy around 3 AM, and if you have ever listened ad nauseum to a ducky that quacks 12 times on just one press at 3AM, you can relate to the pain.

Tosca also enjoys paper towel rolls. Especially if the paper towels are still attached. Cleanup isn't always a snap as spitty paper towels tend to meld into floors.

Yup, I swear, another four legged pet is the best route. Too bad, Tosca would prefer a sheep or goat to herd.

I've always believed everyone who loves pets should have at least two. it not only keeps them both busy, but when you lose a beloved pet, an empty house excacerbates the pain. The remaining pet gives you a reason to go on, and believe me, I know people on this board are like I am. When I lose a pet, it is very hard to handle.

Just my two cents.

 

[rij73]

I agree with everything you said... If I had my way, I would get another dog (smaller). But, no way, no how, is that going to go over. My husband would freak out, my landlords would say no, and things would get too chaotic in here. If I had a house in the 'burbs or country, it would be FULL of dogs... But, my $2000/month apartment is 900sq.ft. That's for a couple, a dog, and a large grand piano. We are pushing it as it is...

 

[ToscasMom]

I guess you will just have to throw your husband out and get another dog.

 

[WES]

Toys..

What about a Kong? Put one of the Kong cookies inside and that should keep Hudson busy for quite a while, trying it get it out. You can also play catch and fetch with it.

 

[milos_mommy]

Get Hudson a cat.

i lol'd.

 

[ToscasMom]

i lol'd

Hey, listen, Mojo exhausts Tosca. He steals her toys and runs by with them. He sits Way Up High where she can't get to him and it drives her crazy. Then when she forgets about him, he dives right over her. Works for me.

 

[rij73]

I guess you will just have to throw your husband out and get another dog.

:lol-sign: :lol-sign: :lol-sign: