I felt like I’d hit a rut with playtime.
Buy new toys and see my dogs get excited about them, only for them to become forgotten at the bottom of the toy basket, topped with newer toys.
There really is not much you can do with dog toys. Your dog can chew them up, you can play fetch or tug… and that’s kind of it.
And while play is an effective way to manage your dog’s energy and anxiety levels, it’s useless if you can’t get your dog excited about their toys.
One day, I just turned over their toy baskets and scattered their entire toy collection across the living room floor.
Making a mess for once, instead of cleaning one up, felt really good.
I started tossing toys in the air so quickly that Matilda and Cow couldn’t choose which one to chase.
I squeaked them one-by-one, and then two at once, creating interesting harmonies.
I’d wave a toy around until Matilda or Cow grabbed it, and as soon as I got their attention fixated on it, I switched them to another toy.
The effect was pretty amazing. Especially compared to our usual playtime routine.
What Happened
Matilda and Cow started to show interest in toys that I thought I’d have to give away or throw out.
There was newfound love for old toys, and excitement over finding some of the old favorites that they hadn’t played with in months.
I let them lead the rest of the party.
Matilda kept finding those stuffing-free tug toys and bringing them to me to play with her.
Cow found a new fixation on a toy that nobody had ever played with – this odd pink and green pill that contains a hard rubbery, spiky, nubby sort of thing.
I’d purchased it hoping they’d chew on it and help clean their teeth, but they hated it. Except now Cow loved it.
It felt so good to just pounce around after the toys with them. It felt so good to just “be a dog” with them.
It’s Epid Toy Party Time!
I challenge you to start a Epic Toy Party with your dog today.
Set aside just 15 minutes and scatter their toys all over. Throw them around. Squeak them like crazy.
Don’t even invite your dog, though. Don’t ask her to play.
Just have a crazy good time in a pile of toys.
Get your dog’s attention by having a heck of a time with all of her toys.
Then, see what she does. Does she get fixated on any particular type of toy? Or does she play with everything all at once?
It’s more than a silly activity, it’s a really cool way to let your dog lead playtime, renew their interest in toys, and make memories.
If you get any good photos or videos, tag @MatildaWoofWoof on Instagram, @LittleDogTips on Facebook, and use the hashtag #epictoyparty. See you there!
She also uses her pet copywriting business to make sure the best pet products and services get found online through catchy copy and fun, informative blog posts. She also provides product description writing services for ecommerce companies.
As a dog mom to Matilda and Cow, she spends most of her days taking long walks and practicing new tricks, and most nights trying to make the best of a very modest portion of her bed.
You'll also find her baking bread and making homemade pizza, laughing, painting and shopping.
Ayokunnumi A. E
Friday 17th of January 2020
Smiles! I couldn't resist Matilda's reaction to the toys. Amazing time which is all good for them. Asides getting a capable pet sitter's aid, I advise pet parents invest in toys. This is especially for dogs battling separation anxiety.
Unlike using CBD liquid (which isn't a bad idea if recommended by the vet), it helps your pet come to terms with reality and develop independent. That way, your dog overcomes the urge to become aggressive and destructive when you're off.
Michelle
Sunday 24th of November 2019
I love this idea! We recently brought home a Shiba Inu pup and he is already accumulating a large collection of toys. The newest toys are always the favourites for a few days, but this seems like a great way to mix things up and find out which toys are going to be his go-to for the week!
Linda Stubbs
Thursday 14th of November 2019
I thought your idea was such a good one that I rounded up the toys for my 2 Bedlington terriers then sat on the floor with them while I tipped the box out in front of me. They loved the balls and would bring them back, the kongs weren't as interesting and ended up at various points in the room. We have various tuggy things which they like to fight over but a couple of old socks with knots in them are still favourites to chew. We only have one squeaky toy left as they are both chewers but it was great fun using it to get their attention until my fingers got caught a few times and I called it a day. Both my dogs are still young and it's a great way to play with them. We'll definitely have more parties.
Alison Wilde
Wednesday 13th of November 2019
Hi no I never wash it so it doesn't spoil what attracts him to it. Before it stopped singing I used to hear it constantly while I was in another room. Another strange thing is when it sang Ollie used to cry at it. He also used to take it outside on nice days and it was the only toy he would bring inside with him at the end of the day. I used to hide it while he was outside and he would go mad trying to find it. If I put it on a high shelf he would sit crying at it until I gave in and passed it to him. He plays with new toys but always goes back to his ladybug that must be about 15 years old now
Alison Wilde
Saturday 9th of November 2019
I was just reading your article about the dog toy party. Ollie has so many toys he doesn't know which to play with . So I do what you do every now and then I will tip all his toys out and sit and play with them until he comes and takes it off me. However no matter how many toys he has he still goes back to a ladybug which used to play a tune. This toy belonged to my previous dog who loved it also. I thought it was because of the noise it made but it hasn't worked for months now. He loves me to hide it in one of his four toy boxes. He then goes along with his nose in each box until he can smell it I presume then he will empty the box until he finds it. I love the look of achievement on his face when he walks away with it. I even bought him one that was working but it was a bear but he still goes back to the old one.
Lindsay Pevny
Tuesday 12th of November 2019
Wow! So you were doing toy parties probably long before I ever did. I love your story about Ollie and his ladybug, it sounds like it carries a lot of memories and maybe scents. Do you ever wash it, or do you keep it as-is to preserve whatever he loves about his special "baby"?