Mental stimulation toy recommendations for dobershark!

[Madisonhunt]

Hello everyone!

I have a very intense dobershark puppy. She will be 12 weeks on Tuesday. I have read through threads that this is normal and I’m trying to keep my composure and be calm and consistent as best I can. Although I must admit that I somewhat lost it today. I was trying to get a stick out of her mouth that she was trying to eat and she bit down hard enough to puncture my finger and draw blood. I pipped her nose (only hard enough to get her attention; not to hurt her). I know this is a no no but I couldn’t hold it together that time. She constantly bites EVERYTHING. Not as a test. Just as play. I have tried many things. I redirect with toys, flirt pole, and chew toys but she will lose interest and go for us (clothes, skin, hands, toes, feet, ears, etc)

I need more mental and physical stimulation toys to keep her entertained because it seems like she gets bored with the toy she has quickly.

 

[JanS]

Yeah those puppy teeth are sharp.

Mental stimulation is a good idea and it can be anything from different training exercises to puzzle toys and such.

 

[MichiH]

Hello everyone!

I have a very intense dobershark puppy. She will be 12 weeks on Tuesday. I have read through threads that this is normal and I’m trying to keep my composure and be calm and consistent as best I can. Although I must admit that I somewhat lost it today. I was trying to get a stick out of her mouth that she was trying to eat and she bit down hard enough to puncture my finger and draw blood. I pipped her nose (only hard enough to get her attention; not to hurt her). I know this is a no no but I couldn’t hold it together that time. She constantly bites EVERYTHING. Not as a test. Just as play. I have tried many things. I redirect with toys, flirt pole, and chew toys but she will lose interest and go for us (clothes, skin, hands, toes, feet, ears, etc)

I need more mental and physical stimulation toys to keep her entertained because it seems like she gets bored with the toy she has quickly.

It can be intense and I’m still going through it at 8 months. Hang in there! I’ve had to issue a firm correction only a few times after teething due to her coming after me to bite. It’s a normal process and very stressful at times.

Snufflemats, using a rolled up towel with food in it for snuffle too, tug ropes and not tugging hard, but letting her chew it, stuffed toys with supervision are always a hit, but don’t last long puppy Kong toys were always good. Right now benebones are her favorite and I’m not sure if they’re for her age yet?

And soccer balls are always a hit. She’ll probably deflate them, but that’s the best part lol.

Hang in there it does get better with consistency and I will say after teething it does decrease. Still have to work with them as my girl still gets put in her crate or muzzle closed when she snaps at me - it’s play, but not ok and it can hurt.

 

[Ddski5]

Keep doing what you are doing…

Mental stim- hide and seek, put bits of kibble through the house and let her find them- you can guide and praise here.

 

[Madisonhunt]

Yeah those puppy teeth are sharp.

Mental stimulation is a good idea and it can be anything from different training exercises to puzzle toys and such.

Thank you! I ordered a couple different puzzles and a ball with towels that you stuff treats in. Hopefully these will be stimulating. I also gave her berries and yogurt frozen in a bowl. Seemed to keep her busy for a while

 

[Madisonhunt]

It can be intense and I’m still going through it at 8 months. Hang in there! I’ve had to issue a firm correction only a few times after teething due to her coming after me to bite. It’s a normal process and very stressful at times.

Snufflemats, using a rolled up towel with food in it for snuffle too, tug ropes and not tugging hard, but letting her chew it, stuffed toys with supervision are always a hit, but don’t last long puppy Kong toys were always good. Right now benebones are her favorite and I’m not sure if they’re for her age yet?

And soccer balls are always a hit. She’ll probably deflate them, but that’s the best part lol.

Hang in there it does get better with consistency and I will say after teething it does decrease. Still have to work with them as my girl still gets put in her crate or muzzle closed when she snaps at me - it’s play, but not ok and it can hurt.

Oh yes, I only buy cheap stuffed toys now because her and my 8 year old go to town on those. I do have a kong but it’s a little too big for her now because I got it for my older dog originally but keeping it for when she gets bigger.

I never considered soccer balls! Thanks for the tip!

 

[Madisonhunt]

Keep doing what you are doing…

Mental stim- hide and seek, put bits of kibble through the house and let her find them- you can guide and praise here.

I will definitely try that. She likes to sniff around and explore so that sounds like a good exercise for her.

 

[Ddski5]

I will definitely try that. She likes to sniff around and explore so that sounds like a good exercise for her.

When they learn the game and know what’s going on, they love it. Both mental and physical and fantastic for those rainy house days.

You can also get a Kong and put treats in there. That will occupy her for a while. Lots of different things you can do with a Kong.

 

[MichiH]

When they learn the game and know what’s going on, they love it. Both mental and physical and fantastic for those rainy house days.

You can also get a Kong and put treats in there. That will occupy her for a while. Lots of different things you can do with a Kong.

Yes hide and seek- one of our favorites.
With food or human hides it’s the best.

 

[Kaiser2016]

OMG when it comes to mental stimulation what haven’t I tried From treat balls to finding hidden treats, treats hidden inside nested boxes and then wrapped in a blanket, noisy plastic bottles for keeping that mouth busy, bully sticks, Kongs, chicken feet, raw meaty bones, interactive soccer, multiple frisbees, tugging, anything related to nose work, the list is endless LOL.

Speaking of soccer, there is one that doesn’t deflate when bitten.

 

[Kswoodssue]

Don’t forget naptime in her cage. (Someone will let you out eventually.)…Honestly, like naughty toddlers, they do need time outs. Also, going for a truck ride wore our girl out too.

 

[MichiH]

And I have another suggestion: Jolly Ball Tug n Toss. It beats the soccer ball as of lately. I think it’s the handle makes it easier to hold.