My dog won't play with toys?

Hello! Our dog never liked traditional dog toys; we found that she loved stuffed animals! Sometimes they can become attached to a toy that is comfy rather than tough toys. Also, most dogs like to get their energy out by playing with their owner! They make connections like we do-don't worry if your dog doesn't take to toys!

Your dog won't play with toys for the same reason I don't play golf...he's just not interested! There's no rule that says a dog has to play with toys to be happy. Find out what DOES make him happy & pursue that... going for a walk, playing chase with you in the yard, or just snuggling on your lap for tummy rubs, and you'll save yourself toy-buying money, just as I've saved myself golf-lesson money, lol.

Some dogs like toys of certain textures more than others- a rawhide versus a Nyla bone (smooth) versus a tennis ball or stuffed toy are very different experiences and some dogs are picky! That being said, not all dogs play with toys. I'm sure it would be a great way to enjoy play time with your pet, but some dogs would rather chase a buddy at the dog park and just don't understand that a stuffed frog is for chewing or cuddling. You can try getting his attention with a toy that involves food- a Kong toy with peanut butter or a puzzle toy with kibble can be entertaining for a long time!

Olivia has some great ideas. But, some dogs just aren't interested in "toys". The Kong is great when it is stuffed with treats but if you pup is over weight you need to be careful how much peanut butter/treats you stuff it with. In that case use some of the kibble (if you feed dry/dehydrated) that you would usually feed at meal time. If your pup likes veggies like carrots, etc that would be good. Some dogs just need to be physically active due to breed or just personality. I pet sit pups that don't care about toys. They would rather be playing with the other pups and going for walks. Our dog just destroys toys or wants "his" toy only when another pup wants to play with it. Not to play with, just to be selfish. He is a rascal!

Similar to what Kathleen mentioned, some dogs aren't into playing with toys. I regularly sit a Pug who has 0 interest in anything other than food (go figure - ha!). That being said, food puzzles can be a great way to exert mental energy. If you're worried about your pup gaining weight, you can use items like an "IQ Ball" to stuff with kibble during meals. It's also a great solution if your pup eats his meals too quickly.

Some dogs have no interest in toys and they don't have any interest in walking. My dog is interested in only sleeping and eating and cuddling with me. He's four years old, he has healthy eating habits but he doesn't have much interest in playing. The only time he's interested in playing is after he eats a meal. And that play only last 10 minutes. But I found when I get involved and act silly with him, he'll get into playing a little while.

Hello! One of my dogs used to do the same thing. I would suggest trying interactive toys such as a tug rope-toy or something that has a stimulant, such as a squeaker. Another option is to provide your dog with a "treat" toy that you can stuff with goodies. That way he associates toys with a goodcome

Sometimes dogs need motivation to pick up and play with a toy. Smear peanut butter on the outside or inside to make it more appealing. When your dog investigates the toy, he’ll get rewarded with the food. This works especially well for dogs who are scared or nervous around new things and think toys are scary.

My pooch is suffering from boredom or depression, I think. His weight plummeted; he is sleeping constantly. We had numerous vet visits, blood samples etc done and they couldn’t find anything. I was just wondering if anyone else had any other ideas/tips or ways for keeping him happy so he doesn’t seem so bored. Hate thinking he’s bored.

Might just not be into them, you can try treats in the toys if he's food motivated, but you may just have to find other ways to keep him busy!