take that, lab rats!

[mixed_up_media]

Ever since we reintroduced the Buster Cube as a way for our dog to get a little extra exercise and stimulation (the weather has been cool enough to take him for walks again--YAY!--so he's getting both walkies AND the cube), I've been watching his progress with it.  And it's been very interesting.

At first, he would just push the cube around randomly

Comments

[rolypolypony]

Awww! What a smart boy :)

[mixed_up_media]

Oh, yes--he's very clever when he wants to be. (See also next comment.)

Food--the great motivator

[anonymous]

He's a clever boy and that is great he's being kept mentally active as well!

As always, I love reading about him!
E

Re: Food--the great motivator

[mixed_up_media]

"Food--the great motivator"

Indeed! If I want to teach him something that's convenient for *me,* he'll just look at me and play dumb. But sometimes I think he'd complete a NYT crossword puzzle if it meant he'd get more food!

[lietya]

Neat! That's really very clever. It's also really good for you that there's now less rescuing of the cube from under things... The best part is that he's getting physical exercise and getting a chance to stretch his mind, which is a good counter to boredom when he's alone.

...or so I hear "only pets" sometimes need. ;)

(There are advantages and disadvantages to a critter small enough to flatten and crawl right under the chairs and sofas. Not that that has put a stop to there being roughly 200 billion cat toys every time we move the couch!)

I'm actually going to suggest this to my mother for her bichon frise, as they've been using a Kong and he seems to enjoy it (and this sounds like a more complicated and demanding version, which hopefully will give him something to concentrate on while they're at work).

[mixed_up_media]

Not that that has put a stop to there being roughly 200 billion cat toys every time we move the couch!)

We're forever finding old tennis balls and such under the couch.

I'm actually going to suggest this to my mother for her bichon frise, as they've been using a Kong and he seems to enjoy it

The Kong is good, too, but imho, the Buster Cube is better. I think her dog will like it. Bichon frises are relatively small, right? If so, she may want to get the mini version.

[lietya]

Yeah, he's relatively little (about 22 pounds), so when I send her the link I'm going to suggest the smaller one. I bet he'll love it, too.

[mixed_up_media]

It does seem to be one of those rare toys that almost all dogs love.