Keeping Dogs Happy, Calm & Mentally Stimulated While You’re Away

When dogs stay at a boarding facility like The Dog Father Hotel, they’re in a new environment — new smells, new sounds, and new routines. While we work hard to make them feel at home, enrichment toys play a powerful role in easing stress, reducing boredom, and keeping your pup mentally sharp.

In this article, we’ll explore the best enrichment toys for dogs in boarding settings, why they matter, and how to choose the right ones.

🎯 Why Are Enrichment Toys So Important?

Just like humans, dogs need more than just food and sleep — they need mental stimulation. When left alone or under-stimulated, dogs may:

• Bark excessively
• Show destructive behavior
• Pace or become anxious
• Lose interest in eating

That’s why enrichment toys are key. They give dogs something fun and rewarding to do, even when they’re away from their favorite humans.

🐶 Our Top Picks for Boarding-Friendly Toys

Here are vet-recommended and dog-approved toys we love to use (or recommend clients pack when boarding with us):

1. KONG Classic

✅ Stuffable, durable, and perfect for calming anxiety
The KONG is a classic for a reason. Fill it with peanut butter, kibble, or yogurt and freeze it for a longer-lasting treat. It keeps dogs entertained for 30+ minutes and mentally focused.

➡️ Related Post: Understanding Dog Separation Anxiety

2. Snuffle Mats

✅ Turn mealtime into a foraging adventure
Snuffle mats mimic the natural behavior of sniffing and hunting for food. Great for anxious eaters or dogs that eat too fast.

3. LickiMats

✅ Calming and gentle on the gums
Spread soft food on these mats and freeze them for extra engagement. Licking helps release endorphins and reduce stress.

4. Busy Ball Launchers (Non-Electronic)

✅ Encourages solo play in supervised areas
Perfect for active dogs in secure play zones. Some toys let dogs push a button with their nose or paw to launch a ball.

5. Puzzle Toys (Like Outward Hound or Nina Ottosson)

✅ Great for smart dogs who need a challenge
Dogs use their nose, paws, and brain to open compartments and get hidden treats. A fantastic way to fight boredom during boarding.

🛑 What to Avoid During Boarding

While many toys are safe at home, some may not be ideal for boarding due to safety risks or cleanup concerns. Avoid:

• Toys with small, breakable parts
• Rope toys (can unravel and pose a choking hazard)
• Toys that require constant human interaction (e.g., laser pointers)

Pro Tip: Always label your dog’s toys before drop-off!

🏨 What We Provide at The Dog Father Hotel

At our kennel, we offer:

• A variety of daily enrichment activities
• Access to safe, washable toys
• Scheduled playtimes and supervised socialization
• The option to bring your own favorite toys from home

Want to know what to pack?
➡️ Dog Boarding Checklist – What to Bring

📦 Where to Get These Toys in Egypt?

You can find many of these enrichment toys locally from:

• Pet Haus Egypt (PetHausEgypt.com)
• PetsMall Egypt
• Local Instagram pet shops (search: #dogtoysegypt)

💡 Bonus Tip: Rotate Toys During Long Stays

If your dog is staying for multiple days, we recommend rotating toys every 1–2 days to keep things exciting. This is something we do at The Dog Father Hotel to ensure ongoing engagement.

📲 Let’s Get Your Dog Ready!

Have questions about which toys are allowed or best for your dog’s personality? Just ask us before check-in!

📞 Call: +20 109 462 2999
💬 WhatsApp: Click to chat
📍 Visit: www.thedogfatherhotel.com

Next Up:
➡️ How to Prepare Your Dog for Daycare
➡️ Home Vet Visits – Care at Your Doorstep