The 10 Best Activity Mats For Dogs
Special Honors
Collapsed Tunnel Take playtime to the next level with professional-style agility equipment like this 18-foot-long chute. It's made of lightweight nylon-polyester and comes with four metal stakes to keep it in place as your little champion runs through. Combine it with weave poles, hurdles, and a see-saw to create an entire backyard obstacle course. dogagilityusa.com
Editor's Notes
September 19, 2020:
Whether your best friend is anxious, bored, or just needs to slow down at dinnertime, these colorful activity pads provide myriad ways to enrich its life. While almost any type of toy can be destroyed by an animal with enough determination, we've tried to pick more durable options that stand up to plenty of playtime and cleaning. That said, you should always keep an eye on your pet when they have a toy, especially a new one.
Several of our choices have leaf, grass, and petal designs that attempt to replicate a hound's hunt for lunch in the wild, including the Paw5 Wooly and the DCToy Nosework. These styles are generally easier to fill, as you simply pour dry food on top and then shake gently so the pieces settle in. The Sniffiz SmellyMatty and the Awoof Snuffle have similar shaggy designs but add a few little pouches where you can hide special morsels for a greater challenge.
If a challenge is what you're going for, check out the Trixie Poker 2 and the Kruuse Buster Starter Set. Best for pups on the smarter end of the spectrum, each features a collection of conundrums that must be solved to release a reward. The Zacro Field and the Petvins Puzzle have a medium level of difficulty, with multiple types of cubby holes on each so you are able to adjust the experience to your buddy's skills and ambition.
The LickiMat Buddy requires no skills whatsoever, just a willingness to lick. For burrowing breeds like dachshunds and beagles, the iDig Stay provides an outlet for their passion that does not involve ruining your flower beds.
For other ways to engage and entertain your best friend, you may want to consider educational toys. Dog toy launchers are a smart idea for pets that need to run off their excess energy, and puppy chew toys will help your new fur baby through the teething process.