A tired dog is a good dog—and a mentally stimulated dog is even better! If your canine companion is exhibiting destructive behavior, excessive barking, or just seems restless, they might be experiencing simple boredom.
While a classic Nylabone chew is an excellent tool for independent chewing, it can also be leveraged for creative games and structured training sessions. Beyond the basic chew, the Nylabone brand offers a variety of shapes and textures that can transform playtime into valuable mental exercise.
Here are 7 creative ways to use Nylabones for enrichment and effective training:
1. The “Find It!” High-Value Hunt
Turn your dog’s favorite chew into a rewarding scent game. This is particularly great for engaging their natural instincts and tiring them out mentally.
- How to Play: Start simple by having your dog sit and stay while you “hide” their Nylabone just out of sight (behind a chair or under a blanket). Use the command “Find it!” When they retrieve it, reward them with a short chewing session.
- Enrichment Level: As they get better, increase the difficulty by hiding the chew in different rooms or under layers of laundry. This reinforces the concept that mental work leads to a high-value reward.
2. The Structured “Go To Mat” Distraction
If you’re struggling with a dog who can’t settle during busy household times, a long-lasting Nylabone is the perfect anchor for relaxation training.
- How to Train: Place the Nylabone on your dog’s designated mat or bed. Use your “Go to Mat” or “Place” command. When they settle on the mat and begin to chew their toy, immediately reward them with a quiet praise word like “Good settle.”
- Training Benefit: This teaches your dog that being calm in a specific location (even when distracting things are happening) results in a desirable, long-lasting activity. This is an essential skill for reducing stress and impulse control issues.
3. The Tug-and-Release Game
Many Nylabone products come in shapes like keys or rings which are surprisingly effective for a controlled game of tug. Tug is a fantastic way to burn energy, but it must be taught with clear rules.
- How to Play: Use the Nylabone to initiate a short game of tug. Crucially, teach the “Drop it” or “Release” command. When your dog successfully lets go on command, immediately give the toy back to them to reinforce the positive behavior.
- Training Benefit: This interaction teaches your dog impulse control and that you control the start and stop of fun, strengthening your bond and respect.
4. Frozen Nylabone Treat Puzzle
For dogs who need a cool-down activity, or for teething Nylabone puppies, turning a chew into a frozen treat is a game-changer.
- How to Prepare: Take a ring-shaped or bone-shaped Nylabone (non-edible) and smear a tiny amount of dog-safe peanut butter or yogurt onto the textured areas. You can also mix a kibble-water slurry and fill crevices. Place the entire Nylabone in the freezer for a few hours.
- Enrichment Level: The frozen coating drastically extends the chewing time, providing cooling relief and a highly rewarding, mentally stimulating challenge.
5. Using Nylabones as “Transition Toys”
Does your dog get overly excited or destructive right after a walk or high-energy play? A Nylabone can help them transition from high arousal to a calm state.
- How to Use: As soon as you come inside from a run or rigorous play session, direct your dog immediately to their favorite chew. The act of chewing is self-soothing and helps regulate their heart rate and nervous system.
- Enrichment Benefit: This creates a positive habit loop: Excitement → Chewing → Calmness, preventing the undesirable zoomies or destructive chewing that often follows high activity.
6. The Nylabone Obstacle Course
For dogs who love to move, incorporate a chew into a small, supervised agility course or simple backyard obstacle game.
- How to Play: Place a Nylabone at the end of a sequence of easy obstacles (e.g., jump over a towel, crawl under a chair). Once your dog completes the sequence, their reward is five minutes with the chew.
- Training Benefit: This associates structured movement and following directions with a guaranteed, high-value reward, making training more engaging.
7. The Puppy Exchange Game (Especially for Nylabone Puppies)
Nylabone puppies need to learn that humans can safely handle their toys, which is crucial for preventing resource guarding. The “Exchange Game” uses the chew to teach this lesson safely.
- How to Play: While your puppy is chewing their Nylabone, approach and offer an even higher-value treat (like a tiny piece of cooked chicken). When the puppy drops the chew to take the treat, immediately pick up the Nylabone and then give it right back to the puppy.
- Training Benefit: This teaches puppies that a hand approaching their Nylabones doesn’t mean the chew is being stolen; it means something even better is about to happen! It builds trust and prevents guarding behaviors.
Ready to Engage Your Dog?
By using Nylabones creatively, you aren’t just giving your dog something to chew; you’re providing vital mental exercise and integrating valuable training.
Read More: Nylabones for Senior Dogs: Are They Still Safe When Teeth Get Fragile?