Here's the thing nobody tells new big-dog owners: a chewed sofa isn't a naughty dog. It's a clever, under-employed one. Working breeds — Shepherds, Labs, Rotties, Huskies — were bred for jobs, and if you don't give them one, they'll freelance. Usually on your skirting boards.
The fix isn't just longer walks. Ten minutes of brain work tires a dog like half an hour of legwork. Here are seven jobs you can hand out, cheapest first.
1. Scatter feeding (free)
Skip the bowl. Scatter dinner across the lawn and let them sniff every piece out. Sniffing is the single most tiring thing a dog does — it's free, and it turns a 30-second gulp into a 15-minute mission.
2. The towel burrito (free)
Roll treats into an old towel, fold it over, let them unwrap it. Supervise the ones who consider the towel a bonus snack.
3. Cardboard demolition (free)
A cereal box inside a delivery box inside another box, treats at the centre. Recycling has never been this popular.
4. A snuffle mat (the upgrade)
The purpose-built version of scatter feeding — a fabric mat that hides kibble in dense strands. Our machine-washable snuffle mat has a non-slip base and folds flat; 10–15 minutes of foraging leaves most dogs calm and satisfied. Brilliant before you leave the house.
5. A licking mat (the calm-down)
Licking releases calming endorphins — it's a dog's natural stress-release. Smear a silicone lick mat with peanut butter (xylitol-free!) for thunderstorms, fireworks, grooming or bath time.
6. A treasure-hunt puzzle box
For dogs who've outgrown easy puzzles: a treat-hiding puzzle box makes them work the lid open with nose and paws. Rotate it with the snuffle mat so neither goes stale.
7. A treat launcher (teamwork)
The treat launcher combines fetch, chase and reward in one — and your throwing arm gets a day off.
The rotation rule
Whatever you use, rotate it. Three toys on rotation beat ten toys always available — novelty is the whole game for a clever dog. And if destructive chewing persists despite real enrichment, talk to your vet: sometimes it's separation anxiety, not boredom, and that needs a different plan.
Everything above ships free across the UK. 10% off your first order with code WELCOME10.