I have two very active and intelligent pit bulls and have been devising ways to keep them occupied.  The following is a list of tricks and treats that have worked for our pack!

Kongs: Hard rubber toys like Kongs are fabulous.  The treats you can buy specifically for Kongs are a tad expensive so I just take "squeeze cheese" (the cheese in the aerosol can) and cheap dog biscuits and combine them together inside; they love to try to lick every last bit of cheese out of the toy!  These toys can stand up to the jaw pressure of a large pit bull and last for a long, long time, making them a good investment!

Puzzle balls:  I purchased a puzzle ball at my local pet store and all my dogs have a great time with it.  It is about 8" in diameter and made of hard plastic; you fill it with little treats (liver Bill-Jac treats work best) and the dog must roll the ball around.  As he rolls it, little treats fall out sporadically and reward the dog.

Talking plush toys:  I found a plush ball at a discount store that allowed you to record a message inside of it.  When the dog squeezes it, it repeats your message!  My dogs loved to hear me say their names and "You are a good boy!" even when I wasn't home!  I have also come across a lot of talking toys at garage sales and thrift stores, usually for 50 cents or less, and the dogs love them.  I am fortunate that my dogs don't destroy these immediately; they are pretty good.  In my opinion, the toys made for children are frequently better made than the toys made for dogs.  "Tickle me Cookie Monster" has lasted in my household for months.  Be cautious with these toys because the plastic eyes can pose a choking or digestive hazard for some dogs.

Raquetball/Hard Rubber Balls:  Bouncy, long lasting and cheap!  I have also found that large soft balls (that is, balls for playing softball) last quite some time even when chewed on.

Hunting games:  Treat hunts are great when I really need to get the dogs out of my hair for awhile.  I take biscuits or soft liver treats and hide them throughout the yard or house while the dogs aren't looking; once I let them out, the hunt can last an hour.  My bichon frise is the best at this game but the pit bulls keep trying!

Rope toys:  A word about rope toys; they are resilient and can be fun, especially if you have two dogs to play with each other.  However, I do not encourage a human, especially a child, to play tug of war with their pit bull.  It teaches the dog to hold onto something even if you want it and, therefore, question your dominance.  Subsequently, if your dog gets ahold of something they should not (aka your shoe, your hand, your homework or, heaven forbid, another animal or child) he will not give it up readily when you tell him to.

I am always looking for new ideas to keep these boys occupied!  We are strict followers of Cesar Millan and, trust me, a long walk everyday makes a huge difference!  Remember: Be a good pack leader!

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