Keep them busy! (Buster Food Cube)

Member Name: LoolooMe

Product:	Buster Food Cube
Date:	14/07/09 (9 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use.

Disadvantages: May be a waste of money if dog doesn't understand.

It was during the puppy training of my whippet that the teacher recommended these to people with mentally active dogs. Our dog was at this time left alone for a couple of hours each day and although very good and would not destroy anything we still felt that she needed something to occupy her with, so with that we purchased the food cube.

You do need a smart dog, otherwise they just spend the whole time whinning that they can't get to the great tasting food! So to set it up place the treats (that it comes with) into the hole, shake around the die then teach your dog that when they push the cube along treats fall out. The treats that you are recommended to use are theirs -although I think this is just a money making thing, as long as the treats fit down the hole then they will come back. You can also use cheese -but this has been known to get stuck. So that your dog doesn't get fat we just put half of her breakfast into the cube.

This does also work if you have more than one dog so long as they NEVER fight over food. When we had a whippet and Labrador together the Lab would just follow behind the whippet and hoover up. It is also indestructible as they can not get their teeth around it and it is think plastic. Big problem is that it doesn't give them a huge amount of mental stimulation it more just keeps them occupied. there are a lot better games and toys out there which will keep them thinking ("find it" being my personal favorite). Also if you do not trust multiple dogs with food then it is not advisable, or if your dog gets nasty around food then do not use it around a child.

All in all a good toy which will keep them occupied, although the price is a little high for such a thing it is indestructible so get it when they are a puppy and it will last for years! Also another problem is that some dogs never get it. A good way to test if they are smart enough is to show them a treat and then cover it with an upturned bucket or plastic bin (let them see you doing it). If they then work out that the treat is under there then there is a very high percentage that they will get this toy and be able to use it.

Summary: If you love to spoil your dog with toys then this is a good investment.