Interactive Feeding?

Does anyone use any interactive, mentally stimulating tools in feeding your pugs or other dogs? Something where you put the kibble in the toy for the dog to actively get out to have their meal? My roommate is considering doing it for her shepherd mix. Anyone have any opinions on it either way?

Most trainers and behaviourists I know advocate for this strongly--especially with dogs that have drive and energy to burn. I haven't done it with my pugs, but did do it with my border collies.

I was at a weekend long seminar on Canine Risk Assessment done by Sarah Kalnajs (www.bluedogtraining.com) and she really thought this was a great idea. In fact, she hides food around her house and yard for her shelties to find.

We have a couple of those toys that you hide kibble in. I don't feed kibble, but I did buy some, as a treat, to put in the toys. Unfortunately, Ichiro is so possessive, he hogged both toys are guarded them. So, I put them up.

I use treat balls with the younger pugs, as a way to get them to self-exercise a little. None of my seniors ever made the effort - I get the "you MUST be joking" disdainful look from them.

With high drive fosters and trainees (usually working dog or terriers) they get a lot of puzzle food while I am out (usually home made : soft drink bottles with biscuits inside, RMB buried or put in low trees/bushes and that sort of thing). If I don't they turn those inquiring minds to something else, like creating moonscapes in their run or shredding their bedding!

I think enrichment toys are really valuable - mental exercise is just as important as physical in dogs with a working heritage. Remember, if you don't give them stuff to do, they will find stuff to do which may not be to your liking!