Many dogs do not get the opportunity to use their natural instinct for mental exercise. Mental stimulation not only provides a fuller life for our canine companions, but it is also vital in the prevention of almost all behavioral problems. A contented dog often means a happier owner.

Today, most dogs live solely as companions and very few are offered the opportunity to carry out the tasks of tracking, hunting, and herding that breeds were originally developed for. There is no question about the love that dog owners have for their pups, but many owners just don't have the available space and/or time to provide this level of stimulation.

Many dogs are indoor, and indoor activities are not that interesting for these canine creatures. A bored dog usually lies down in one particular spot where he/she can watch us in hopes for something exiting like feeding time, play time or walk time. These are often the MOST exciting events in a dog’s life. How fair is that? The more a dog rests and watches, the more pent up energy he has. If this energy is not used, it usually results in various behavioral disorders such as chewing, jumping, barking, and aggression.

This toy helps to address three levels of a dog's natural abilities; problem solving, sense of smell and mental stimulation. But don't become frustrated if your pooch doesn't immediately play with the Buster Cube. You have to interact with your dog and the toy together the first few times to get him interested. A dog imitates its Alpha dog and pack mates...which is where we humans fall in the hierarchy. If we show interest in the toy, often they will do the same.

So, get your dog's mental juices pumping!! It will help improve your relationship with your dog, and keep him active and avoid or decrease behavioral problems. (via Alien Ally, LLC)