About Nina Ottosson toys, taken in part, from Nina Ottosson's
website:
Brain Exercises for Dogs
I,
Nina Ottosson, have nearly all my life had dogs, worked with and been interested in dogs. When I had children, this meant
that I did not have the same amount of time to train and activate my dogs, the way both I, and they were used to. My bad conscience
made me start to think what I could do to activate my dogs in a simple, fun and varying manner indoors, and since 1990 I have
worked with the development and design of dog-activating toys/games that will mentally stimulate the dog, i.e. “brain
exercises” in a fun and creative way. The toys are easy to use indoors and are specially developed to match
the dog’s natural movements and instincts.
Activating – Problem Solving
The dog activity toys work with problem solving in different ways,
by finding hidden dog snacks, e.g. to lift blocks, push pieces, turn discs, push blocks, put blocks inside something etc.
All dogs need to use their brain to keep healthy. Some dogs need more brain activity than others. If dogs are not provided
with an outlet for its energy in the form of different types of activity or other stimulation, they can sometimes find their
own “activity” which we as dog-owners often do not appreciate, like for instance chewing things to pieces, becoming
aggressive or just generally over-active.
In the autumn and winter it can be boring to be out when it is raining, snowing and windy. At the
same time it is often hard to vary the activities indoors and think of fun activities that are entertaining, simple and stimulating.
This has inspired me to continue to develop dog-activating toys or party games for dog and dog-owner, as I sometimes call
them.
Learning, Contact
Our activity
toys/games are easy to and fun to use both for the dog and the dog-owner. While the games are being used the dog and the owner
bond. There is a learning process using everyday obedience, for instance: sit, lie down, stay and wait while you
are hiding the snacks in the games. Search, when the dog can start looking. Stop, stay, back up when the dog is too rough
or is doing things wrong. Fetch it for lifting the blocks. Finished, when you think the dog or the exercise is finished and
it is time for the dog to stop and relax. Inactivity is just as important as activity, i.e. the dog has to learn to lie
still and be able to relax when you tell it to do so.
Brain exercises with these activity toys/games are
suitable for all dogs old and young, big and small. The activity time that fits most dogs is approx. 15 min/time, shorter
for puppies. The dog-activating toys are also recommended by veterinaries when the dog for various reasons is not allowed,
or can not move freely due to illness etc.
Dog psychologists and instructors
also use these games in their courses and training sessions. All products are patent, pattern or EU Community design protected.
Wishing all dogs and their owners much pleasure with our dog activity toys.
Best wishes,
Nina Ottosson
