You ’ve in all probability consider it on TikTok , and it really is that light ( not to mention tinny ) .

These day , we have seemingly endless option when it comes to enrichment and entertainment for our dogs . Puzzle toy , KONGs , slow birdfeeder , andlick matstop the list , and you really ca n’t go wrong with any of them .

But they do cost money . Maybe not much , but it ’s more than the one-time bath towel you never use anymore . That towel , some dry kibble , and maybe a few treat , are enough to make the perfect boredom - fellow for your pup .

tan labrador retriever puppy plays tug of war with patterned towel

Photo: SolStock / Getty Images

As much as I ’d love to take recognition for this invention , it ’s been popular for several years now and you ’ve probably see it on TikTok .

Why does it function ? dog are glad when they ’re sniffing , saysJenna Stregowski , RVT and Daily Paws ' favored wellness and behavior editor . She used to expend the towel trick to keep get on dogs officious and happy .

" Though domesticate dogs are far move out from their ancestors , they ’ve still kept several of their ' uncivilised ' instincts , " she says . " Food enrichment is a wonderful path to provide genial stimulation and light exercise that mimics instinctive behaviors like sniffing and working for food for thought . "

That ’s great , but I ’m still struck at how easy it is . I ’ve done this with the two Canis familiaris I see often — an elderlypoodleand an , uh , energeticgolden retriever — and they both love it . For Riley , the poodle dog , I roll up a medley of dry kibble , cave in - up treats , and minuscule patch of cheese . ( She ’s 14 , so she gets bollix . ) Callie , the lucky , experience kibble and wear out - up bit of her very smelly treats .

They revel it so much that my loose greyback is unraveled in a matter of moment , and even Riley vacuums up all the food after a few minutes . possibly I need to bind it plastered or freeze it ?

( On the other side , if your hotdog is scramble to figure out the towel , you’re able to help or untie the knot . )

It ’s easy to make and playfulness to watch , but you still postulate to be open-eyed , Stregowski sound out . You do n’t want your raptorial bird puppy shredding and eating the towel . If he does that , then maybe you go back to the KONG or dull eater . And be sure not to put too many delicacy or goodies in there — you do n’t want to interrupt your dog ’s dieting .

But if it does work , Stregowski tell you’re able to make the towel a daily mealtime event .