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An Irish inventor has revealed how he was inspired to start his own business and create a range of dog toys after his pet Labrador ate his wedding album.
Howth’s ames McIlvenna set out to invent his range of interactive dog toys after spotting a gap in the market.
McIlvenna, who developed the K9 Connectables Kibble Connector, said the toys encourage dogs to follow their nutrition through interaction, slowing down their meals and fighting canine boredom.
“Sandy has extremely high energy and while she was going through her initial biting phase, she managed to jump onto the lobby table and destroy our wedding album that had arrived in the mail,” McIlvenna explained.
“Many of the problems with dogs are due to boredom. They need to be challenged and feel like they are working to support themselves. Exercise alone is never enough; they need stimulation and be mentally engaged.
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Photo: PA Media / Conor McCabe
Pennsylvania
“They have been bred throughout history to do things for humans, but in the last century the script has changed.”
To develop the toys, McIlvenna worked with canine behavior experts, veterinary professionals, and a team of dog owners.
McIlvenna said the patented food dispensing system makes dogs move around using their own food to motivate them at mealtime, solving a variety of problems before they are fed.
“The idea of the K9 Connectables toy series is for you to put the dog’s favorite food and treats inside and connect them,” he added.
“The dog can smell food but he has to use his brain to figure out how to break the connections and get his rewards.
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James and Lauren McIlvenna with Labrador Sandy. Photo: PA Media / Conor McCabe
Pennsylvania
“The Kibble connector is designed with a patented connection system to which you can connect more toys and make the task even more difficult for your pet.
“For example, Sandy needs up to 45 minutes of constant play to get all of her food and treats from inside the toys we add to her.
“All of our toys connect to each other for endless variety with up to six levels of difficulty, from easy soft play for friendly dogs to the toughest professional level for high energy dogs.
The toys have been endorsed by INTODogs, an association of dog trainers, behaviorists, and other canine professionals.
PA media
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