Dog enrichment toys for multi-pet homes

A new kitten in the house changes everything — suddenly every toy, every treat, every bit of enrichment you set up becomes a shared attraction whether you want it to be or not. Mental stimulation is honestly just as important as physical exercise for most dogs, and for a Basset Hound especially, having the right outlet can be the difference between a settled dog and one who's restless or acting out. The right enrichment depends on your dog's drive, persistence, and what you're actually trying to solve — boredom, destructive behaviour, anxiety. So tell me: how old is your Basset, what problem are you trying to address, and have you tried any enrichment toys before?

That makes a lot of sense — Biscuit's unsettled because his routine and territory have been disrupted, and he needs something that helps him decompress and refocus on himself. The problem with a Kong in that situation is it rolls around, it's interactive, and it smells interesting to a curious kitten. Before I point you in the right direction — does Biscuit tend to eat his meals quickly, and is food generally a strong motivator for him? Bassets vary more than people expect.

Perfect — that's exactly the profile for what I'm going to suggest. Get him a LickiMat Slow Feeder, specifically the LickiMat Buddy or Splash. Here's why it works so well for your situation: it lies flat on the floor, it doesn't roll or move, and because the dog is licking rather than pawing at something, there's very little movement to attract a kitten's hunting instinct. You spread something like plain yogurt, mashed banana, or wet dog food into the grooves, and Biscuit will methodically lick away at it for 10–20 minutes. The licking action itself is genuinely calming — it triggers a parasympathetic response that helps anxious or unsettled dogs regulate. It's also easy to freeze in advance, which makes the session last even longer. The flat format means the kitten is much less likely to interfere, and if you set it up in Biscuit's own space it reinforces that he has somewhere that's his. It won't fix the whole adjustment period, but it gives him a reliable wind-down tool while things settle.

For a Basset Hound, go with the LickiMat Buddy — it's the standard flat square mat with a good textured pattern that holds soft food well without being so complex it frustrates a methodical dog. The Splash has suction cups on the bottom which can be useful in a multi-pet house to stop the mat sliding around if Biscuit gets enthusiastic. Either works well; the Splash is worth the small extra cost if you think the kitten might nudge it. Both are widely available on Amazon UK, dishwasher safe, and durable enough for a dog his size. Start with something mild like plain cream cheese or wet food rather than peanut butter — just easier on the digestion while he's already stressed.

Good call — the suction cups make a real difference. Freeze it tonight and give it to him tomorrow when you notice him starting to pace, and you should see him visibly settle within a few minutes. It takes a few sessions for dogs to really get into the rhythm of it, so don't worry if he seems uncertain the first time. Good luck with the introduction — it does get easier once both animals establish their own spaces.