Dogs need routine and predictability in their lives, while at the same time being mentally stimulated – that’s why interactive toys like puzzles & games can be such great source of stimulation!
These fun & challenging games require your pup to use his brain instead of becoming bored or destructive, helping prevent boredom which could otherwise lead to destructive behaviors. Keep your pup happy by giving him some mental exercise!
Bob-A-Lot Treat Dispenser
This dog puzzle toy provides your furry friend with hours of stimulating, challenging play by dispensing treats and kibble for hours at a time, encouraging natural hunting and foraging behavior and helping prevent destructive boredom behavior like chewing couch cushions or house plants. Plus, its easy cleanup makes this an excellent solution that works well with all ages, even power chewers!
This toy features two openings to hold various-sized treats or kibble for your pup to dispense through one opening and into another opening as they roll, nudge, or chase it around. As they do this, food dispenses through both openings requiring them to learn how to line them up for rewards!
An interactive toy can help slow down an enthusiastic eater, especially older dogs. Plus, mental exercise provides essential relief from anxiety, depression or boredom!
This toy comes equipped with an app that enables you to set goals and monitor progress, showing when and how long your dog is playing with the toy. Just as humans require projects and challenges in order to remain mentally sharp, dogs also benefit from engaging with food-dispensing toys; those using one tend to be calmer and happier! So grab yourself a Bob-A-Lot or another treat-dispensing toy to get their brain working!
Dog Chess Game
Trixie Dog Activity strategy game offers a fun and challenging way for you and your pup to work together and stimulate cognitive skills. The board features 4 cones with hollows and drawers filled with treats your dog must discover by sniffing or lifting. Your pet will remain entertained for hours while building concentration and motor skills!
Begin training this trick using standard chess pieces, before progressing onto black pawns once your pup has mastered the basic version. Your first milestone should be getting your pup to recognize and pick up one or more chess pieces using his nose or mouth – use treats as bait to encourage him to pick it up; once he does so, click and reward him – repeat until your dog consistently picks up the correct piece using either nose or mouth!
As your next milestone, attempt to train your dog to place the chess piece into a box. To do this, place it atop an easily closing box and move your dog so he can see and open it himself – when this occurs, tell him he must drop his piece into it immediately! For added difficulty, vary the timing between opening and closing of the box.
Hide-N-Treat Dispenser
Nina Ottosson’s Hide-N-Treat Dispenser is a level 2 puzzle dog toy designed to engage dogs for hours as they use instinctual hunting instincts to find treats. Featuring flip lid compartments which can be spun, flipped and scooted as well as food grade materials with food-grade squeakers and crinkle paper details that add playtime appeal, it serves as a great introduction for pups on their path towards more complex toys; additionally it comes complete with training instructions that help your pup figure out all steps necessary in unlocking rewards!
As with the Bob-A-Lot, this treat dispensing toy helps slow down fast eaters at mealtime, keeping your pup engaged with his food. Its saucer shape can hold food such as kibble, snacks, raw food or bully sticks; then this toy tilts and bobs on an anti-slip base so your pet can chase after treats while they roll by!
This adorable turtle squeak toy encourages both snuffling and foraging by inviting your pup to put treats into its extra-long neck before pushing them out through its shell. Perfect for smaller breeds and puppies alike; especially those that may find treat dispensing puzzle toys challenging; best used with dry or soft treats.
Rotating Treat Dispenser
Treat dispenser toys can provide your pup with extra brain exercise during mealtime or any time during the day. Many of these toys feature numerous compartments containing food or treats for them to access via their noses; this helps promote slow eating and chewing habits while decreasing risks such as overeating.
Another option for entertaining your pup would be the PetSafe Twist ‘N’ Treat puzzle ball, featuring its saucer shape and multiple openings that allow your dog to store food or treats inside it. While these toys may be relatively straightforward for most pups to figure out, they still provide enough of a challenge that should keep him or her entertained for some time – though some reviewers note it can be difficult to clean as well as having a strong rubber smell.
Other types of treat dispensers include remote-controlled dispensers that allow you to feed your pup a predetermined amount of kibble or treats when pressing the button on their battery-operated device. This toy may be particularly helpful for busy pet parents who must leave their pups alone for extended periods, helping prevent destructive behaviors and decrease risks related to separation anxiety in some canines.
