The problem
If your dog is bored, chances are that she is causing you quite a bit of trouble. From chewed shoes, pillows, the backyard, etc., the list is endless. If you want to be saved from all of this trouble, then you should consider investing in something to keep her pre-occupied and out of your wardrobe.
A bored dog can easily be detected. He will look at you with some “sad puppy dog” eyes when they see you wake up in the morning, or when you are busy taking your breakfast because they know that you are just about to leave.
The solution
When you see that look, you should definitely be worried about your brand-new cushions or the recent pair of Manolo Blahniks that you acquired the other day. Then start looking for a good puzzle toy for dogs to help them kill time.
A good puzzle toy for dogs will do the following
Keep your dog occupied for a long period of time.
They are also better than the plain squeaky stuffed squirrel, and a high energy dog is not in need of a reward from the squeaks, they want to put all that energy to work.
They will help release some happy hormones for the dog.
When a dog sniffs food, a hormone known as dopamine is released into their brains, which makes them feel relaxed and happy. Some puzzles are scent-based, and they can make the dog feel great.
They will prevent the destructive behavior of dogs.
You may be able to protect your shoes and any other things that the dog can destroy to kill the boredom. That Victorian era couch your grandmother gave you for example.
They will provide mental stimulation.
When dogs are not busy, they become depressed and neurotic. This is because they are not stimulated. These toys help them on so many levels.
Popular dog puzzle toy options
Now, these are the top choices to pick a quality puzzle toy for your dog. Some are more complex than the others, but there’s a good mixture to increase the chances of one being a fit your dogs personality below.
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel and Puzzle
This will keep your dog occupied all day, through a hide and squeak play. This also doubles up as a fun game you can play with your dog when you are home. The outward hound hide is stuffed with squirrels, which the dog is supposed to sniff till he finds all of them.
Once the dog finds all the squirrels, the games do not stop there, when you get home, you can use them to play a game of catch with your dog.
Pros
- It provides a mental exercise which will enrich the pup.
- It challenges the dog’s problem-solving skills.
- The dog is able to focus the excess energy on something else.
- It can prevent the dog from getting bored.
- It is available in many different sizes.
Cons
- It may be too quick a job for your dog.
Customers feedback
This has a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars rating. Most customers were pleased with the toy, and they stated that it was able to keep their puppies occupied while they were at work.
TRIXIE Pet Products
Dogs are generally intelligent and inquisitive, and this game will be able to keep them physically active and stimulated. It will challenge their mental capacity as well.
This game has a strategically difficult level two, which is suitable for small dogs. They are supposed to flip lids using knobs. The lift up design prevents the cones from flipping over, and they must, therefore, be lifted up and flipped.
Pros
- It can help stimulate the dog’s mind.
- It can keep the dog very busy trying to figure out how to knock the cones over.
- It can help with the dog’s destructive behavior.
- It has a non-slip rubber base.
Cons
- It is most suitable for small dogs.
Customers feedback
This product has a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating. Most of them noted that it was a good toy for the very curious little dogs, and it was also able to keep them occupied for a couple of hours while they tried to figure out the procedure of flipping the cones over.
Spot Ethical Pet Interactive Seek-A-Treat Puzzle
This shuffle dog toy is designed to improve your dog’s IQ, and it is also a training treat, which will make the dog actually think about what they are doing and whether they will get the results they desire from the process.
The IQ puzzle provides them with the kind of mental stimulation that all dogs need, in order to flourish, strengthen their skills and test them as well. It is a fun game that can also improve the dog’s cognitive skills.
It is safely constructed. You will appreciate that dogs love to chew, for a dog owner, you are required to constantly supervise your dog as they play so that you monitor what they chew. With the Spot Ethical Pet, puzzle seek toy, you need not worry about this; as it is made with a sturdy wooden material, that is safe for the dog and also helps to strengthen their teeth.
Pros
- It can eliminate the dog’s boredom.
- It may improve the dog’s IQ.
- It may improve the dog’s cognitive skills.
- It is safely designed for the dog in case he chews on it.
Cons
- For dogs who are not able to solve the puzzle, this will soon become a chew toy.
See it in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XImmL0QgGBQ
Customers feedback
This product has a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating. This is because, for most of the customers, the toy quickly became a chew toy for their dogs, and was reduced to pieces.
Outward Hound Nina Ottoson Dog Brick Puzzle
This is a dog puzzle toy that exercises the dog’s mind. It actually provides a fun mental and physical stimulation for the dog. When a dog has been bored for long, leading to destructive behavior, this is a good option for you.
It can also be used to make feeding fun and interesting for the dog, and most people who bought it found themselves using it at feeding times. This is because, it is played in three ways, flip, slide and pull the blocks off, to uncover some tasty treats for the dog to eat.
It is a well-known brand because Nina Ottoson has been providing dog puzzle toys for dogs for over 25 years.
Pros
- It provides a mental stimulation.
- It can be used to help the dog feed well.
- It reduces the dog’s boredom.
- It is very easy to clean, as you can clean it in the dishwasher or use some clean soapy water.
Cons
- It has some removable parts, so you need to be on the lookout.
See it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaV7Uv6Mdyg
Customers feedback
The product has a 4.3 out of 5 stars rating, and most of the customers were genuinely happy with the toy, especially because their dogs were finally able to feed properly, by playing the puzzle with them.
ZippyPaws – Zoo Friends Squeaky Puzzle Toy
This toy contains lots of fun characters that your dog can have many hours of play with. There are three adorable pandas, which a dog will need to dig out of their bamboo homes. Each panda has an exclusive high squeaky sound that is delivered every time the dog finds it, and this will keep the dog extremely entertained.
It has a beautiful design and is made with high-quality products which every dog owner will appreciate. It is also just the right size for your dog.
Pros
- It provides a great way to stimulate the dog.
- It is so much fun with the noises and may keep the dog entertained for hours.
- It can keep the dog from becoming destructive.
- It can ensure the dog is not bored.
Cons
- It is only Ideal for small and middle-sized dogs, and not for large ones.
- If your dog is a strong chewer, it is not advisable.
Customer’s feedback
This product has been given an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars rating, because of its ability to keep the dog entertained throughout the day. Most of the customers stated that it was a fun toy that their dogs could not keep away from.
It’s play time!
For most dogs, boredom is a serious problem, which can cause them to have the worst of moods. It is very important therefore to keep the dog entertained and challenged on a daily basis, as this will ensure they are also healthy, physically and mentally.