The Many Benefits Of Puzzle Toys For Dogs

Before we adopted dogs into their modern, cushy lifestyle, they used their many natural skills in the pursuit of food. We also used dogs for work, such as herding, hunting, and search and rescue.  

While some dogs still have lifestyles that require work, many live a sedentary life without much stimulation. Our dogs never lost those skills, but rather, we no longer ask that they use them. This can result in behavioral problems like excessive barking, excitability, and destructive responses.  

Fortunately, there’s a solution. Interactive toys, or “puzzle” toys, are designed to be filled with small treats that encourage dogs to use their natural skill set. By working to earn their food reward, dogs exercise their minds and bodies, while channeling their energy into healthier outlets. 

Kong brand toys, which are usually constructed of thick rubber and can be filled with small treats or soft food, like peanut butter or yogurt, offer many shapes and sizes to accommodate all dog breeds and sizes. They are generally durable enough for strong chewers, and can even be frozen for teething puppies. 

“Pushover” toys are a little more complex, requiring dogs to move them around with their feet or noses to knock the treats out. They are usually a ball or cube shape, constructed of hard plastic, and can provide hours of exercise and mental stimulation.

“They are usually a ball or cube shape, constructed of hard plastic, and can provide hours of exercise and mental stimulation.”

The most advanced puzzle toys are similar to baby toys. Brightly-colored and constructed of hard plastic, these toys have moving components, like small doors or sliding pieces, that need to be manipulated by the dogs to find treats. Such advanced toys are usually best for dogs that have already experienced simple puzzle toys and understand the relationship between their efforts and food rewards. 

When deciding to incorporate puzzle toys into your routine, it’s best to start slowly and give your dog plenty of encouragement. These toys can be frustrating and it’s important for your dog to “win” sometimes, in order to hold their interest and keep them playing. The treats should be pungent and enticing-not something they’re used to getting-and you can also help them do the work to strengthen the reward connection.  

Keep in mind, however, that dogs shouldn’t be left unsupervised with puzzle toys, since frustration or lack of treats can trigger destruction behavior. Because there’s food involved, puzzle toys can also cause resource guarding among multiple dogs, so it’s vital to keep an eye on them during playtime. In addition, puzzle toys come in many different sizes and may have small parts, so be sure to choose toys that are appropriate for your dog’s size and strength.  

Puzzle toys are an excellent source of enrichment and bonding for your dog, offering mental stimulation, physical exercise, and reward-based challenges that stave off boredom and keep your dog happy and healthy! 

If you enjoyed this post, you should read Personal Story: I Am Obsessed With My Dog's Poo here.

Does your pup have a favorite puzzle toy? Share it below!