Puzzle toys, also referred to as interactive toys are an increasingly popular choice for dog parents. The toys keep dogs occupied and curb boredom. They also help calm down dogs suffering from separation anxiety. Additionally, they help build dogs’ skills with their nose and paws, contributing to their daily exercise.

Puzzle toys are made of durable materials and are fit to combat rough play. They are specifically designed to cater to dogs of different sizes and breeds. The toys are available in a lot of varieties and different difficulty levels to entertain dogs of different ages and skills. In this blog, we will take you through all the essential information you need about puzzle toys for dogs.

Importance of puzzle toys for dogs

Contrary to popular belief, puzzle toys are much more than just fun accessories for dogs and are ideal to stimulate their mind and body.

• Fulfil dogs’ natural instinct to investigate.
• Offer an outlet for dogs’ energy.
• Help dogs develop problem-solving skills.
• Keep dogs busy and entertained.
• Prevent dogs from getting bored and control destructive behaviour.
• Aid in training.

How to train your dog to use puzzle toys?

Training your furball to use puzzle toys may seem to be a daunting task initially but with perseverance, it can turn out to be a rewarding experience for you as well as your dog. Here’s how you can get started:

• Start with simple toys

While introducing your dog to puzzle toys, go for simple toys first. This will help your dog get used to the concept of interactive toys and get them interested in it.

• Conduct demonstrations

Before offering a puzzle toy to your dog, it’s important that you show them how to play with it. Repeat the demonstration a few times until your dog understands how to deal with it.

• Incorporate their favourite treats

If the puzzle toy you are using has provision for treats, you can use one that your dog loves the most. This will encourage them to play with the toy.

• Gradually increase the difficulty level

Once your dog has gotten a hang of the simple puzzle toys, you can introduce it to advanced toys. This will help sharpen its problem-solving skills and cater to its mental stimulation.

• Offer Rewards

Offer rewards to your pooch when it successfully solves a puzzle in the form of their favourite treats. This will encourage it to play with the puzzle toys more often.

Our top picks

Here are our top picks of puzzle toys that you can safely offer your furry companion:

• Trixie Flip Board Strategy Game Toy for Dogs

This board game is a perfect toy to offer mental challenges to dogs. It features recesses for you to fill their favourite snacks. Your dog will have to push the lids aside in order to access the snacks. Additionally, the toy also comes with two cones that your pooch has to knock over with its paw or snout to get its reward.

• Kong Natural Rubber Stuffable Chew Toy for Dogs

A suitable toy for active chewers, this toy can be stuffed with treats, pastes or snacks for your dog to find out and savour. It helps offer mental and physical stimulation to your pet. The toy further prevents boredom and helps dogs overcome separation anxiety.

•  Kong Gyro Treats Dispensing Toy for Dogs

This irresistible toy encourages your pooch with its rolling and flipping motion. It features a center spinning orb and static outer ring and entices dogs to push, paw and roll for it to access the kibbles or snacks that are hidden inside. It is ideal for independent play and offers dogs an extended playtime.

• Kong Goodie Ribbon Natural Teething Rubber StuffableToy for Dogs

The stuffable toy comes with four spaces that you can fill with your dog’s favourite snacks like peanut butter, treats and kibbles. It is the perfect prop to offer your pal a varied mental challenge and an extended playtime.

Safety tips while using puzzle toys for dogs

While offering your dog puzzle toys, safety should be your top priority. Let’s take a glance at some precautions that you should take to ensure your pet’s safety.

• Appropriate selection of toy

While choosing a puzzle toy, make sure to go for one that suits your dog’s size. A toy that is too small in size can pose choking hazards, whereas big ones can frustrate your pooch and discourage them from playing.

• Monitor the toys

It is important to check your dog’s puzzle toys regularly to ensure they’re in perfect condition. Toys with broken or sharp pieces can injure your pet. Therefore, if you come across any damage to the toys, replace them at the earliest opportunity.

• Monitor playtime

Dogs can remain occupied with puzzle toys for hours. Which is why, it is important to monitor their playtime. This will allow them time to relax and rest if they are getting too addicted to the toy.

• Clean the toy regularly

As puzzle toys have dents and holes, they tend to accumulate dirt and bacteria over time. Therefore, it is important to regularly clean them with the help of mild soap and warm water.

Wrapping Up

Puzzle toys offer dogs a world of fun and mental stimulation. They help improve their cognitive abilities and keep them occupied. The right puzzle toy for your dog is one that suits its interests and preferences. It is always advisable to start with simpler toys and gradually introduce them to complex ones so as to build their confidence.

At Pawsandpaws, we carry an impressive range of puzzle toys for dogs that you can purchase at amazing discounts and avail special offers. Hurry up as the offers are there for a limited time only!