In ancient times, wild dogs used to hunt and search for their food. They spent hours every day hunting and foraging for meat, grass, and berries. Dogs are direct descendants of the gray wolf-Canis Lupus. As hunters thousands of years ago, early man tamed wolf pups and used them as great assets for their keen sense of sight and smell for their small hunting groups. These traits have not disappeared from our now very domesticated dogs. Those inner senses are still there. Providing a comfortable home for your dog with all the stuffed toys, dog chews, and a luxurious lifestyle doesn’t give your dog the mental stimulation he craves. Many animal behaviorists have investigated what a dog’s mind needs to be stimulated. A pioneer in puzzle toys for dogs is Nina Ottosson. Nina Ottosson has worked on the development and design of toys/games that stimulate the dog’s mind, that is, they exercise the brain in a fun and creative way. The toys are also easy to take out and use indoors and are specially developed to accommodate the dog’s natural movements and instincts.
Nina Ottosson dog puzzle toys are designed for the dog to work with problem solving in different ways, finding hidden dog treats, i.e. picking up blocks, pushing pieces, turning disks, pushing blocks, putting blocks inside of something etc. All dogs need to use their heads sometimes to stay healthy. Some dogs need more brain activity than others. If dogs are not provided an outlet for their energy in the form of different types of activity or other stimulation, they can sometimes find their own activity that we as dog owners often don’t appreciate, such as chewing on things in pieces, become aggressive or just hyperactive in general. Their toys are classified according to the ability of your dog, from basic to expert. Dog Magic and Dog Spinny are considered beginner or entry level dog puzzle toys, Dog Brick and Dog Tornado are mid level, Dog Casino and Dog Twister are for expert level. The pyramid for dogs is a plastic treat dispensing toy that has a weight on the bottom. Put treats in the one-inch hole and watch your dog push the pyramid. No matter what happens, the pyramid will right itself at the vertical right angle. All toys are dishwasher safe so don’t worry about slimy pieces. Kyjen dog games are quite new in the dog puzzle game market. Kyjen Dog Toys are known for their very well made dog toys and their new Paw Hide, Star Spinner and Treat Wheel are no exception. Paw Hide has 7 chambers of treats or food that challenge your dog to lift each cup to reveal her treat. Perfect for teaching the basics of obedience and problem solving.
The Star Spinner has 10 treat or food chambers that challenge your dog to spin the tiers in any direction to reveal the opening. With a nudge from the dog’s nose, each level will reveal 5 hidden compartments. The candy wheel has 8 chambers of treats or food that combine the Star Spinner and Paw Hide difficulties. The dog must use his mouth to lift each cup, then twist the top to reveal more treats. Zoos have been running animal enrichment programs for years, trying to keep their animals engaged, busy, and mentally stimulated. The pet industry has followed suit and manufacturers are inventing new and exciting ways to challenge your pet. Some other great interactive toys and treat dispensers are Kibble Nibble, Tug-A-Jug, and Premier Funkitty Egg-Cersizer. All of these toys distribute kibble and treats randomly. The Egg-cersizer is a perfect way to say “goodbye” to free food and hello to fun and interesting foods. The innovative design allows for a variety of levels of play, from easy to challenging. This gift toy is a fun and easy way to keep your cat or small dog stimulated and active. JW Pet Amaze-A-Ball and Our Pet’s Atomic Treat Ball are great hard rubber treat dispensing toys. Canine Genius Leo and Mike dog toys are very hard rubber treat dispensers that connect to form multiple puzzle versions. These toys are also made in the United States.
Anytime you can make your pet work a bit for treats, it’s better for his mind.