Why are puzzle toys so good for dogs?
Just like humans, dogs get bored—and when that happens, they tend to act out by destroying your slippers, your sofa, and other stuff around your house that isn’t theirs. That’s where dog puzzle toys come in. These mentally stimulating toys banish boredom as your pup attempts to figure out how to get a reward, usually a treat. While all dogs need a healthy dose of play and engagement, these genius little products are particularly beneficial for dogs that live in an apartment without a yard or don’t have the opportunity for a lot of playtime.
But not all puzzle toys are right for all dogs, explains Tammy Helzer, DVM, a veterinarian at the Humane Society of the White Mountains in Arizona. Both the breed and age of your pet will play a role in determining what’s best. For example, herding breeds, like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds, have the most energy, so they need the most stimulating toys. Plus, if you have a particularly aggressive chewer on your hands, you’ll want to choose an indestructible dog toy, as opposed to a plush one, which might end up with the stuffing torn out in seconds.
How we chose our 20 favorite dog puzzles
While these toys definitely qualify as things your dog wants from you, he can’t very well tell you which ones he’d prefer. So we sourced our recommendations from the next best thing: pet experts, including a veterinarian and animal behaviorist, as well as pet parents who raved about these products in online reviews. On this list, you’ll find options for beginners all the way to advanced pups with serious skills, as well as everything from treat-dispensing toys to strategy-based squeaky toys that dogs go wild over. Enjoy watching your pup’s mind at work—and a little quiet time for yourself, too!
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