The next time your dog wants to play, find out if he’s a master at Dog Spinny or Dog Magic. No, they’re not magic tricks. They’re dog puzzles. Like human brain games, dog puzzles tease canine curiosity and provide mental stimulation. The final reward is a tasty treat and your praise.
About dog puzzles
These interactive toys hide treats in a puzzle made of wood or plastic. They combine fun and problem solving, making dogs open compartments with their paws, lift blocks with their mouths and dislodge covers with their noses.
First developed by Nina Ottosson in Sweden, the puzzles have been recommended by veterinarians, dog psychologists and dog trainers around the world.
Why you should use them
Dogs love playtime and what better way to play than with puzzles that use food as an incentive? Not only are puzzles fun, they’re also mentally challenging and can help motivate and train your dog.
While food is the primary reward, the games also let dogs use their natural instincts to hunt, smell and, in some cases, track objects.
How to use them
Names like Dog Spinny, Dog Twister and Dog Casino point to the variety of puzzle games available. Start with an easy puzzle and slowly increase difficulty. Here are a few tips for using dog puzzles:
- In the beginning, make the game as easy as possible. Fill all compartments with treats and praise him often.
- If at first he bites the game or is too rough, hold the game out of reach until he calms down and try again.
- As your dog gets used to the puzzle, increase the difficulty by using less treats in only a few compartments. You can also hide the puzzle under a towel or make him search for it around the house or in the garden.
- After playtime, put the puzzle away. Don’t leave your dog alone with it as he may chew on the blocks and small parts.
- Use wooden puzzles for dogs that play rough.
- Is your dog sick, older or less mobile? Put the puzzle on a chair, stool or on your lap and have him use his nose, instead of his paws.
Is your dog up to the challenge? Start with an easy game and see how far he goes. You might find out your dog is a puzzle ninja!
Dog Puzzle Difficulty (1 paw = Easy, 3 paws = Difficult)
Dog Spinny – 1 paw
Dog Brick – 2 paws
Dog Finder – 3 paws
Dog Twister – 3 paws
Dog Casino – 3 paws
Dog Tornado – 3 paws
Visit PetSupermarket.com for dog puzzle fun!
