Puzzle toys for dogs: how to choose one and get started

A dog needs more than walks. It also needs to use its nose and brain, and that's exactly what a puzzle toy is for. It turns food or treats into something your dog works for, instead of something that just sits in a bowl.

There are many kinds, and not all of them suit every dog. Here are the most common types, how to choose and how to get started.

What does a puzzle toy do?

It gives your dog a job. Instead of having the food served, your dog has to search, push, roll or figure out how to get to it. It tires your dog out in a different way than physical exercise, and many dogs are calmer after a little nose work than after a walk of the same length.

Puzzle toys are often used to keep a dog busy while it's alone for a while, to slow down a dog that eats too fast, or as a break on a rainy day when walks get short.

The most common types

Snuffle mats

A mat with fabric strips where you hide kibble or treats. Your dog searches with its nose. Simple and good for beginners, but easy to chew apart for a dog that likes to tear things up.

Puzzle boards

Boxes and boards with hatches, sliders and lids your dog has to move to get the reward. They come in different difficulty levels and suit dogs that like solving problems. They usually need you to be there.

Treat dispensers

Toys that dispense one piece at a time when your dog does something, like rolling them or pressing a pedal. They turn a whole meal into an activity and work well for dogs that gulp their food.

Chew and lick toys

Rubber toys you fill with food, and lick mats with a ridged surface. Calming for many dogs, and good when you want a quiet moment.

How to choose

Think about what your dog already likes. A dog that always has its nose to the ground loves snuffle mats. A dog that pushes and paws at things often likes toys with pedals and sliders. A dog that chews everything apart needs something made of tougher material.

Also look at three practical things:

• Kibble size. The opening should fit the food or treats you use, or they'll get stuck or fall out too easily.
• Cleaning. Anything that holds food needs washing. Parts that come apart are easier to keep clean.
• Stability. Dogs quickly lose interest in a toy that tips over or slides away.

An example: the Duck

The Nordicfall Duck is a treat dispenser with a pedal. Fill the tray under the clear dome with kibble or treats, and when your dog steps on the orange pedal, the tray turns and one piece drops out through the opening. Your dog sets the pace.

Three lids are included so the opening fits your kibble: 8-10 mm (holds about 40 pieces), 11-13 mm (about 30) and 15-18 mm (about 15). The dome and tray lift off for hand washing, and it's fully mechanical, with no batteries and nothing to charge. It's made for dogs, but cats that are used to puzzle toys can often manage the pedal too if you start with the smallest lid.

How to teach your dog to use it

1. Start easy. Show your dog the toy when it's a little hungry, and make it as easy as possible the first few times. Press the pedal yourself or put a few pieces where your dog can see them.
2. Reward the attempts. Every time your dog sniffs, paws or presses the right spot, something good should happen. That's how it learns the connection.
3. Keep sessions short. Five to ten minutes is enough at first. Stop while it's still fun.
4. Be there the first few times. See how your dog handles the toy before it gets to use it on its own.

Count the food

What you give in a puzzle toy counts too. Take the food from the daily ration instead of giving it on top, so the enrichment doesn't become an extra meal every day.

In short

Choose a type that matches how your dog already plays, make sure the food fits the opening and that the toy can be washed. Start simple, reward every attempt and take the food from the daily ration. Then the puzzle toy becomes a habit instead of something collecting dust in a drawer.