Brain Teaser Toys for Dogs

A dog who is bored is more likely to take apart the couch or dump out the trash can. If he has no other means for entertainment, your dog will create his own. To keep this from happening you can make sure your dog is well-exercised, you can play inter-active games with your dog, and you can purchase or even make your dog a brain teaser toy.

  1. Bought Toys

    • A variety of toys are sold at pet supply stores to stimulate your dog. The general idea of these toys is that treats or a toy are put inside of them, and your dog has to figure out how to get the reward out. Some are plush toys with squeaky toys inside for your dog to pull out. Some are balls you can put her kibble into to make her have to roll it around to get her meal. Others are hard rubber toys in all shapes and sizes that can easily be stuffed with treats.

    Make Your Own

    • You can put kibble, treats or your dog's favorite toy into a plastic water bottle, cardboard box or even in an old sock. You want to make sure your dog is not the type of canine who will ingest the container instead of figuring out how to get the treats out of it. Cardboard and cloth may pass through your dog OK, but plastic could injure your dog. Another way to preoccupy your dog is to take a large bone he has eaten all of the marrow out of and fill it with peanut butter. Then freeze the bone. You can also freeze peanut butter in hard rubber brain teaser toys, such as Kongs. Similarly, for an outside dog in the summer time, you can freeze some of his chews and toys into a bucket or bowl and then dump out the ice treasure for him to lick at. This cools him off and gives him something to do with his extra time.

    Play a Game

    • You can buy or build your dog an agility course to get her brain and body moving. You may need to take a class to get started, but once you get the idea, you and your dog can make agility training a great brain teaser for the both of you.

      Another game you can teach your dog is to "find it." Start by putting a toy or treat in front of your dog and telling your dog to "find it." Gradually begin hiding the toy or treat in harder-to-find spots. At first you can do it while your dog is watching, but eventually you will be able to hide the reward in another room before making your dog come and "find it."