Brain Toys for Dogs

There are many reasons to invest in “brain toys” for dogs—objects that make the dog think in order to get a certain reward. These toys prevent a dog from getting bored. Bored dogs tend to become mischievous dogs that develop bad habits, such as chewing furniture or barking in the house all day. These toys can also help in the treatment of dogs with cognitive dysfunction (“doggy Alzheimer’s”) because they help to keep the dog’s brain stimulated.

  1. Kong Toys

    • The brand name Kong is used for any toy that is difficult for a dog to chew apart, wobbles while rolling and slowly dispenses food. Kong toys are often shaped like a rubber snowman without features. They have a hollow center where treats or edible stuffing can be placed. The strange, wobbly bounce makes the Kong mimic a prey animal, according to “KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy.” The dog has to utilize hunting and problem-solving abilities to get the treats.

    Buster Cube

    • There are several brand-name toys based on the original Buster Cube. This toy dispenses treats at a much slower rate than a Kong toy because the holes can be widened or narrowed. Different size cube toys are made for different sizes of dogs. Getting the right size cube will help a dog more easily knock a cube over in order to figure out how to get the treats. These toys are often given to dogs in shelters. Their dry kibble ration is placed in the cube to make mealtime more exciting and challenging.

    Puzzle Toys

    • Puzzle toys are tough and washable, and work best for dogs who like to dig inside the house or touch objects with their paws. A treat is placed in a slot or series of slots. The dog has to paw at the toy in order to figure out how to slide open the puzzle’s door(s) to get the treat out. It’s best to supervise a dog with this type of puzzle in case the dog decides to chew a hole in it.

    Pull Apart Toys

    • These are soft plush toys often shaped like animals with smaller toys placed inside. The toys often have squeakers or a rattle. The dog has to figure out that he needs to pull the toy apart to get to the toy with the squeaker. These toys are better for older dogs or dogs with tooth problems because they may be ripped apart easily by a determined chewer.

    Chase Toys

    • There are several toys based on the Chase ‘N Pull Dog Toy. A toy with a squeaker inside is attached to a long rope. The rope is attached to a long flexible pole. This gives the dog a game of tug of war without much human involvement.