In ancient times, wild dogs used to hunt and forage for their food. They spent hours every day hunting and foraging for meat, herbs, and berries. Dogs are direct descendants of the gray wolf-Canis Lupus. As hunters thousands of years ago, primitive man domesticated wolf cubs and used them as great assets for his keen sense of sight and smell for his small hunting parties. These traits have not disappeared from our now highly domesticated dogs. Those innate senses are still there. Providing a comfortable home for your dog with all the stuffed toys, dog chews, and a lavish lifestyle doesn’t give your dog the mental stimulation it so badly desires. Many specialists in animal behavior have investigated what a dog’s mind needs to be stimulated. A pioneer in puzzle toys for dogs is Nina Ottosson. Nina Ottosson has worked on the development and design of activating dog toys / games that will mentally stimulate the dog, that is, brain exercises in a fun and creative way. The toys are also easy to take out and use indoors and are specially developed to adapt to the dog’s natural movements and instincts.

Nina Ottosson’s puzzle toys for dogs are designed for the dog to work with problem solving in different ways, finding hidden dog treats, that is, to lift blocks, push pieces, rotate discs, push blocks, put blocks inside something etc. All dogs need to use their heads at times to stay healthy. Some dogs need more brain activity than others. If dogs are not provided an outlet for their energy in the form of different types of activity or other stimulation, they can sometimes find their own activity that we as dog owners often do not appreciate, such as chewing things on pieces, becoming aggressive or just generally hyperactive. Their toys are classified according to your dog’s ability, from basic to expert. Dog Magic and Dog Spinny are considered entry level or beginner dog puzzle toys, Dog Brick and Dog Tornado are medium level, Dog Casino and Dog Twister are for expert level. The pyramid for dogs is a plastic treat dispenser toy that is weighed on the bottom. Place treats in the one-inch hole and watch your dog push the pyramid. Whatever happens, the pyramid will straighten at the vertical right angle. All toys are dishwasher safe, so don’t worry about drenched parts. Kyjen dog games are pretty new to the dog puzzle game market. Kyjen dog toys are known for their very well made dog toys and their new Paw Hide, Star Spinner and Treat Wheel are no exception. The Paw Hide has 7 food or treat chambers that challenge your dog to lift each cup to reveal his treat. Perfect for teaching the basics of eat-at-will obedience and problem solving.

The Star Spinner has 10 food or treat chambers that challenge your dog to rotate levels in any direction revealing the opening. With a push of the dog’s nose, each level will reveal 5 hidden compartments. The treat wheel has 8 chambers of treats or food that combine the difficulties of Star Spinner and Paw Hide. The dog should use his mouth to lift each cup and then turn the top to reveal more treats. Zoos have been running animal enrichment programs for years, trying to keep their animals busy and mentally stimulated. The pet industry has followed suit and manufacturers are inventing new and exciting ways to challenge your pet. Other great interactive toys and treat dispensers are Kibble Nibble, Tug-A-Jug, and Premier Funkitty Egg-Cersizer. All of these toys randomly dispense kibble and treats. The Egg-cersizer is a perfect way to say “goodbye” to free food and hello to fun and engaging meal times. The innovative design allows for a variety of levels of play, from easy to challenging. This gift toy is a fun and easy way to keep your cat or small dog stimulated and active. JW Pet Amaze-A-Ball and Our Pet’s Atomic Treat Ball make great hard rubber treat dispenser toys. Canine Genius Leo and Mike dog toys are very hard rubber treat dispensers that connect to form multiple versions of puzzles. These toys are also made in the USA.

As long as you can get your pet to work a bit to get treats, it’s better on his mind.