All of our picks are made by well-regarded brands with a track record of making high-quality toys, including Outward Hound, West Paw, Kong, and others. Personal experience-human and canine, that is-with nearly every puzzle toy we cover is how we compiled our selection. Most hide-and-seek toys are plush, so they may not be the best choice if your pup is an aggressive chewer. There are appealing objects hidden inside compartments that are challenging to remove and replace (if you don't have thumbs). Hide-and-seek dog puzzles toys are similar in design and concept to those for infants. The classic rubber Kong is likely the most popular treat dispenser (and one of the best ones out there), though most of the brands we include below have their own versions. Treat dispensers are exactly what they sound like: they're designed to hold treats and make dogs work hard to get them out. Also, lick mats in particular are great to have on hand post-surgery when you have to limit your pup's activity. Both typically have a grippy underside or suction cups to keep them in place. There are also slow-feeder bowls with grooves to hold kibble and ridges that act as barriers to prevent dogs from gulping down meals too fast. Lick mats are textured mats made of silicone that soothe and distract dogs as they lick up wet food or treats like peanut butter or plain Greek yogurt. The best slow feeders are lick mats and slow-feeder bowls. Some have enough capacity to hold several cups of food and can be used as slow feeders-more on those below. They're typically made of plastic (the ones we recommend are food-grade, and BPA- PVC-, and phthalate-free) with compartments to hide kibble or treats. Interactive puzzles are the board games of the canine world. Always supervise your dog-especially if you have a puppy-during playtime to watch out for possible choking hazards.Examine toys before and after play sessions for loose or broken pieces to prevent your pup from accidentally ingesting something they shouldn't.For example, puzzles toys made of extra-durable rubber are best for aggressive chewers, whereas plush and soft toys suit light chewers or older dogs. Dog puzzle toys should be geared toward your pup's chewing habits.They can't all be geniuses.) Also, most dog puzzle toys come in a range of sizes for different breeds. (Some breeds are better at puzzles than others, too, so don't worry if your dog caps out at level one or two. Many are leveled for difficulty to make it easier to gauge whether they're intended for puppies or older dogs. Like all dog toys, puzzles toys must be size- and age-appropriate.They're excellent tools to help calm anxiety, fight boredom, and prevent destructive behavior.īut before we dive into specific puzzle categories, here are important tips for safe play: Puzzle toys are designed to engage dogs in different ways, taking advantage of their noses, paws, and even ears to tire them out and enrich their minds. Your pup's instincts, personality, and breed are just a few factors that'll inform which puzzle toys are best for your dog. Looking for more essentials to keep your pup happy and safe? Check out our stories on the best life jackets for dogs, washable dog beds, and toys for puppies. Below, you'll find our recommendations for the best dog puzzle toys, along with a primer on types and tips for safety. Luckily, here at Popular Mechanics we have oodles of personal experience buying and playing with dog puzzle toys (usually with a pup) and can point you in the right direction. What isn't as easy is finding dog puzzle toys that are high quality, interesting for your pup, and durable enough to stand up to those chompers. Dog puzzles are designed to fight boredom and prevent destructive behavior, and-bonus-most come in well under $20, so it's easy to justify buying more than one. If you don't want your pup nomming on your cozy slippers or favorite hiking socks, your best bet is a dog puzzle toy that can keep your canine friend occupied for hours on end.
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