Best Toys to Mentally Stimulate Your Puppy
We all know that to stay healthy, dogs need a balanced diet and plenty of exercises. Unfortunately, most dog owners ignore another important factor, mental stimulation. Your puppy may love showing his strength in a game of tug-of-war or chasing after a tennis ball, but his body is not the only thing that needs regular exercise. Animal experts and trainers say that mental stimulation is as essential as physical stimulation.
Dogs are highly social animals that thrive with members of the pack. They get bored easily when left alone and require a distraction to occupy their time or else they can suffer from a range of issues including destructive behavior, separation anxiety and depression. They are intelligent pets that are just as much brain as they are brawn. Canine intelligence can be developed and honed with a little work.
The problem is that most modern dog owners lead very busy lives, and their pooches often end up spending a good portion of the day home alone. Unfortunately, you can’t quit your job to cuddle with your furry companion all day long. The key lies in mental stimulation. So how can you mentally stimulate your pup’s mind to prevent boredom and encourage a happy, healthy life? There are countless mind stimulating toys, IQ balls, hide-and-seek toys, snuffle mats and puzzles for puppies.
Mental stimulation can come in various forms from positive reinforcement training games to food and puzzle toys. The dog toy market has exploded with interactive toys that are highly recommended to help enhance a well-balanced temperament, making pups a lot easier to train and helping reduce canine behavioral issues brought about by boredom and frustration.
Selecting the right interactive plaything for pooch can be challenging with so many options available. Each interactive dog toy has its unique advantages over others. To help make your decision easier, we have prepared a list of 6 best toys to mentally stimulate your puppy. Understanding what these types of puppy toys are and the benefits your dog can derive is vital.
The 6 Best Toys to Mentally Stimulate Your Puppy
Keep boredom at bay with the following brain busting toys:
West Paw Zogoflex Tux Interactive Treat-Dispensing Chew Toy
- DURABLE DOG CHEW TOYS FOR AGGRESSIVE CHEWERS: Keep your friendly Fido busy and entertained with this dog chew toy from West Paw that features hidden treats or kibble he must discover during play.
- INTERACTIVE CHEW TOYS FOR DOGS: If you have dog or playful pup who loves to gnaw and chew at home, safeguard your furniture by giving him this brightly-colored dog or puppy chew toy that will occupy pets for hours.
- STIMULATING DOG CHEW TOYS: Prolong play with this mentally stimulating dog chew toy that can be filled with kibble or treats. Once the treats are gone, use this floatable dog chew toy for fetch, toss and catch.
- EASY TO GRASP DOG CHEW TOY: The durable, treat-dispensing design of these dog chew toys poses a challenge to engage and intrigue your canine companion. Great for freezing chicken broth inside.
- RECYCLABLE PET TOYS: Not only do these dog chew toys from West Paw feature bright colors to easily spot inside or out, each dog chew toy is non-toxic, recyclable, dishwasher safe and Made in USA.
Topping our list is the Zogoflex Tux interactive toy that we believe draws its inspiration from the Classic Kong. Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, and the act itself can provide your pooch with both physical and mental stimulation. The Zogoflex Tux toy has 3 balls attached centripetally and is perfect for reward-based dog training. You will see a hole under the ball and this is where the dog treats (meaty bits, biscuits, nut butter) are supposed to come out. Even when emptied, the fun doesn’t end there. The toy bounces, flings and hangs tough through chew sessions to accommodate all styles of play. Being buoyant means that it’s perfect for water-related activities. Available in 3 different colors, this toy is BPA-and-Phthalate-free, non-toxic and FDA compliant. The ultra-durable material is USA-made and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
KONG Wobbler Interactive Dog Toy
- Interactive Dog Toy for Treats: The KONG Wobbler dog toy is an action-packed, mentally stimulating food dispenser and interactive toy
- Keep your Dog Moving: Entertaining wobble sparks dogs curiosity, allowing your pup to work for their food and engaging their natural instincts
- Dog Feeder with Easy Maintenance: To use this dog toy, simply unscrew for effortless treat and kibble filling; this toy is dishwasher safe
- Promotes Healthy Eating with Dogs: The Wobbler dog toy can be used as an alternative to a dog bowl to extend mealtime and help dogs lose unwanted pounds
- KONG: Innovating since 1976 to enrich the lives of pets with the highest quality pet toys and treats; all toys are designed and tested in Golden, CO, and are covered by KONG's Satisfaction Guarantee
Yet another treat dispenser on our list is this action-packed interactive dog toy from KONG. Part of the famous KONG line, this classic toy will provide hours of fun as your pooch struggles to get their treats. It is upright until your pooch pushes it with his nose or paw. The dispenser spins, wobbles and rolls to dispense tasty rewards. It satisfies your pup’s natural instincts to hunt out food and in the process offers mental stimulation. The gradual dispersing of the treats means that your dog will use a lot of effort to get them. This boredom buster unscrews for easy filling and cleaning. It is dishwasher safe and made of sturdy, food-grade polymer construction.
Our Pets IQ Treat Ball Interactive Food Dispensing Dog Toy
- MENTALLY STIMULATE YOUR DOG: This food-dispensing dog toy keeps dogs mentally and physically active while they play. Available in 4 inches for larger dogs.
- CUSTOMIZABLE IQ TREAT BALL: Your furry friend gets smarter as they play with this interactive dog toy ball, learning how to roll the ball to get treats to fall out. Adjust the desired difficulty level using the ball’s adjustable interior disc.
- EASY TO USE AND CLEAN: Our interactive treat dispensing dog toys conveniently uses your dog's favorite dry treats or kibble. It is made from hard plastic that disassembles for easy cleaning. Rinse in warm soapy water and dry after use.
- PROLONGED PLAY: This dog treat dispensing ball is designed to limit the amount of treats your dog gets while encouraging more extended playtime. Supervised play is recommended.
- SLOWER HEALTHIER FEEDING: Slower active eating with this dog treat dispensing ball reduces bloating and helps digestion.
This treat ball is a fun rendition of a slow feed ball that combines a puzzle and dog toy into one, to reward your pup for being active. The exterior is designed from durable hard plastic that spills your pup’s favorite treats or kibble when tipped the correct way. To continue challenging your puppy as they learn, there are adjustable feeding difficulty levels. For easy cleaning, the ball twists apart. This ball is ideal for small to medium sized dogs.
Nina Ottoson Dog Brick Treat Puzzle Dog Toy
- Our most versatile dog puzzle yet – this Level 2 Intermediate treat game is a great way to introduce puzzles to pets who have little to no experience while still providing an interactive challenge for smart dogs
- Provides mental stimulation to help bust boredom – 15 minutes of mental stimulation is equal to 30 minutes of physical activity, giving dogs and puppies of all ages and sizes the exercise they crave
- Helps reduce dog anxiety and redirect unwanted behaviors like excessive barking, chewing, and digging in a fun and exciting way
- Multiple ways to play – dogs pick up bones, flip open lids, and move sliders to find hidden treats; check out our Tips and Tricks for ways to make the game easier or harder for your pet
- Fun with dog treats or kibble – holds 3/4 cup of dog food; can be used as a puzzle feeder at mealtime to help slow eating pace
Your pup won’t experience boredom with this level 2 game by Nina Ottoson. It is shaped like a board and is made from durable material that is easy to clean. There are 20 different open-close flip compartments which you can use to hide treats or kibbles. There are 3 separate problem-solving tricks. To get at the treats, your pup has to flip, slide or pull off the covers. The more covered compartments, the harder the puzzle will be. You also get 4 removable bones and 8 slidable pieces. To ensure that your dog knows what is hiding inside, there are scent holes.
TRIXIE Pet Products, Mad Scientist Toy
- LEVELING UP: TRIXIE'S Level 2 dog food puzzles provide more challenges for smart dogs by incorporating more obstacles and combining actions for your pup to earn their tasty rewards—intermediate players who have mastered Level 1 puzzles.
- MENTAL STIMULATION: 15 minutes of mental stimulation is equal to 30 minutes of physical exercise; TRIXIE food puzzle toys will stimulate your pup's mind to improve your dog’s mental health and confidence, relieve stress, and eliminate bad behaviors
- ENRICHMENT FUN: This interactive dog treat puzzle has three rotating tubes to fill with small-size treats; your dog will need to rotate and balance for treats to come out; 2 sets of lids are included so you can mix and match to increase the difficulty
- PUP SAFETY: TRIXIE Dog Activity interactive dog toys are designed with your pet's health in mind, starting with safe, trusted materials that are BPA, Phthalate, and Lead-Free; Easy to clean between uses with warm water and soap, and dishwasher safe
- TASTY TREATS: Your pup’s good behavior & curiosity will be rewarded. TRIXIE puzzle toys include training tips to help strengthen your bond with your pet; Please remember never to leave toys with unsupervised pets - no toy is indestructible
One of the interactive dog toys you might want to get for your pup is the Mad Scientist for dogs. This dog puzzle toys from TRIXIE is designed for special little dogs. It is sure to stimulate your puppy’s problem-solving skills. The set includes a base with a frame, 2 sets of patterned lids and 3 beakers. The lids come with sizeable holes that allow treats to be dispensed. Your dog’s job is learning to flip the tubes to make the treats slide through the holes. To make the game challenging for your pooch, you can mix and match the lids. The sturdy, non-slip and stable base is strong enough to keep your pup from tipping it over. A booklet with all kinds of tricks and tips to help you train your pooch is included in the package.
Outward Hound, Hide-A-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Toy
- Hide A Squirrel dog puzzle keeps pups engaged as they hunt squeaky squirrels from the tree trunk, fueling their instincts and fun
- 2-in-1 plush dog puzzle and squeaky dog toy combo that brings interactive hide-and-seek fun to playtime
- Keep your pup entertained and mentally sharp with plush squeaky squirrels that spark their natural hunting instincts and keep boredom at bay
- Plush texture is gentle on teeth and gums, making them ideal for both puppies and adult dogs
- For supervised play; replace if damaged to ensure safe use
This interactive toy is sure to stimulate your pup and keep him amused for hours. Your pooch will find multiple stuffed squirrels hiding in holes in a single fluffy tree stump. Your pooch is supposed to hunt them down and pull them out. Each squirrel has a large squeaker inside it as an added reward. You can use the removable squirrels or purchase extra squirrels if you wish and use them for toss and fetch games. Available in 4 sizes (SMALL, MED, LARGE and GINORMOUS), Outward Hound ensured that all dog breeds are catered for. If your pooch is no big fan of squirrels, you can try out Bird, Bee and Hedge characters.
PRO TIP: Remember to keep a variety of pup toys on hand and swap them out every few days. If your puppy plays with the same toys every day, he will eventually get bored.
Conclusion
Providing appropriate mental and cognitive stimulation for your puppy while allowing them to be happy is essential. When your puppy has plenty to occupy their mind, they’re better-off mentally and less restless. Some dogs need more mental stimulation than others. For this reason, most interactive dogs toys have adjustable components to make them easier or harder.