New Puzzle Toys Combine Play and Brain Building

Types of Puzzle Toys

Golden retrievers love to play but they also like to think and work. While there is lots of fun to be had with toss and fetch toys, tug of war toys, and squeaky chew toys, why not stimulate your dog’s brain with toys that are not only constructive but mentally challenging as well? Puzzle toys can keep your golden retriever engaged, entertained, and challenged. These toys connect with your dog’s natural instincts, like sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving. As a recognized dog expert points out, “They’re useful for all kinds of pups: bored dogs prone to destructive behavior, anxious dogs learning to be more independent, active dogs looking to build skills, and dogs who need to exert energy on a day you’re just too busy to take them on a long walk. There are five different types of mental enrichment toys for dogs: puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, snuffle mats, hide and seek toys, and interactive feeders.

Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys require dogs to figure out how to access hidden treats by manipulating parts of a toy. This may involve acts/motions like sliding tiles, flipping lids, or lifting compartments. Dogs will need to use their paws, nose, or a combination of both to uncover a tasty reward. Puzzle toys come in range of difficulty levels so that your dog can start with a simple task and progress to more complex solves. Examples of well-designed levels 1-3 puzzle toys are found in the nina ottosson product line.

Treat-Dispening Toys

Treat-dispensing toys challenge dogs to get at their favorite hidden treat. They expand feeding or treat time into a mentally enriching exercise. Some are stationary, others wobble or roll, releasing bits of treat as your dog nudges or knocks them around. They are excellent tools for crate training, addressing separation anxiety, and also help slow down dogs that eat too quickly. Check out these reviews for some of the best treat-dispensers.

Snuffle Mats

Snuffle mats mimic your dog’s scent following/foraging instincts. Treats are hidden in strips of fabric or felt sewn into a durable mat. Your dog has to sniff out the treats tucked under the clever folds and inside the small pockets. Younger and older dogs alike enjoy them and expend lots of constructive energy in the treat finding process. There are many different snuffle mat options to choose from. Start your research with the 7 best snuffle mats available.

Hide and Seek Toys

Hide and seek toys typically have a larger structure (tree trunk or mat) combined with smaller toys hidden within. Dogs will need to extract or pull out the smaller plush toys tucked inside. They are an ideal configuration of physical play and mental effort. Additionally, they are great for dogs motivated more by squeaky toys than treats! The Hide a Squirrel from Outward Hound is specific example of this type of toy.

Interactive Feeders

Interactive feeders turn mealtime into a brain game. These are slow-feeder bowls taken to the next level with spinning parts, removable sections, and adjustable difficulty settings. The various designs make it easy to match one with your dog’s specific needs.

Puzzle Toys are a Great Idea

Mental enrichment toys for dogs are well-worth considering. Keep your golden retriever’s personality, activity level, and interests in mind when selecting suitable puzzle toys for them. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try some new interactive toys. If you have favorite puzzle toys, please share them with us. We would love to hear what stimulates and challenges your golden. To discover more about Windy Knoll Goldens in beautiful central Maine and stay updated on our litters and new puppies, please check in regularly.