Want to turn your disinterested dog into the teacher’s pet? Interactive puzzle toys have a wide range of benefits, only beginning with sharpening their cognitive abilities. Discourage unwanted behaviours, lessen separation anxiety, calm your pet in stressful situations, and reduce boredom with these fun and effective brain games.

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puppy Smart Puzzle Toy

A sleek and well-reviewed option from Swedish dog puzzle line Nina Ottosson. With a Beginner difficulty level and simple design, this puzzle is perfect for puppies. Help your dog channel that puppy energy into its early mental development, instead of your couch cushions.  

Puppy Smart Link

AWOOF Snuffle Mat Foraging Toy

Sprinkle treats or kibble in the Snuffle Mat and watch your dog sniff them out. Not only does it test your pup’s foraging skills, it slows their eating if they’re prone to gulping down their meals. It’s no-mess and low-maintenance, just shake it out and machine wash it.

Snuffle Mat Link 

LOOBANI Dog Treat Dispenser Puzzle 

We can’t lie, this is a pricier option. But if you’re looking to spoil your furry friend, this treat dispenser from LOOBANI is well worth it. Made from strong bamboo, it’s a good pick if your dog is prone to destruction. The base is heavy, study, and very difficult to tip over, discouraging any sneaky cheating of the puzzle. This toy will foster smarts and patience, and stop your eager pooch from inhaling their food. 

LOOBANI Link

KONG Classic Dog Toy

We’d be remiss to leave out this time-tested toy. The Kong Classic is probably already familiar to dog parents whose heavy chewers have gone to town on half their furniture. Coming in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, it’s suitable for almost any dog in any stage of development. The straight-forward design is not quite as mentally stimulating as other puzzle options on this list, but it continues to rank very high with experts and owners alike. 

KONG Toy Link

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel

Great for doggies on a diet, the Outward Hound plushie puzzle swaps out treats for a rewarding squeak. Hide the squirrels in the tree trunk to bring on your dog’s natural hunting instincts. Available not only in different sizes, but different animals like Hedgehogs and Llamas, this line has something for every-paw-dy. 

Hide-A-Squirrel Link

PetSafe Busy Buddy Tug-A-Jug Dog Toy 

Cleans teeth, bolsters problem-solving abilities, and tampers fast eaters. What more could you ask for? The Tug-A-Jug employs your dog’s body and brain as they pull at the durable rope to dispense treats. Works for all ages, and is especially suitable for power chewers with its hardy design. 

Tug-A-Jug Toy Link

OurPets Interactive Sushi Toy

Toughen up your dog’s mental dexterity and look adorable doing it. Pets can learn to slide the sushi pieces to reveal treats or kibble. As it is a fairly non-complicated toy, it’s a great match for senior dogs and puppies. 

Purr Tip: Your cats will enjoy this fun, fishy puzzle too!

Sushi Toy Link

OurPets Interactive Waffle Toy

Another clean and easy option from OurPets, the Waffle toy engages a different skill and would go nicely in a food-themed set of 2. Your dog can rotate the syrup and waffles to unveil hidden snacks. Great reviews for this toy note its durability.

Waffle Toy Link

Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

This toy achieves its signature wobble with a weighted, non-slip base. Adjust the opening to change the difficulty level, and let your dogs knock around the aptly-named Bob-A-Lot to spill out treats. It comes in sizes Small and Large, with the large size able to fit an entire meal’s worth of kibble in the chamber. It’s so fun to watch, we can’t imagine how entertaining it must be for the dog. 

Bob-a-Lot Toy Link

Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound MultiPuzzle Dog Toy

Ranking in at self-declared Expert Level, this MultiPuzzle is an excellent challenge for intelligent dogs who might get bored with simpler toys. With sliders, locks, and a correct order to follow, this toy is sure to put your pet to the test. Like the other puzzles in the Nina Ottosson line, the MultiPuzzle can be hand washed with soap and water for easy clean-up.

MultiPuzzle Link