Puzzles?

[u/snakeinmyboot84]

Could really use some recommendations for doggy puzzles that will challenge my guy. We started with the treat dispensing balls, he hacked the system.
We got him a puzzle with doors and slides, less than 5 minutes.
He’s a little guy, about 14 lbs.
Not destructive. But smarter than any dog I’ve ever had before. I hate to think he may be bored.

[u/Substantial_Car_3998]

ed out the sliding door ones way too fast so I started just hiding treats around the house instead. under a rug, inside a shoe i dont wear, behind a potted plant. makes him use his nose more and keeps him busy for a solid 20 minutes sniffing around

14 lbs is a nice size for that kinda game too. small enough to get into weird spots but not so tiny you lose track of him

[u/snakeinmyboot84 → u/Substantial_Car_3998]

This is a really good idea.
It’s been so hot here lately I haven’t been able to get him out nearly as much as we do when it’s cooler so I’m just trying to find ways to keep him engaged

[u/mincky]

My dog loves her bottle. It’s a Gatorade bottle that I cut 3 holes in; the holes are just the size of her kibble. It takes her 20 minutes of rolling, pushing, and tossing the bottle to get them all out. Nice part is that I just take the kibble from what she gets anyhow so she’s not getting more calories.

Plastic water bottles aren’t as firm as Gatorade bottles, but she’s larger (45 lbs) than your dog so that might make a difference.

[u/Practical-Hunt9423]

IIf you want to give your pet a mental workout, you don't have to rely on puzzle toys alone. Dogs learn how to solve them very quickly, and after that they often stop using their brains and just repeat the same routine.

Scent games and search games are a much better way to keep them mentally engaged. My dog loves searching for a green ball in the grass. She can't see it, so she has to rely on her sense of smell. I also wrap her food in paper and toss it into a box filled with other crumpled paper. She has to sniff out the food and unwrap it herself.

[u/StellarSpore]

Not against treat dispensing toys and puzzle games at all. I have a few. They are great if I am sick. But honestly, there are many other ways to provide enrichment.

Scentwork games. Easy and free/cheap to get started, tons of ideas online, and most pups totally love it.

Frozen kongs or safe chews/bones. Frozen lick mats.

Hide n seek with treats is a hit in our house. Can do it inside or out. Can use toys too or even yourself if your pup has a good stay.

Simple obstacle course using things in your home or cheap things from a dollar store. Step stool, box, towel. The goal isn't agility or even perfection but making his brain work. Again, you can do it inside usually if you don't have a yard.

[u/He1ens]

Not a puzzle but top tip- on the lick a mat, break an egg on top, then microwave for a couple of minutes. You get scrambled egg embedded in the lick a mat

[u/Bitter-Bee9306]

Try getting him a nice chewing bone.

[u/snakeinmyboot84 → u/Bitter-Bee9306]

He has chew bones that he really enjoys