Stimulating Toys To Make Your Puppy Smarter
Puppies need mental stimulation just like humans do. The right toys can provide mental and physical exercise that will stimulate your dog’s brain and boost their intelligence. Here are some fun and stimulating toys to help increase your puppy’s IQ.
1. Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle
This is our puppy’s favorite toy. It will provide hours of fun to keep your pup amused. Our pup loves trying to pull the squirrels out of their plush tree house. Once he gets a squirrel in his mouth, he likes to show them who’s boss by squeaking the squeaker over and over. Then he will bring me a squirrel and stand there with the squirrel in front of him nudging it toward me with his nose until I pick it up and toss it so he can play fetch. This goes on for a while. Like I said, hours of fun. Our dog never seems to get tired of this toy. So, as far as I’m concerned that’s money well spent!
Our Hide A Squirrel plush dog toy is both cuddly soft and an interactive game! Stuff the trunk with squirrels, then let your dog sniff and hunt for the Squeakin’ Squirrels hiding inside. The tree trunk is also compatible with a fun variety of refill animals. Once your dog removes the squirrels from the trunk, toss them around for a game of fetch!
- 6 squeaky squirrels included
- Soft plush
- Challenges problem-solving skills
- Mentally stimulating
- Positive outlet for energy
- Multiple sizes and styles available
- Compatible with refill animals
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2. Kibble Dispensing Ball
This is a toy that rewards your dog the more he/she plays with it. I have seen several kibble dispensing balls. But this one is the best! It unscrews in the center to make adding the kibble easy. It also has clear windows so that your dog can see the kibble rolling around inside. There are openings on two sides to make the treats flow easier. Plus you can trim the flexible prongs on each opening to increase the flow of treats or allow for larger treats. In short, this is a simple but well thought out toy that will “treat” your dog well.
The Busy Buddy Kibble Nibble appeals to your dog’s natural instincts by enticing him to actively engage in mealtime. It stimulates your dog’s sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste. He can see and smell the food and hear it rattle. Dogs are positively rewarded when kibble dispenses from the two patented Treat Meter™ openings, which can be adjusted to dispense kibble more rapidly if your dog finds the toy too challenging.
- SLOW FEEDER: Great for dogs who eat too fast or need a little help managing their weight; toys hold up 3.5 cups of food
- REDUCES STRESS: Treat dispensing toy gives your dog hours of playtime
- MADE FOR HEAVY CHEWERS: Created for dogs who live and love to chew
- CUSTOMIZE TREAT DISPENSING: Patented Treat Meter randomly dispenses treats or dry food while your dog plays; the flexible prongs can be trimmed to increase the flow of treats
- EASY TO USE: Just twist apart the two sides, fill one side with kibble or treats, twist the two sides back together and let the good times roll; top-shelf dishwasher safe
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3. Kong Puppy Tire
This is another great treat dispensing toy that you can fill with your dog’s favorite treats or use (dog-safe) peanut butter. Try putting it in the freezer to increase the challenge. My puppy loves to chew on his Kong tire even when there’s no treats in it.
The new KONG Puppy Tire is an extension of the most popular KONG Classic Puppy line. Building on the success of the popular KONG Tires for adult dogs, this toy uses KONG’s exclusive puppy rubber formula specifically designed to ease teething gums. The stuffable inner track creates a mental challenge for puppies while teaching correct chewing habits. Freeze for a greater challenge.
- Teething Puppies: The natural KONG Puppy soft rubber formula is designed to ease puppy's baby teeth and gums.
- Great For Stuffing: The KONG Puppy Tire is even more enticing and mentally stimulating when stuffed with KONG Puppy Easy Treat, Puppy Snacks or peanut butter.
- Fetch Toy: This soft rubber tire shape is strategically designed for fun games of fetch and teaching appropriate chewing behaviors.
- Made In The USA. Globally Sourced Materials. Assorted Colors: This toy comes in either pink or blue.
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4. Chuckit Ultra Ball (2 pack)
This is the best ball for dogs, as it is designed to withstand a lot of chewing. It comes in various sizes for different sized dogs. This is on our list of must-have dog toys. For even more fun, get the Chuckit! ball launcher made by the same company.
Designed for the most demanding use, the Chuckit! Ultra Ball is not your dog’s ordinary ball. Simply put, this is the best ball for the game of fetch. Developed to have high bounce, high buoyancy, high visibility and high durability.
The Chuckit! Ultra Ball promises to outplay the ordinary. Can be used in the water and is designed specifically for the game of fetch. Features an extra-thick rubber core and quality material that floats.
The bright color gives increased visibility and helps to prevent the ball from getting lost. Compatible with Chuckit! Launchers. Size 2 inches.
- ULTRA BOUNCE BALL: This squeaker ball toy for dogs entices play with fun sounds & high-bounces. Play fetch at the lake or pool thanks to the lightweight, buoyant design. Compatible with Chuckit! ball launcher.
- TOUGH & DURABLE: Rubber ball for dogs has a textured surface & a thick rubber core for aggressive chewers yet is soft on dog's mouths.
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