Puzzle Toy: Brain Games and Snuffle Mats to Keep Dogs Busy
Brain work leaves dogs tired and content. Here you'll find puzzle toys for dogs: games with flaps and turntables, snuffle mats, lick mats and treat balls.
Kerbl Sniff Rug Dog, Fleece Strips for Hiding Treats, 70 x 50 cm
Variants from €13.82
Regular price: €29.15 Kerbl Sniffing Mat Sunflower for Dogs and Cats, Washable, Non-Slip Base
Regular price: From €11.27
Kerbl Pet Turtle Puzzle Toy, Interactive Treat Toy for Dogs & Cats
Regular price: €12.09
Puzzle Toy: Exercise for Mind and Nose
Dogs don't just want to run, they also want to think and sniff. Just fifteen minutes of brain work can tire many dogs out as much as a longer walk. Here you'll find puzzle and learning toys such as Cake, Owl, Turtle, Switch and the Turnley turntable, snuffle mats such as Sunflower, a fleece strip mat and the Bowl 2in1, plus a frog with a lick mat and a treat ball.
Brain Games with Treats
With puzzle games, you hide treats under flaps, sliders or lids. Your dog has to work out how to get at them: by pushing, turning or lifting. This builds concentration and stamina and boosts its confidence when it finds the solution. Start with simple tasks and increase the difficulty slowly. Stay close at first, help if needed and praise every little success so your dog doesn't get frustrated and give up. Over time you will see how quickly it learns new tricks.
Sniffing and Licking
A snuffle mat appeals to your dog's fine sense of smell. You scatter dry food or treats between the fabric strips and your dog searches them out. This is relaxing, slows down eating and is great for rainy days. The Bowl 2in1 combines a food bowl with a search game. With the frog and its lick mat, you spread soft snacks over the surface: steady licking has a calming effect, for example after a walk or while practising being left alone.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a dog use puzzle toys?
Even puppies enjoy simple search games, for example on a snuffle mat. You introduce more complicated puzzles step by step. The key is that your dog experiences success and sessions stay short.
My dog chews the puzzle toy to pieces. What can I do?
Some dogs try to force the solution with their teeth. Always offer puzzle games under supervision, show your dog the solution and reward calm work with paw or nose. Put the game away once you have finished.
Can I take the treats out of my dog's daily food?
Yes, that is actually a good idea. Simply use part of the daily food ration for the search game. That way your dog stays busy without getting extra calories.
Brain Games and Sniffing Fun for Your Dog
Puzzle toys bring variety to your dog's day, even when the weather isn't playing along. With brain games such as Cake, Owl, Turtle, Switch or the Turnley turntable, you hide treats and your dog works out how to uncover them with nose and paw. Snuffle mats such as Sunflower or the fleece strip mat let it sniff out its food, and the Bowl 2in1 turns mealtime into a search game. The frog with its lick mat has a calming effect through steady licking, while the treat ball gets your dog moving because it has to roll it until the treats fall out. Start with easy tasks and build up slowly. Offer the games under supervision and use part of the daily ration as a reward so your dog doesn't put on weight. Short daily sessions are often enough to make your dog happily tired.