Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Get a Dog Interested in Puzzle Toys: 7 Effective Tips & Tricks

Dog playing toy puzzle_Lenti Hill_Shutterstock

One way humans like to keep their brains sharp and prevent boredom is by diving into various types of puzzles. This can go for your dog, too. There are plenty of interactive puzzle toys designed specifically for dogs that help feed their curiosity and provide them with some much-needed mental stimulation.

The benefits of puzzle toys are incredible, but how do you get your dog interested in puzzle toys in the first place? We have some tips and tricks below to help you pique your dog’s interest and get them started with these handy toys.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

The 7 Tips and Tricks to Get a Dog Interested in Puzzle Toys

1. Keep it Simple

When you are first introducing your dog to puzzle toys, make sure you keep things as simple as possible. Some puzzle toys will be more challenging than others, so if you have one that has different difficulty levels, be sure to start on the easiest level and work your way up.

Certain dogs may be up for the challenge right from the get-go, but others may not be willing to take on an unfamiliar challenge that doesn’t provide them with an immediate reward. If the toy contains treats, make sure they can get to them easily at first.

Dog playing sniffing puzzle game for intellectual and nosework training
Image Credit: Alexei_tm, Shutterstock

2. Show Your Dog How It Works

If your dog is showing no interest in the challenge of a particular toy, show them how it is supposed to work. Get their attention and once they are fixated on you, show them how it works by doing it yourself and make sure they see the reward at the end of the puzzle.


3. Test Out Different Puzzle Toys

There is a wide variety of puzzle toys available, so you may have to try out a few to see which style suits your dog’s interest. Consider your dog’s toy preferences when deciding on which puzzle toy to try out. Does your dog like playing with balls? If so, get a puzzle toy that has a ball included.

A lot of puzzle toys use treat motivation to keep them entertained. These toys will vary in difficulty and ultimately lead your dog to get a treat or food item (such as peanut butter) as a reward.

Smart dog is looking for delicious dried treats in intellectual game
Image Credit: Lenti Hill, Shutterstock

4. Keep the Toy Put Away When Not in Use

To add more value to a new puzzle toy, keep it put away until playtime. When your dog has constant access to a certain toy, it can quickly lose its appeal because it’s always available. You will add an element of excitement to playtime when you only pull out the toy during certain, happy occasions.


5. Show Excitement and Give Praise

Your dog is highly affected by your energy and emotions, and you can use this to help get them excited about their new puzzle toy. Each time you take out the toy, use lots of excitement and enthusiasm so they have a positive association with the toy and can share in your excitement.

Once your dog starts actively engaging in play with the puzzle toy, use lots of praise to reinforce to them that this is what you want them to do.

Bulldog playing with owner
Image Credit: ChickenStock Images, Shutterstock

6. Keep Play Sessions Short

Dogs are intelligent creatures, and they can become bored very easily, even when it comes to playing. A lot of dog trainers recommend short training sessions that only last 15 or less to keep their focus and prevent them from becoming distracted.

If you want your dog to have more interest in their new puzzle toy, bring it out when you’re ready for playtime and keep that time short and limited to prevent boredom and distractions.


7. Use Their Favorite Treats

Most puzzle toys use treats as a motivation to get them to solve the puzzle. If your dog is lacking interest in a particular toy, try putting their favorite treat in there to see if you can get a response.

If your dog is not treat-motivated, you may have to go a different avenue and try a puzzle that isn’t geared toward treats. There are plenty of options available and depending on your dog’s interest, you are sure to find something that works.

jack russell terrier having treats
Image Credit: Reddogs, Shutterstock

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Benefits of Using Puzzle Toys

There are plenty of benefits that puzzle toys offer to both dogs and their owners. Here’s a quick look at some of the reasons you should offer puzzle toys to your dog.

Helps Alleviate Boredom

Whether you are busy doing things around the house, or you must leave your dog at home for a while you are out and about, puzzle toys can be a highly effective way to alleviate their boredom and keep them occupied while you aren’t presently engaging with them.

These toys are designed to give them a challenge, which stimulates them both physically and mentally. The more challenging the toy, the longer your dog will be occupied. Boredom can lead to many unwanted behaviors, so it’s always good to have entertainment handy.

Provides Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Dogs should be getting at least 30 minutes or more of exercise each day, which can be difficult to fit in if you have a busier schedule. Puzzle toys are one way to keep your dog physically -and mentally stimulated since they bring about new ways of being active.

Acts as a Distraction for Separation Anxiety

Numerous dogs suffer from moderate to severe separation anxiety when they are apart from their human family. Puzzle toys can help distract these dogs from feeling anxious by keeping them preoccupied as they try and solve their puzzle and get their treat or reward. An experienced veterinarian can give you some great advice on other possible ways to distract your dog.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

Great for Fast Eaters and Those with Sensitive Stomachs

Some puzzle toys are designed specifically for dinner time. Puzzle feeders are a great way to slow down eating and help aid in digestion. These crafty, maze-like bowls are not just made to keep your dog stimulated, but they are great for that too.  The challenging setup keeps them from gulping down mouthfuls of food, which can help prevent regurgitation and bloat.

Prevents Destructive Behaviors

Last but not least, interactive puzzle toys can significantly help reduce destructive behaviors that result in damage and ruin to various household items. Destructive behavior can be a result of fear, boredom, or anxiety and puzzle toys can help alleviate these issues by keeping them occupied, distracted, and entertained.

purebred white miniature poodle engaged in mental stimulation activity foraging for food in the snuffle mat
Image Credit: Ryan Brix, Shutterstock

divider dog faces oct 2024

Summary

If your dog doesn’t take naturally to puzzle toys at first, there are plenty of ideas you can implement to help get them into it. Thankfully, there is no shortage of variety so even if your dog doesn’t like a certain style, you have plenty more you can try out for size. Puzzle toys are not only great for their mental health but their physical health, too.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: Lenti Hill, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

When Is the Best Time to Spay or Neuter Your Dog? Vet-Approved Timeline

Spaying and neutering have a laundry list of benefits that definitely outweigh the disadvantages. So, for many pet parents, it’s not a matter...

Does Pet Insurance Cover Heartworm Treatment? Standard Policies & FAQ

One of the most important things when owning a dog is to take them for regular vet checks to ensure their health is...

Brown Border Collie: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

Border Collies come in many coat colors and patterns. You won’t find many with brown-colored coats, but certain breeders focus on them. Brown...

Abnormal Dog Stool: Our Vet Discusses Signs, Causes & Treatment

Many dog owners might be uncomfortable having to think (or talk) about their dog’s bowel movements. But the truth is, a dog’s stool...

More related

Why Do Dogs Anal Glands Fill Up? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

If you have ever noticed your dog rub their butt on your carpet, it can be a sign of an uncomfortable condition called...

Are Dogs Allowed on Destin Beaches in 2025? Rules & Location Guide

During the warmer months, it’s difficult to keep our minds off of the beach—especially those pristine beaches in Florida. Destin, Florida is among...

Checkups Dental Dog Treats Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls & Verdict

Review Summary Checkups Dental Dog Treats are a top choice for attentive owners focused on their dogs’ health. Though they won’t replace the...

Evolve Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary If you’re looking at different food brands, and trying to decide what would work best with your pooch—let us introduce you...

Keep reading

Can You Put Bacon Grease on Dog Food? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

While your dog probably works up a pool of drool every time you start frying some bacon, do not add the grease from the pan to your dog’s food. Bacon grease is rich, fatty, and salty—all things that should be...

bacon grease in hot pan

Jiminy’s Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

Review Summary Introduction Insects are full of essential proteins and nutrients and are a sustainable food source. Jiminy’s uses crickets to provide dogs with an excellent source of protein. It is also beneficial for dogs with food allergies and is...

Dogster_Jiminy’s Dog Food Review

8 Best Foods for Yorkie Puppies In 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Yorkies are known as some of the world’s smallest dogs. While they aren’t technically the smallest dogs out there (that award goes to the Chihuahua), they’re small enough that finding food for them can be a real challenge, especially when...

Yorkshire terrier puppy sitting on green summer grass with empty metal bowl

Is Insect-Based Dog Food Safe for My Pet? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Does the thought of eating a cricket or grasshopper make your stomach churn? Despite the “yuck” factor, many bugs are protein-rich. While you may not be interested in eating bugs, your dog might be! Insect-based pet food has hit the...

French bulldog eating from a bowl

Can Dogs Eat Frosted Flakes? Vet-Verified Facts & Nutrition Guide

While Frosted Flakes are a popular breakfast food for both children and adults, they’re not so great for dogs. Frosted Flakes don’t add any nutritional value to a dog’s diet, and the added sugar can lead to health complications if...

Can Dogs Eat Frosted Flakes

Can Dogs Eat Mexican Rice? Vet-Verified Facts & Tips

It’s not unusual for people to search for ideas on new things for their dogs to eat. Pet owners want their dogs to enjoy new things from time to time instead of routine dog food. Considering that rice is often...

Can Dogs Eat Mexican Rice

Can Dogs Eat Bread? Vet-Verified Types & Risks

Humans have enjoyed bread since ancient times. It is a staple in most households, and we’ve derived so much pleasure from eating it. But if you’ve been thinking about sharing some with your dog, you want to ensure dogs can...

Can Dogs Eat Bread

What Can Shih Tzus Eat? Vet-Approved Feeding Guidelines

Anyone who’s lived with a Shih Tzu can attest to the fact that it’s really hard to resist feeding them when they’re giving you the sad, puppy dog eyes. These toy breed dogs have big personalities, and they’re exceptionally talented...

Hungry Shih Tzu puppy holding an empty bowl