Hills Science Diet Small and Toy Dog

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21 Interactive Dog Toys to Challenge Your Pup

These games will have your old dog learning new tricks.

Outward Hound

Many smart dogs like collies, poodles, German shepherds, and Huskies can get destructive if they don't have enough mental stimulation. But you can solve that problem with the right playtime gadgets. The best interactive dog toys will keep your intelligent pup occupied and wear out their brain so they don't try to excavate your backyard for more entertainment.

If you have kids, you already know that they can get into trouble if left to their own devices. Dogs work much the same way, especially those who spend a lot of time alone while the rest of the family is at work or school. Luckily, your options for keeping your dog occupied go well beyond the basic ball and bone. Some dog-specific puzzle toys can help your pet eat more slowly, learn how to investigate hidden crevices and compartments, and best of all, tire them out in both body and mind.

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Activity Turn Around Dog Toy

If your dog wants a treat, they're gonna have to work for it. This toy might look like a scientific experiment, but it's an interactive twisting and turning dog game that releases treats when your pup has solved the puzzle.

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Seek-A-Treat Shuffle Bone Puzzle

As a pet parent, you might think your fur baby is smarter than all the rest, and now you can put their smarts to the test with this fun puzzle. If only human puzzles came with treats, too!

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Magic Mushroom Dog Toy

If your pup has too much energy — and uses that energy to get into mischief — then make him work for his food. Add treats or kibble into this dog toy and your pup will have to put in some energy to get his meal.

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Kibble Nibble Dog Toy

If your dog has the bad habit of gulping down all his food at once (I can relate), encourage him to slow down with this dog toy. Fill it with kibble, and your dog will have to roll it around for fun play time to access the kibble by little. At the end of mealtime, he'll be satisfied and the good kind of tired that comes after play.

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Hide a Squirrel Soft Toy

If your dog likes to dig or chase squirrels, embrace their natural tendencies with this adorable puzzle toy. Dogs can "find" the stuffed squirrels in their tree, then wiggle them out for hours of fun. It comes in a range of sizes and styles, so there's one to suit every playful pupper.

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Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy

Treat-motivated dogs will especially love this toy, which bobbles around as treats fall out. Depending on the size, you can even fit entire meals inside to keep your dog from overeating or making themselves sick by gobbling their food too quickly.

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Slow Feeder Dog Mat

Dogs who eat too quickly or those who are highly food-motivated will love this slow-feeder mat. It works well for helping dogs slow down at mealtime or as a fun treat delivery system if you fill it with peanut butter or other tasty nibbles. Try freezing it before laying it down for even longer use.

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Dog Casino Puzzle Toy

Your dog probably isn't much of a gambler, but this dog casino toy will feel as exciting to them as hitting it big at the slots. Pups push and twist the bones around to get the treat-filled drawers to pop open, rewarding them for learning how it works.

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Bone Ring Puzzle Toy

For an entry into the world of dog puzzle toys, look no further. This relatively easy toy involves hiding treats under bone-shaped compartments for your pup to uncover. It's relatively durable and you can wash it with soap and water to remove any excess food residue. Don't leave tough chewers alone with it though; it won't stand up to strong jaws.

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Treat Dispensing Dog Bone

Stuff this durable bone-shaped toy with kibble, a bully stick, or your dog's favorite treats to keep them engaged all afternoon long. The rubber material is incredibly durable, so if you have a tough chewer, this is the interactive toy for you.

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IQ Treat Ball

As your dog gets better at extracting kibble from this toy, you can adjust the level of difficulty so they can keep enjoying it for even longer. While it may be too tiny for large dogs, small-to-medium pups and even cats will love batting it around until the food falls out.

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Tug-A-Jug Rope Toy

For dogs who could play tug-or-war all day, try this food-dispensing toy. It comes with a jug at the end of the classic rope toy that scatters food as the dog plays. A textured rubber ring where the jar meets the rope will also help clean their teeth, as they try to get at the kibble inside. Because of its size, this toy works best for medium to large dogs.

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Brick Treat Puzzle Dog Toy

Dogs who like to figure things out will have a ball with this brick-style puzzle toy. Some compartments flip open to reveal treats inside, while the bricks slide to uncover even more tasty tidbits. This toy is also great for working on your dog's sense of smell.

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Wooly Snuffle Mat

Some dogs do best when fed outside their bowl, since eating too quickly can cause bloating and upset stomachs. If that sounds like your pup, try hiding their food in one of these mats. It can also help dogs learn how to use their highly sensitive sense of smell to find treats, if you're training them to follow their noses.

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Hexagon-Shaped Dog Ball

This no-frills, treat-dispensing ball will keep your dog busy without too many complicated bells and whistles. Fill it with treats that are slightly larger than the hexagonal holes for your dog to extract or use it empty as a fetch, tug, or chew toy.

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Sturdy Treat Dispensing Dog Chew

Strong chewers need sturdy toys, and this one from West Paw gets high marks. Fill it with kibble, peanut butter, or your dog's favorite goodies to keep her occupied when she's left alone or needs some mental stimulation. For even longer entertainment, freeze it first.

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Flip 'N Flap Interactive Dog Toy

For a toy that's as kind to the planet as it is to your pup, you can't go wrong with this flip n' flap treat-seeking option. This eco-friendly option is made of wood and comes with several compartments to hide your pet's favorite training treats or kibble. It can help keep them mentally stimulated and may even strengthen their cognitive abilities over time.

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Puzzle Cube Interactive Squeaky Toy

Make your pup work to play fetch with this cube that requires her to free two tennis balls first. The squeaky balls inside will motivate smart dogs to figure it out, and multiple exit points will keep them occupied for hours. With its bright colors, you also won't have to worry about losing it in the grass while playing outside.

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Zany Bunch Zany Ball

This soft, nubby toy will wiggle, twist, and jiggle all by itself with just a flip of a switch so your dog doesn't get as bored as they might with a plain old rubber ball. Tapping or touching the ball gets it moving and just one AA battery keeps the fun going and going.

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Talking Babble Ball

Busy pet parents, meet the ball that will play with your pet when you can't. Sensitive motion sensors can detect even your dog's breath, which will make it start talking to your pup. With more than 20 programmed taunts, the ball will entice pets to play and it turns itself off when they walk away.

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Pet Tooth Cleaning and Treat Dispensing Ball

This multitasking dog toy will help serve several functions in your pup's toy box. It's a treat dispenser, which will keep them busy while you're away. It also has scrubby nubs that will help clean your dog's teeth, so you can brush them less often. And it also offers long-lasting playtime as a chew toy, whether or not you fill it with goodies.

Lizz Schumer Senior editor Lizz Schumer is the senior editor for Good Housekeeping, and also contributes to Woman's Day, and Prevention, covering pets, culture, lifestyle, books, and entertainment.

Kelsey Hurwitz Assistant Digital Editor Kelsey Hurwitz is the assistant editor of WomansDay.com, and covers entertainment, holidays, pets, and good news.

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Hills Science Diet Small and Toy Dog

Source: https://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/g28471378/interactive-dog-toys/

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