So-called intelligence toys for dogs are a great way to make the boring hours between walks exciting and entertaining for our beloved four-legged friends. However, the different levels of difficulty are a bit of a puzzle for us humans, because not every intelligence toy is suitable for all dogs. Here you can find out everything about the different categories and levels of difficulty.
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What exactly are intelligence toys for dogs?
Dog toys come in many forms. Usually a rope or a fetch bone is enough to make dogs happy, so why intelligence toys?
They are also known as thinking toys and that is what they are all about. The aim is usually for the dog to receive a treat after it has solved a more or less complicated task. The tasks can range from the relatively simple sniffing to more complex "strategy games" in which the dog has to solve various puzzles to get its treat.
This form of play is not only good against boredom, but also promotes your dog's mental abilities, thereby strengthening his ability to concentrate and think. Most of these games are based on the principle that the dog deserves a special treat .
What is the right intelligence toy for my dog?
So that your dog can play with the intelligence toy, it is important to buy a suitable one. Not every dog can handle the challenging thinking games right from the start. There are also toys suitable for smalldog breeds and, of course, for large dogs so that they cannot swallow small parts. For puppies, young dogs or completely inexperienced dogs, you should start with a simple thinking game, as their attention span is not very high and overexertion or frustration quickly leads to disinterest.
However, an intelligence toy for your dog is not a babysitter that you can let him play with alone so that he can have some peace and quiet. It is important to accompany him and support him if he cannot do it alone. This way you can strengthen the bond and avoid frustration and disinterest. This is the only way your four-legged friend will learn something from it.
To choose the right intelligence toy for your dog, the following points should be considered:
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Height Weight
The size and weight of the dog are also important factors in whether he can play with it at all. Levers, compartments or cones that are too small are simply difficult for large dogs to use or can even be dangerous if something is swallowed.
stability
Toys for dogs should always be very sturdy, but young dogs and puppies in particular have very sharp teeth , which not every material can withstand. A sturdy toy made of plastic is a good option here and is usually also dishwasher safe.
material
To ensure that your dog does not ingest toxic substances, the toy, if made of plastic, should not contain any plasticizers.
complexity
In the end, the deciding factor is whether your dog can solve the puzzle. Most manufacturers have a three-level system for this. Completely inexperienced four-legged friends should always start with level one.
Let's be honest: many of our beloved furry friends are not necessarily the smartest animals. Most dogs learn without any problems that they have to knock something over to get to the treat underneath. But when things get a bit more complicated, logical understanding often stops. Puzzles where they have to pull on something or even turn a switch are very difficult for many dogs. That makes it all the more important not to overwhelm the dog and to remain patient. Anyone who scolds their dog because it can't solve the puzzle is definitely doing it wrong.
The different intelligence toys
To give you an overview of the different thinking toys for dogs, we have put together 10 interesting intelligence toys for dogs.
Trixie Snack Ball
It is perhaps the simplest form of intelligence toy. The soft rubber balls made of natural rubber have a hollow space inside into which dry food or treats can be filled. By constantly moving and chewing on them, the dog can get the treat out of the ball. Most dogs figure out this puzzle pretty quickly, which means that the snack balls are suitable for almost all dogs. The snack balls come in different sizes and colors, although the latter is chosen at random and cannot be selected by the dog.
- approx. 6 €
- Level 1
- Washable
AWOOF sniffing mat
This type of dog toy is ideal for training tracking dogs. They are carpets with wide, thick fabric flaps that are meant to simulate a meadow or various pockets. If a treat is hidden, the dog will search for it using its keen sense of smell. A relatively simple task that most dogs don't find difficult. A good start into the world of intelligence toys and always a fun task for advanced dogs too.
- approx. 38 €
- Level 1
- Washable
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Trixie Dog Activity Solitaire
The "Dog Activity Solitaire" from Trixi offers a fairly simple task and is accordingly at level 1 on the difficulty scale. Most dogs quickly find the solution because they only have to take out the right one of seven cones with their mouths or knock it over to get to the treat underneath. If they find the treat straight away, they deserve praise. So that all dog sizes can have fun with it, this intelligence toy is available in two sizes, for small and large dogs. Thanks to its dishwasher safety, it is easy to keep clean. An exercise book is included.
- approx. 38 €
- Level 1
- Washable
Trixie Dog Activity Gambling Tower
The Dog Activity Gambling Tower is made for dogs of all sizes and consists of three “floors”. The floors of each “floor” can be pulled out using a loop, which causes the treat previously placed on it to fall down and be eaten. Similar to the solitaire, there are three hats distributed on the base plate, under which snacks can also be hidden. One disadvantage is its very low weight of just under 900 grams. This means that it slips easily and dogs may have more trouble with the lack of stability than with the puzzle itself. However, it comes with an exercise book and is dishwasher safe.
- approx. 20 €
- Level 1
- Washable
Trixie Dog Activity Push Away
This is where it gets a little trickier, because in addition to the cones like in solitaire, there are also plates that have to be moved in order to get the treat. But these can only be moved once two cones have been removed. This intelligence game is more suitable for small dogs. Here too, the low weight is a small disadvantage for stability. It comes with an exercise book and is dishwasher safe.
- approx. 10 €
- Level 2
- Washable
Trixie Dog Activity Turn Around
Dog Activity Turn Around is suitable for experienced dogs of all sizes. At first glance it looks like a swing, but instead of chains and a swing board, there are three containers attached to the crossbar. The treats that are filled into them fall out as soon as they are upside down. The containers can be modified with different lid openings - and the level of difficulty can be changed. Comes with an exercise book and is dishwasher safe.
- approx. 20 €
- Level 2
- Washable
Trixie Dog Activity Poker Box
This game combines different boxes and mechanisms. The dog has to use different techniques such as pushing, lifting or pulling to get the coveted treats. This is a real challenge in itself, but since there are several boxes and these can be combined with each other, it remains challenging and varied. Comes with an exercise book and is dishwasher safe.
- approx. 23 €
- Level 2
- Washable
Trixie Dog Activity Chess
This game has little to do with chess, but dogs may have to rack their brains just as much as we do with the game of kings (chess). This intelligence game is therefore for advanced dogs. Size doesn't matter here. The game combines various techniques such as sliding doors and cones, so the dog has to combine things a little more. Comes with an exercise book and is dishwasher safe.
- approx. 23 €
- Level 3
- Washable
Trixie Dog Activity Move-2-Win
It doesn't look like much, but this plate has a lot to offer. A lever opens drawers on the side in which the treats can be hidden. There are also two cones on the top. Overall, a challenging task for experienced dogs of any size. Comes with an exercise book and is dishwasher safe.
- approx. 23 €
- Level 3
- Washable
Trixie Dog Activity Memory Trainer
The Dog Activity Memory Trainer is basically a feeding machine that emits a sound and a small portion of food or treats when a button or remote control is pressed. The special thing is that the corresponding button can be placed anywhere and the further the button is from the feeder, the harder it is for the dog. Since the Memory Trainer can also be operated with batteries, it is also suitable for outdoor use.
- approx. 70 €
- Level 3
Conclusion
If you want to encourage your dog, you can offer intelligence toys as a great and varied alternative. This way, the breaks between walks become an exciting and educational pastime. If you start with small games and don't overwhelm your dog, you'll not only make him happy, but also yourself. Because what could be better than playing with your favorite four-legged friend?
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