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Interactive Puzzle Games

If your pup is too smart for their own good, and tends to stress or destroy things when bored, try an interactive puzzle game. They call on dogs’ natural hunting instincts to engage their problem-solving skills. Hide food in the compartments, then let your pup spend hours figuring out how to unlock them to get at his treasured treat.

The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound puzzle game is a great option because it features three difficulty levels, is nearly indestructible and has no removable parts (which decreases choke risk).

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Lick Mats

If your dog loves to lick you, consider investing in a lick mat. Smear peanut butter, yogurt or wet dog food onto the surface of the mat, leave it on the floor or prop it on the wall, then let your little licker do their thing to get the food off.

Lick mats are great for relieving boredom and anxiety. They help maintain oral health, too, by gently rubbing against gums and teeth. The mats don’t replace brushing your dog’s teeth, but are a great addition to your brushing routine, since manual abrasion is the best way to reduce plaque accumulation in dogs.

One to try: LickiMat Wobble, which is durable, inexpensive and easy to clean.

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Treat Dispenser Balls

What dog out there doesn’t love treats? But if you keep doling treats out every time they look cute (which is always), then you risk adding extra pounds and shortening their lifespan.

Treat dispenser balls are a great way to allow the treat but work off the extra calories it’s delivering, too. The design is simple but genius: The more your dog plays with the ball, the more treats fall out for them to enjoy. The Volacopets Interactive Set offers great variety, allowing you to mix it up and see which type of dispenser your dog likes best.

Tip: To make this a low-calorie toy, try stuffing it with some of your dog’s daily kibble allowance.

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