Think about your pet’s personality. Like people, every dog has its own personality and quirks. If you have a smart, quizzical pup who needs a challenge to stay entertained, consider a more advanced puzzle. If your dog is younger and easily gets bored or frustrated when they can’t figure out a toy, start with a simpler puzzle.
Watch how they play with their old toys. If your dog likes to chase a ball around, pull a toy from a hiding place, or play tug-of-war, look for a puzzle that includes similar activities.
Think about what you want to accomplish with the puzzle. If your goal is to keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated, almost any puzzle will do. But if you’re hoping to slow down their eating by putting dinner in a puzzle, you’ll want to make sure you get one big enough to hold a serving of their food. If you want to keep them busy while you groom them or trim their nails, find a stationary puzzle that they don’t have to chase.
Find strength. If you have a dog that tends to be an aggressive chewer or is otherwise tough on their toys, look for a puzzle that can withstand some wear and tear.
Make sure you get the right size. Some dog puzzles come in multiple sizes for small, medium, and large breeds. Make sure you check the size of a toy before you add it to your cart.
