If you’re looking for a way to keep your furry friend entertained and mentally stimulated, then you should consider investing in mental stimulation toys for dogs. These toys can help prevent boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior by providing your pet with a fun and challenging activity to engage in. However, before buying any products, there are a few factors to consider.
Firstly, think about your dog's size, breed, and age when selecting a mental stimulation toy. Make sure it's designed for their specific needs. Consider the level of complexity of the toy and whether it will keep your dog entertained for a long time. Also, consider the durability of the toy and if it’s safe for your pet.
There are plenty of questions to ask when shopping for the best mental stimulation toys for dogs. Does the toy challenge your dog's cognitive skills? Does it require a lot of physical effort? Is it made from high-quality materials? And most importantly, will your furry friend enjoy playing with it? These are all important factors to keep in mind when selecting the right toy for your pet.
In conclusion, mental stimulation toys for dogs can be an excellent way to keep your pet happy, healthy, and well-entertained. When shopping for these toys, it's important to consider the specifics of your dog’s needs and preferences to find the best option for them. By doing some research and keeping these factors in mind, you can find a toy that will help keep your canine companion mentally engaged, challenged, and entertained.
10 Best Mental Stimulation Toys For Dogs
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This product is ideal for dogs who enjoy interactive play and need mental stimulation while receiving treats as a reward.
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The product is ideal for keeping dogs entertained and mentally stimulated while also satisfying their natural urge to chew and squeak.
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This product is ideal for providing mental stimulation and reducing boredom in dogs through treat embedding and interactive play.
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The product is ideal for mentally stimulating dogs, preventing boredom, and providing a challenge for puppies while teething.
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The product is ideal for keeping dogs entertained and mentally stimulated while providing exercise and reducing destructive behavior.
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The product is ideal for providing mental stimulation, boredom relief, and slow feeding for small to large dogs.
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The product is ideal for providing interactive play and stimulation for bored dogs through wiggles, vibrations, and barks.
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This product is ideal for mentally stimulating and providing treats to dogs of all sizes during training and playtime.
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It is ideal for providing mental stimulation and entertainment for dogs while dispensing treats.
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Ideal for interactive play and entertainment for dogs, creating fun giggle sounds when rolled or shaken to keep pets entertained.
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1. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy, Intermediate
The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick is a popular intermediate level 2 dog toy designed to keep your furry friend mentally stimulated and focused. It is a boredom-busting interactive puzzle that features additional obstacles and combinations of steps to challenge your dog's problem-solving skills as they search and sniff out tasty treats.
This puzzle dog toy comes with three types of treat hiding compartments to test your dog’s skills. The flip lid compartments open and slide to reveal two separate treat hiding spots, while removable brick bones conceal the third hidden compartment. Your dog will be entertained for hours as they flip, lift, and slide to uncover the hidden treats.
The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick is not only fun and rewarding for your dog, but it also encourages positive play habits. It is a great way to reduce anxious behavior and redirect destructive behavior.
Designed with your pet's health in mind, this interactive treat dog puzzle is BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free. It is made from food-safe materials that you can trust with your furry friend. You can easily clean it with warm water and soap between uses, ensuring your dog's safety and health.
It is important to note that no toy is indestructible. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. If the toy is damaged, it should be removed and replaced to prevent any harm to your dog.
2. Outward Hound Puzzle Cube Interactive Squeaky Dog Toy
The Outward Hound Puzzle Cube is a mentally stimulating dog puzzle that is sure to keep your furry friend entertained for hours. Designed with 2 removable squeaker balls and multi-sized openings, this puzzle toy is perfect for challenging your pup's problem-solving skills.
This versatile puzzle toy can be used in two different ways. Firstly, it can be used to challenge your pup's problem-solving skills to release the inner tennis balls. Secondly, it can be used for a game of toss and fetch with the squeaky balls.
The Puzzle Cube is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. The external TPE rubber cage and the inner Outward Hound signature squeaky tennis balls are durable and brightly colored for endless hours of fun.
Cleaning the Puzzle Cube is a breeze. Simply remove the tennis balls and rinse the outer rubber cage with warm water and mild soap.
It is important to note that no toy is indestructible. As such, it is important to not leave toys with unsupervised pets. If the toy becomes damaged, it should be removed and replaced.
3. Smartpup Rubber Ball: Interactive Mental Stimulation Toy
The IQ ball is a top-quality chew toy made of natural latex rubber, specifically designed to withstand substantial chewing. It is an excellent choice for dogs who have a natural instinct to chew. However, it is recommended for moderate chewers and not aggressive chewers.
The IQ ball is designed with a unique teeth and bar design that helps to clean your dog's teeth, preventing the formation of tartar and plaque while massaging their gums during chewing. This promotes dental health, keeping your furry friend's teeth healthy and strong.
This interactive and treat embedding ball is perfect for keeping your dog mentally and physically stimulated. The center of the IQ ball is specifically designed to hold small-sized dental chew sticks or bully sticks, prolonging playing time. It can also be used as a fetch ball, adding to its versatility. If you want to decrease the difficulty level for the treats to fall out, you can trim the openings with scissors.
The IQ treat ball comes in two different sizes, Large and Small, suitable for small, medium, and large dog breeds. It is recommended that you choose a size that is larger than the width of your dog's mouth. Proper supervision is advised when playing with all toys to ensure no accidental swallowing. It is not recommended for strong aggressive chew dogs, so please choose the size that is suitable for your dog.
If for any reason, the IQ ball you've purchased does not last as long as you thought it should, or if your dog shows no interest, contact the seller for assistance. The seller is always available to help and wants your furry friend to enjoy playing with the toy, keeping you both happy.
4. Puzzle Treat Dispenser: Mentally Stimulating Toy For Dogs
Introducing ALLRIER's durable dog toy, designed to cater to your furry friend's natural instinct of chewing. Made of non-toxic and bite-resistant TPR material, this chew toy is safe for your dog to play with and easy to clean.
The new design features a 360-degree TPR granular cleaner on the outside and a double-layered sharp tooth cleaning mechanism to clean your dog's teeth efficiently. Its powerful suction cup keeps the chew toy fixed, allowing for interactive training of your dog's bite force.
This two-in-one chew toy and suction cup design with varying hardness levels of the bite ball provides extra satisfaction while your dog chews, promoting healthier teeth and reducing bad breath and periodontitis caused by poor oral hygiene.
Do you worry about your furry friend's behavior when they're alone at home? The ALLRIER dog rope toy can help relieve anxiety and stress by keeping your dog occupied, preventing bad behavior resulting from long-term boredom. This toy also enhances your dog's enthusiasm and improves your relationship with your pet by increasing its intelligence and emotional expression.
It's important to note that the suction cup of this toy works best on smooth surfaces like tiles and glass and may not be suitable for rough surfaces like textured wood floors or whitewashed walls. If you have any questions about this product, the ALLRIER team is always happy to help.
5. Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy
Introducing the adjustable treat dispensing toy, the perfect addition to your furry friend's playtime routine. This innovative toy features a large chamber that can fit whole meals, providing a fun and engaging way for your pet to enjoy their food.
Designed with a weighted bottom, this toy wobbles and rolls unpredictably, stimulating your pet's natural hunting instincts and providing hours of entertainment. The new adjustment gate on the bottom of the toy is now larger and easier to adjust, accommodating a wider variety of kibble sizes.
Measuring at 5.4 inches in width, this toy is the perfect size for your pet to play with and carry around. Its adjustable features make it suitable for pets of all sizes and breeds, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of this amazing toy.
Made with high-quality materials, this toy is durable and built to withstand even the most enthusiastic playtime. It is also easy to clean and maintain, ensuring that your pet's play area stays hygienic and safe.
6. Brain Boost Dog Puzzle – Loobani Interactive Toy
Dogs are natural hunters, and they need to work for their food to stay mentally stimulated and healthy. However, when we provide them with food in bowls, we take away their job, leading to obesity, boredom, and separation anxiety. To address this, LOOBANI has introduced their Wooden Dog Puzzle Toys, designed to provide your dog with the mental stimulation they need.
LOOBANI Wooden Dog Puzzle Toys are an excellent choice for both puppies and senior dogs, helping with early brain development and mental stimulation to reduce the risk of decline over the years. They are also a great option for daily slow feeders for dogs who tend to inhale their food rather than chew it.
These interactive dog toys feature three bottles that hold yummy treats. Your dog must flip the bottles and keep them balanced upside-down to release the treats. While this is an intermediate puzzle, you can start with an easier version by removing the lids from the bottles.
The LOOBANI dog enrichment toys are made of durable bamboo and have three bottles connected to a heavy-duty base that won’t tip over as your dog tries to access the treats. They have three different heights for adjusting, allowing you to choose the suitable height for your dog.
With the capacity to hold about 8 cups of dog food in the three bottles and 11 cups of dog food in the spin bottle, LOOBANI interactive dog toys make great treat dispensing dog toys or food slow feeders. You can even put different dog foods or treats in the different bottles.
To make your dog's playtime even more challenging, LOOBANI has designed a snuffle mat compatible with their wooden dog puzzle toys. Once your dog has the hang of eating from their puzzle or feeder, you can increase the difficulty levels by making the puzzle through the holes of the snuffle mat. You can find the snuffle mat in LOOBANI's store or by searching for "LOOBANI Snuffle Mat."
7. Hyper Pet Interactive Doggie Tail Plush
Introducing the Hyper Pet Doggie Tail, a plush and interactive toy for dogs that wiggles, vibrates, and barks. This toy is designed to entice dogs of all ages to run, chase, play, and exercise, making it a great addition to your dog's toy collection. Whether you have a small, medium, or large breed, this dog toy is suitable for all sizes.
One of the most significant benefits of this toy is that it helps reduce anxiety and boredom in dogs. With its funny sounds and erratic movements, it captures your puppy or adult dog's interest, keeping them engaged for hours. The wobble and wiggle of the toy will keep your furry friend busy, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who want to keep their dogs mentally stimulated.
To activate the toy, simply pull out the tab and give it a hard shake. If the toy does not turn on, feel around for the ON/OFF switch located underneath the cover. Hold the button for two seconds and give it a hard shake. The ball will activate, vibrating and making noise for approximately ten seconds. Once this stops, the ball will reactivate when rolled, thrown, or played with. When playtime is over, press the button down to turn the dog ball off and preserve battery life. Videos are available to guide you through the activation process.
This interactive dog toy is battery-operated, which allows for prolonged play. To change the batteries, remove the plastic ball from the plush toy cover. Use the tab to open the giggle dog toy ball, remove the battery compartment, and insert three AAA batteries. The toy also has an automatic stop feature after a period without use to extend battery life. Batteries are included with the Hyper Pet Doggie Tail.
In addition, you can purchase additional Hyper Doggie Tail covers for your pet. Please note that the color of the Doggie Tail Plush may vary. It is important to always supervise your pet while in use to prevent any accidents.
8. Puppy Enrichment Treat Puzzle By Joansan.
Introducing the Interactive Dog Puzzle Toy, an entertaining and challenging brain game for your pets. This puzzle toy is perfect for puppies and cats who crave mental stimulation and enjoy a fun and interactive playtime.
Designed to encourage and train your pets to seek out food by sliding the parts, this toy helps to increase their IQ by teaching sequential steps and challenging play. The mental exercise game provides a fun physical and mental challenge for your pup. It trains your pet's sense of smell and thinking skills to solve problems, making it an interactive game that dogs will absolutely love.
The pet puzzle toy is a boredom-busting tool that keeps smart dogs and cats busy with more activities. It also helps to redirect destructive behaviors and teaches problem-solving skills. Your pets will have a blast and love the reward for a job well done!
In addition to being a fun and challenging game, the Interactive Dog Puzzle Toy also serves as a slow feeder and treat dispenser. It is a great tool for slowing down feeding time to aid your dog's digestion and prevent bloat. And as a treat dispenser toy, you can reward your dog with various healthy snacks while they enjoy the fun and healthy feeding experience.
The puzzle toy for dogs is designed with a cute and colorful aesthetic and made of non-toxic PVC material, ensuring its durability for long periods of playtime. It features non-detachable plastic sliders to avoid swallowing, making it safe for your pets. This toy is easy to clean with water and is perfect for your pet's daily healthy feeding routine.
9. Pet Zone Iq Dog Treat Ball Interactive Dog Toy – 4"
Looking for a toy that can keep your furry friend entertained and mentally stimulated? Look no further than this treat ball dispenser for dogs!
Available in two sizes – 3 inches for cats and small dogs (10 Pounds and up, not suitable for Toy Dog Breeds) and 4 inches for larger dogs – this interactive dog toy is perfect for keeping your pup mentally and physically active during playtime. As your dog rolls the ball around, they'll learn how to get the treats inside to fall out, making them smarter with each play session.
What's more, this toy is incredibly easy to use and clean. Simply fill it up with your dog's favorite dry treats or kibble, adjust the difficulty level using the adjustable interior disc, and watch your pup go to town! When it's time to clean up, the hard plastic construction disassembles easily for a quick rinse in warm soapy water.
But this toy isn't just fun – it's also a great way to encourage slower, healthier eating habits. The treat ball dispenser is designed to limit the amount of treats your dog gets while encouraging more extended playtime, making it a fantastic alternative to slow feeder dog bowls, lick mats, and snuffle mats.
So if you're looking for a toy that can keep your pup entertained, mentally stimulated, and well-fed, look no further than this treat ball dispenser for dogs. Just be sure to always supervise your pet while in use!
10. Giggling Wobble Ball: Pet-Favorite Interactive Toy
The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball is a fun and engaging toy suitable for dogs of all ages and sizes. With a diameter of 5.5 inches and 4 clutch pockets, it is easy for your furry friend to pick up during playtime. The ball's secret lies in its internal tube noisemaker that creates enticing "play-with-me" giggle sounds when nudged with a nose, keeping your pup engaged as the toy rolls around.
This interactive toy is designed to promote your dog's natural curiosity and instinct to play, keeping them happy, healthy, and fit. The giggle sounds emitted when rolled or shaken keep your pup entertained and active throughout the day, providing great exercise. You can use the Wobble Wag Giggle Ball both indoors and outdoors, adding versatility to your dog's playtime routine.
The ball's four clutch pockets allow your dog to easily pick it up during playtime. The internal tubes emit giggle sounds when rolled or shaken, adding to the excitement. Best of all, no batteries are required for sound, making it an eco-friendly and convenient choice for pet owners.
The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball has been tested by furry friends and has quickly become a favorite toy for dogs. They will love rolling and shaking this ball, and the Pets Know Best Collection assures its quality and durability.
Best Mental Stimulation Toys For Dogs FAQs
Are there any safety concerns to consider when selecting mental stimulation toys for dogs?
Yes, there are safety concerns to consider when selecting mental stimulation toys for dogs. It is important to choose toys that are appropriate for your dog's size, age, and chewing habits. Toys that are too small can become a choking hazard, while toys that are too hard or have sharp edges can cause dental damage. Additionally, toys with small pieces or strings can pose a risk of ingestion or entanglement.
When selecting mental stimulation toys for dogs, look for toys that are made from non-toxic materials and have been tested for safety. Avoid toys with loose or easily breakable parts, as well as toys with squeakers that can be easily removed and swallowed.
It is also important to supervise your dog while they are playing with mental stimulation toys, especially if they are known to be strong chewers. Regularly inspect toys for signs of wear and tear and replace them if they become damaged.
By taking these safety considerations into account, you can ensure that your dog's playtime is both mentally stimulating and safe.
Are there any specific breeds that benefit more from mental stimulation toys?
Yes, there are certain breeds of dogs that benefit more from mental stimulation toys. These breeds are usually highly intelligent and active, and require a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Some of the breeds that benefit from mental stimulation toys include Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Poodles, German Shepherds, and Labradors.
These breeds are highly intelligent and need a lot of mental stimulation to stay engaged and mentally healthy. Mental stimulation toys are a great way to provide this stimulation and keep your dog’s mind active. These toys can include puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive toys that require your dog to think and problem-solve to get to the reward.
If you have one of these breeds, it’s important to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation toys to keep them happy and healthy. You can also provide other forms of mental stimulation, such as training, agility, and obedience classes, to keep your dog’s mind active and engaged.
Are there any training techniques that can be used in conjunction with mental stimulation toys?
Yes, there are various training techniques that can be used in conjunction with mental stimulation toys to enhance a dog's cognitive abilities and overall behavior. One such technique is positive reinforcement training, where the dog is rewarded for exhibiting positive behavior while playing with the toy. This can include treats, praise, and even playtime with the owner.
Another technique is clicker training, where a clicker sound is used to signal to the dog that they have performed a desired behavior. This technique can be used while the dog is playing with the mental stimulation toy, such as when they successfully solve a puzzle or complete a task.
In addition, obedience training can also be incorporated with mental stimulation toys. This can include commands such as "sit" or "stay" while the dog is interacting with the toy. By combining these training techniques with mental stimulation toys, dogs can develop better problem-solving skills, focus, and obedience.
Can mental stimulation toys help alleviate boredom and destructive behaviors in dogs?
Yes, mental stimulation toys can be effective in alleviating boredom and destructive behaviors in dogs. Dogs are intelligent animals that require mental stimulation to keep them engaged and happy. When dogs are left alone for long periods of time without any stimulation, they can become bored and exhibit destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, and barking excessively. Mental stimulation toys such as puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive toys provide dogs with a challenging task that requires them to use their brain and problem-solving skills. These toys can help keep dogs occupied and mentally stimulated, which can prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. It is important to note that mental stimulation toys should not be used as a substitute for regular exercise and socialization. Dogs also need physical activity and social interaction to stay healthy and happy.
How do mental stimulation toys benefit a dog's cognitive development?
Mental stimulation toys are an excellent way to improve a dog's cognitive development. These toys provide a variety of challenges that require the dog to use its problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. By engaging in these activities, dogs can improve their memory, concentration, and decision-making skills.
One of the primary benefits of mental stimulation toys is that they can help to reduce boredom and anxiety in dogs. Dogs that are bored or anxious often engage in destructive behaviors, such as chewing on furniture or barking excessively. By providing engaging toys that stimulate the dog's mind, owners can help to prevent these negative behaviors.
Additionally, mental stimulation toys can help to improve a dog's overall mental health. These toys can help to prevent cognitive decline in older dogs and can help to improve memory and concentration in younger dogs. Mental stimulation toys can also provide a fun and engaging way for owners to bond with their pets and can help to build trust and confidence between the dog and its owner.
Overall, mental stimulation toys are an excellent way to improve a dog's cognitive development and mental health. By providing engaging challenges, owners can help their dogs to stay happy, healthy, and mentally sharp throughout their lives.
How do you determine which mental stimulation toy is best suited for your dog's needs?
When choosing a mental stimulation toy for your dog, it is important to consider their individual needs and preferences. Firstly, consider your dog's age, size, and breed. Younger dogs may need simpler, more basic toys to start with, while older dogs may require more challenging ones. Additionally, larger breeds may need sturdier toys that can withstand their strength, while smaller breeds may prefer toys that are easy to handle.
Next, think about your dog's personality and typical behaviors. Does your dog get bored easily or have a high energy level? If so, a toy that requires more physical activity, like chasing or pawing, may be best. If your dog is more of a thinker or problem-solver, look for toys that involve puzzles or require some level of strategy to access the reward.
Lastly, consider the materials and safety of the toy. Make sure the toy is made of non-toxic materials and does not have any small parts that could be a choking hazard. Always supervise your dog during playtime with new toys to ensure their safety.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which mental stimulation toy is best suited for your dog is to try out a few different options and observe their reaction. Remember, every dog is unique and may have different preferences when it comes to mental stimulation toys.
How do you introduce mental stimulation toys to a dog who has never used them before?
When introducing mental stimulation toys to a dog who has never used them before, it is important to do it gradually and in a positive manner. Start by introducing the toy to your dog in a calm and quiet environment. Encourage your dog to interact with the toy by placing it in front of them and praising them when they show interest. It may take some time for your dog to figure out how to use the toy, so be patient and give them time to explore.
Once your dog has become comfortable with the toy, you can increase the difficulty level by adding more challenging tasks. For example, you can hide treats inside the toy or make it more difficult for your dog to retrieve the treats. This will keep your dog mentally stimulated and engaged with the toy.
Always supervise your dog when they are playing with mental stimulation toys to ensure their safety. Additionally, rotate the toys regularly to prevent boredom and keep your dog engaged. By introducing mental stimulation toys gradually and positively, you can help your dog develop their problem-solving skills and keep them mentally stimulated and entertained.
How often should dogs play with mental stimulation toys?
Dogs are intelligent animals and it is important to keep them mentally stimulated to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Mental stimulation toys are a great way to keep your dog's mind active and engaged. The frequency of playtime with these toys depends on the individual dog's needs and personality.
As a general guideline, it is recommended to provide mental stimulation toys for dogs at least once a day for about 15-30 minutes. However, some dogs may need more frequent play sessions and others may be content with less. It is important to observe your dog's behavior and adjust the frequency of playtime according to their needs.
Additionally, it is important to rotate the toys to keep them interesting for your pet. Introducing new toys on a regular basis can also help keep your dog engaged and mentally stimulated. Remember to always supervise your dog during playtime and choose toys that are appropriate for their size and chewing habits.
What are some DIY mental stimulation toy ideas for dogs?
Dogs require mental stimulation to keep their minds active and prevent boredom. DIY mental stimulation toys can be a fun and cost-effective way to engage your furry friend. Here are some ideas:
1. Treat-dispensing toys: You can create a simple treat-dispensing toy by cutting holes in a plastic bottle and filling it with kibble or treats. Your dog will have to figure out how to get the treats out.
2. Snuffle mats: Snuffle mats are great for dogs who love to use their noses. You can make one by tying strips of fleece or fabric onto a rubber mat and hiding treats inside the knots.
3. Puzzle toys: Puzzle toys come in all shapes and sizes, and you can make your own by cutting holes in a cardboard box and filling it with treats. Your dog will have to figure out how to get the treats out.
4. Frozen treats: Freeze a mixture of chicken broth and dog-friendly fruits or vegetables in ice cube trays for a refreshing and mentally stimulating treat.
Remember to always supervise your dog when playing with DIY toys to ensure their safety. With a little creativity, you can provide your furry friend with hours of mental stimulation and entertainment.
What are the best mental stimulation toys for dogs?
Dogs are intelligent creatures that require both physical and mental stimulation to be healthy and happy. Mental stimulation toys are an excellent way to keep your dog entertained and mentally active. There are many different types of mental stimulation toys available on the market, but some of the best ones include puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive toys.
Puzzle toys come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common – they require your dog to solve a puzzle to get a treat or toy. These toys can range from simple puzzles to more complex ones that require your dog to use their problem-solving skills.
Treat-dispensing toys are another great option. These toys are designed to hold treats or kibble that your dog has to work to get out. This type of toy can keep your dog entertained for hours and is a great way to encourage your dog to use their brain.
Interactive toys are also a great option. These toys require your dog to interact with them in some way, such as pushing a button or pulling a lever to get a reward. These toys can be great for dogs that get bored easily and need constant stimulation.
Ultimately, the best mental stimulation toy for your dog will depend on their individual needs and preferences. It's a good idea to try out different types of toys to see what your dog likes best.