5 Great Brain Games For Dogs

This post contains affiliate links.

Humans are constantly doing crossword puzzles, word games or even Sudoku to keep their mind fresh and functioning properly. It’s been found that playing games like these can help people focus better and combat memory loss, as well as improve their overall IQ.

Like humans, dogs can play brain games to help improve their mentality. Some games are better than others, and the following are some of the best games you can purchase to help your dog improve their brain.

1. Kyjen Dog Games Puzzle Paw Flapper

The Kyjen Dog Games Puzzle Paw Flapper is a great choice for your dog because it’s two puzzles in one. By putting treats inside and allowing your dog to earn the treats as a reward, you will easily have your dog hooked on trying to win this game. Not only does your dog have to try and figure out how to open each cartridge to get a treat, but they also have to figure out how to spin the toy to earn even more treats. This game will certainly entertain your dog for hours and help improve their mind.

2. Nina Ottosson’s Interactive Dog Toy

Nina Ottosson’s Interactive Dog Toy works similarly to the Puzzle Paw Flapper in that your dog has two different puzzles to figure out before earning their treats. Your dog will need to learn how to open and slide the “dog brick” in order to earn the tasty rewards you put inside, and it will keep them occupied for hours on end.

3. Seek a Treat Shuffle Bone Dog Puzzle

Place treats inside the hidden compartments of the Seek a Treat Shuffle Bone Dog Puzzle and see how long it takes your canine companion to figure out how to move the sliders to access the treats. This puzzle doesn’t have two different choices like the others on this list, but it still challenges your dog’s IQ.

4. Hagen Dogit Mind Games 3-in-1 Interactive Smart Toy for Dogs

If you have a medium or small dog, the Hagen Dogit Mind Games 3-in-1 Interactive Smart Toy for Dogs is a great toy for you. This toy has suction cups on the bottom to keep the toy in the same position so that your dog isn’t moving it throughout the house. These games include hide and seek, spin a whirl and a sliding puzzle. This game will easily keep your dog entertained for hours while also eliminating hyperactivity.

5. Planet Dog Mazee

The Planet Dog Mazee comes in a variety of different colors and is a great way to provide your dog with tasty treats and a mind puzzling game. Throughout playing with this ball, your dog will start to unlock pieces of the puzzle that will reward them with treats. The smarter your dog is, the more treats he or she will earn. This game will easily keep your dog busy and smarten them up. Plus, this product is completely safe and durable, and it was made in the USA.

As an added benefit, many games that are played with dogs can also double as training tools. Dogs love the attention and spending quality time with their master – so why not incorporate a new command or trick here and there to make things more interesting for your pooch?

Guest Author: Ashley Smith is a freelance writer, busy mom of 2 and a dog owner. Ashley uses her love of writing to share articles on a variety of topics.

Updated: March 24, 2014 — 6:22 am