Teaching Your Dog New Tricks with Puzzle Toys and Treat Games
Training sessions can start to feel like homework for both of you. Puzzle toys and treat games make learning feel like play.
Part of my interactive dog feeder buying guide. See also: best interactive feeders for smart pets.
When Training Starts to Feel Like a Chore
Repeating the same command gets old fast. Dogs often lose interest when every session looks the same.
Short, varied sessions keep both of you interested. A puzzle toy gives you a natural break between commands, and the treat is a clear reward for effort.
What Most Training Routines Are Missing
Variety and reward. Puzzle toys add both, and give you a break from repeating commands.
Dogs learn well when the lesson feels like play. A game that rewards curiosity, such as lifting a lid or nudging a toy, gives you a lot of chances to praise your dog.
Teaching Tricks Through Puzzle Toys and Treat Games
Try a short game with the Honeycomb Puzzle Feeder: ask for a sit, then let your dog open a lid. Or use the Bear Treat Dispensing Toy for a rolling game after a trick.
Try a three step game. Ask for a sit, say your release word, then let your dog open a lid or nudge the toy. The puzzle becomes a reward for good manners.
Stop while your dog is still keen, and finish with a quick cuddle.
What Each Type of Toy Practises
A simple guide.
| Toy type | What your dog practises |
|---|---|
| Lids and layers | Patience and focus |
| Rotating cases | Problem solving |
| Tumbler | Nudging with the nose |
Making It Part of Your Routine
Pair games with short training sessions. More ideas are in my best interactive feeders for smart pets.
What age can I start using puzzle toys for training? Once your dog is eating solid food, start with something easy.
Do puzzle toys work for older dogs too? Yes. Many older dogs enjoy an easy puzzle.
How long should a training session with puzzle toys last? Five to ten minutes. End while your dog is still enjoying it.
Learning goes better when it feels like a game. Browse the Interactive Pet Toys and add a little fun to training.
Related interactive feeder guides
- Best interactive feeders for smart pets
- Interactive dog feeder buying guide
- Interactive dog feeder for active dog breeds
Shop the collection: Dogs and Cats Feeders
Let customers speak for us
Willow loves eating out of this leaf feeder! The construction is very good quality and feels solid/ not like it’s going to break. She is a picky eater and doesn’t normally eat full meals but will eat full meals out of this! Love the grippy bottom so it doesn’t slip. Nothing to complain about :)
Golden Luca is pretty and it has my name and phone number on the flip side.
I bought it for Bao Bei to help him eat slower, also have a unique feeding bowl
He is busy with it for hours and also I can fetch the toy when we want to spend time together
It made Sabar’s meal time more than double and I enjoy watching him eating from his unique bowl
My paw was eating too fast and this bowl helped me to fix this problem
It can keep my cat's busy for a long time, but it should be under supervised I think. Long time playing with it can make them tired!
Maki playing with her ball. 😀
I'm using this stuff to keep my puppy busy and happy everyday.
It keeps my puppy busy for more than 30 mins every time for a meal. and even after that she plays with it around as long as She get tired!
Fun "beginner level" toy. Works for cats too:)
Durable plastic, feels nice.
it is a bit hard on the walls but the cat just watches it. Does not interact with it. The ball works really well for what it is supposed to do.
If it was a bit softer the cat might enjoy it more.
I gave one to a neighbour who's dog loves it. She has a small dog so the size is just right.
Great bowl and such fun. Amazing the difference in time it now takes for my puppy to finish her meals. Much healthier for her! And she loves to play with it once it’s empty
Got this toy for my girl Archie and she absolutely loves it! It’s super durable, keeps her entertained for hours, and the treat dispenser is a fun bonus. Totally worth it
As soon as this ball comes out he gets very excited. The ball allows him to play by himself with the ball. His favourite toy by far.
