FAQ: Toys for dogs

Start with the simplest level, where the treat is found quickly, so the dog succeeds and does not get frustrated. Once the dog has learned it, move on to more complex puzzles.

Fill a hollow rubber toy with kibble, treats or soft food; at first stuff it loosely so the dog gets its reward quickly. For an experienced dog, pack the filling tightly or freeze it so the activity lasts longer.

Fill a hollow rubber toy with wet food or soaked kibble, plug the opening and put it in the freezer for a few hours. A frozen filling keeps the dog busy longer and cools it on a hot day.

Yes, part of the daily food can be given through a toy or puzzle to keep the dog occupied. Count any treats and food put in the toy towards the daily ration so the dog does not gain weight.

A dispenser is a ball or other shape that releases kibble as it rolls, while a stuffable toy is filled with softer food that the dog licks or chews out. Both keep the dog busy, but a dispenser gets it moving more.

The dog may not understand what to do if the puzzle is too hard or the treat not tasty enough. Show how it works, make the task easier, use smellier treats and reward every attempt.

Wooden or plastic puzzles with small parts are best used only under supervision, because the dog may chew them. For a dog left alone, durable rubber stuffable toys it already knows are a better fit.

Rinse the toy in warm water with washing-up liquid and clean the inside with a bottle brush so no food is left. Many rubber toys can also go in the dishwasher if the manufacturer allows it.

The toy must be big enough not to fit entirely in the mouth and suit how hard the dog chews. A stuffable toy that is too small can get stuck in the mouth or throat, especially in a large dog.

In rare cases a dog's tongue or jaw can get stuck in a toy's opening, especially if the toy has only one hole and creates suction. Choose toys with two openings or an air hole, and if the tongue gets stuck, see a vet.

Older dogs do well with simple sniffing and search toys that do not require hard chewing or pawing. Mental activity helps them stay alert, so choose tasks that match their strength.

The simplest way is to hide treats under upturned cups, in a muffin tin under balls or rolled up in a towel. Supervise the dog so it does not chew up and swallow paper or cardboard.

Electronic toys that move, make sounds or release treats can keep a dog busy, but they contain batteries and small parts. Use them only under supervision and choose ones the dog cannot chew apart.

It is a mat with lots of fabric strips among which treats or kibble are hidden, and the dog finds them by sniffing. Sniffing is a natural, calming activity for dogs, so the mat suits both anxious and energetic dogs.

Shake out the crumbs and wash the mat in the machine on a gentle cycle or by hand, as the manufacturer instructs. Dry it very thoroughly, because moisture and food left between the strips soon start to smell.

Better not, because once it has found all the treats the dog may start chewing and swallowing the fabric strips. Give the mat under supervision and put it away after the session.

It is a rubber or silicone mat with grooves onto which soft food or another dog-safe food is spread, and the dog licks it for a long time. Licking is calming, so the mat is useful during bathing, nail trimming or storms.

Wash the mat with warm water and washing-up liquid right after use and clean the grooves with a brush. Many silicone mats can go in the dishwasher if the manufacturer allows it.

Wet food, soaked kibble or a small amount of other dog-safe foods work well. Avoid anything containing xylitol, onions, garlic, chocolate or grapes, as these are toxic to dogs.

Yes, especially a puppy or strong chewer, so give the mat under supervision and take it away once the dog finishes licking. Some mats have suction cups that attach to tiles or the side of the bath.