Available to buy here:
Welcome back to Pet sacular! Today, we’ve got something that’s bound to keep your dog’s mind engaged and help with all that extra energy. We’re diving into the Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Treat Puzzle Enrichment Toy. This is a Level 2 Intermediate game designed to give your dog a challenge while they work for their treats. But does it really live up to the hype? Let’s find out!
The Outward Hound Dog Brick is a versatile treat puzzle, aimed at dogs who may not have experience with puzzles yet still want something to stimulate their minds. It’s built with mental stimulation in mind, helping bust that boredom by offering an interactive challenge. The game lets your dog flip lids, pick up bones, and move sliders to uncover hidden treats. It holds up to 3/4 cup of dog food, making it a great choice for mealtime enrichment, too. It’s a fun and stimulating way to slow down fast eaters and provide them with the mental exercise they need. This toy is made to be used as a puzzle feeder as well, so it doubles as an engaging tool during meals.
When I first set it up, I loved how easy it was to introduce to my dog. No complicated instructions—just set it up with some tasty treats and let your dog figure it out! It’s a perfect option for pups who are just getting into puzzles. In our testing, it provided a solid 15 minutes of mental stimulation, which, according to research, is equal to about 30 minutes of physical activity for your dog. I saw my dog’s energy levels shift from hyperactive to focused, which was a huge win.
Now, let’s get into the pros. This puzzle is well-built with durable materials that can withstand some enthusiastic digging and pawing. It also holds a decent amount of treats, so you can use it as a meal substitute for dogs that tend to inhale their food too quickly. The versatility in how your dog can interact with it—whether by flipping lids or moving sliders—really keeps it engaging. The added bonus is that it can help alleviate anxiety by redirecting your dog’s energy into something positive.
On the flip side, while it’s a great tool for mental stimulation, it might not be challenging enough for highly experienced puzzle-solvers. Dogs that are already puzzle pros might breeze through it too quickly, so the “intermediate” label might be a bit of a stretch for some. The lid openings can also be a bit tricky for some dogs to manage if they don’t quite have the coordination down yet.
As for value for money, it’s a decent buy. For the price, you’re getting a durable, well-thought-out puzzle that also doubles as a meal feeder. When you factor in its ability to engage dogs of different levels and slow down meal times, it offers solid value.
Let’s talk alternatives. If you’re looking for something a bit more advanced, there are plenty of tougher puzzles out there, but they come at a higher price point. On the other hand, if your dog is new to puzzles, there are cheaper, simpler versions of enrichment toys that could get the job done, though they won’t provide the same mental challenge. It’s all about finding the right balance for your dog’s needs.
In terms of build quality, the Dog Brick feels solid. It’s made of durable plastic and is designed to withstand lots of pawing, nudging, and gnawing. I haven’t had any issues with wear and tear so far, so I’d say it’s built to last if your dog doesn’t completely chew it to bits. Longevity shouldn’t be an issue unless your dog is a little too rough on toys.
I didn’t have to reach out to customer service, but from what I know of the brand, they have a reputation for standing behind their products. They offer good customer support for any issues that arise.
So, does this puzzle really deliver? Well, if you’re looking for something to engage your dog without going too complex, this is a solid pick. It helps with mental stimulation, provides a fun challenge, and can even help with behavior issues like chewing or barking.
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To wrap it up, the Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle is a great way to keep your dog entertained, mentally sharp, and maybe even slow down their eating. It’s easy to use, durable, and versatile enough to suit dogs at an intermediate skill level. It won’t be a forever challenge for every dog, but it’s a perfect start for beginners and a nice tool for slowing fast eaters.
Thanks for watching! The link to get the product is in the comments box below. If you have any questions or thoughts about it, leave them in the comments. I’d love to hear what your dog thinks of it. Until next time, stay pawsitive and keep your pets engaged with Pet sacular—where we bring the fun to pet care!
Available to buy here:
