Train your dogs brain and keep them occupied with an intelligence toy. When your dog is mentally busy it can help them feel more balanced and relaxed.
Behavioural researchers were able to demonstrate impressive thinking in dogs and when it comes to intelligence, dogs rank in the forefront of domestic animals. Dogs can count up to five, understand between 150 and 250 different words and mentally empathise with other individuals.
For some dogs going for walkies is not enough: they need metal activity. And sometimes the weather doesn’t allow you to go for a long walk. If a pet isn’t challenged it may start to get bored. Permanent lack of stimulation can even lead to frustration and sometimes to behavioural abnormalities. However, this can be easily prevented.

Most dog toys are based on a simple reward principle, whereby they are motivated by snacks. The dog can only reach hidden treats in the toy by manipulating it in a certain way. This is done, for example, by pressing the buttons, opening flaps or moving lids. The tossing of objects or pulling on a rope can also be part of the task. Sometimes even an element has to be rotated: this is particularly demanding.
There are various degrees of difficulty, in which the dog has to form chains of thought and has to follow different “if – then” steps before he gets the treat.

• Snack balls are the simplest version of dog toys for intelligence tasks: when the ball rolls around snacks are sprinkled out. If your dog gulps down its food snack balls are also a good option so that your four-legged friend eats more slowly.
• Hiding games: the snack is hidden from the dog’s sight under a small cone for example. The dog has to remember where the snack is and find it.
• Fiddly toys: Interactive play boards, towers or tube constructions where the food is hidden behind flaps or in little drawers that can be opened in different ways are also loved by cats. The animal not only has to know where the treat is, but also how the mechanism works.

Time spent together is the best activity for you and your pet. Instead of only playing catch with your dog you can play together with an intelligence. Watching your dog gradually get closer to the solution is entertaining. If the pet still needs a little help at first it also strengthens the bond. You’ll see that after a few repetitions tasks that were challenging the first time and that the dog had to think about for a long while are easier now – your dog grows with its intelligence toy.
But intelligence toys can also occupy and distract your dog if you need them to be entertained. For example, if you leave a rattling snack ball for your dog to play with your four-legged friend will be busy for a while. And after the ball is emptied, your pet can enjoy a well-earned nap. However, you shouldn’t leave your dog on its own with an intelligence toy: observe how your dog plays with it and whether it is actually fun.
Tip for using a snack ball: make sure that your dog cannot roll the snack ball under a piece of furniture so that play time is not over quickly.

Always ensure that the toy does not contain any small parts that can be swallowed and consists of stable materials that are free of harmful substances. The size of the toy or how durable it is will be different from dog to dog. Wood and robust plastic are generally a good choice. An educational toy for the dog should also be hygienically cleanable so that it can remain in use for a long time.
Intelligence toys are available in different degrees of difficulty: make sure you don’t over-challenge your dog and get it frustrated. Start with a dog toy for beginners and go from there. The size of the toy should suit your four-legged friend. Small breeds may have problems using some products. If, on the other hand, parts of the toy are difficult to access, large breeds may have difficulties getting to their well-deserved treats. Or the product is not durable enough for your dog.
In the Maxi Zoo online shop you can choose from a large selection of intelligence toys for your dog. Order a suitable new toy and have your products delivered conveniently to your home.