lumiies® Journal · Dog activities
Puzzle toys for dogs: ideas for curious noses
Searching, smelling, working things out: dogs enjoy all of this by nature. A puzzle toy picks up exactly that behaviour and turns it into an activity for home. A nice addition to the walk, not a replacement for it.
What is a puzzle toy for dogs?
A puzzle toy is a dog toy that sets a task: search, smell, push, work it out. Unlike a ball you throw, the dog has to figure something out to reach the reward. That is what sets it apart from a classic toy.
This kind of toy is popular with owners of working breeds such as the Border Collie, Malinois or Australian Shepherd. It is used just as happily by people with a dachshund, a poodle or a mixed breed.
Good to know
Smell is a dog's leading sense. Where we humans take in our surroundings mainly through our eyes, dogs read them with their nose. That is why toys solved with the nose appeal so strongly.
The lumiies® Twisty Ball, the snuffle ball for curious noses. Outer material of double knitted cotton.
Five kinds of puzzle toy at a glance
The categories differ mainly in which sense they speak to and how much space and preparation they need. Here is an overview, honestly sorted.
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Snuffle ball
Treats are hidden between the fabric layers and the dog finds them with his nose. The lumiies® Twisty Ball is 15 cm across, washable and also works as a food dispenser. The difficulty rises simply by hiding the treats deeper.
For small to large dogs -
Snuffle mat
Same principle, different shape: treats between long strips of fabric. It needs floor space and is less handy, but it makes a good change from the ball.
For dogs who like to root about -
Puzzle feeders and activity boards
Boards with sliders, lids or levers. Here the focus is on working things out rather than on the nose. Many dogs have the mechanism sorted after a while, so several difficulty levels are worth having.
For tinkerers -
Fillable toys
Toys you fill with wet food, yoghurt or treats, and frozen they last longer. A classic for quiet spells at home.
For puppies and older dogs -
Search games and nose work
Hide treats around the flat, play cup games or take a nose work class at dog school. It costs nothing, you can start today and you can make it as hard as you like.
For all dogs
What the Twisty Ball is made of
When you are choosing between the categories, it helps to look at the concrete details. These apply to the Twisty Ball.
- Solved with the nose, not with a mechanism
- Adjustable difficulty, the deeper the treats sit, the harder it gets
- Outer material of double knitted cotton, polyester filling
- About 15 cm across, easy to grip for small to large dogs
- Washable at 30°C on a delicate programme
- Also usable as a food dispenser for the daily portion
- Not a chew toy, not suitable for strong chewers
A tip from practice
Variety keeps the interest up: the snuffle ball today, a search game around the flat tomorrow, a short training session the day after. That way each version stays exciting.
Which dogs suit a puzzle toy?
In principle any dog who likes to search and sniff. In some situations owners reach for one especially often.
Working breeds
The Border Collie, Malinois, Australian Shepherd, Husky and Jack Russell were bred for tasks. They take to search work readily. The walk is untouched by this and stays part of the day.
Dogs in a city flat
Without a garden there are fewer chances for a quick free sniff. A snuffle ball works in any flat, with no noise and little space needed, alongside the daily walks outside.
Older dogs
Even when the walks get shorter, the nose stays interested. Search games work at your dog's pace and in his own spot.
Rainy days and quiet afternoons
When the long walk falls through, a search game is a nice way to keep your dog busy indoors.
One note: if your dog seems restless over a longer period, if his behaviour changes suddenly or if he copes with less than usual, please speak to your vet. A toy is no substitute for a check up, and no substitute for enough exercise outdoors either.
The Twisty Ball
The snuffle ball for curious noses. Hide treats or dry food between the fabric layers, let your dog sniff, enjoy it together. In three colours: Berry, Matcha and Ocean Twist.
Frequently asked questions about puzzle toys
What is a puzzle toy for dogs?
A dog toy that sets a task: search, smell, push or work something out. The dog has to figure it out to reach the reward. With the lumiies® Twisty Ball that happens through the nose, with treats sitting between the fabric layers.
What is the difference between a snuffle ball and a puzzle feeder?
A snuffle ball is solved through the sense of smell, a puzzle feeder through a mechanism such as a slider or a lid. Both are sensible options, they simply call on different skills. The lumiies® Twisty Ball is made from cotton and washable at 30°C.
Is a snuffle ball also a chew toy?
No. The lumiies® Twisty Ball is made for sniffing and searching, not for chewing. It is not suitable for strong chewers or dogs with very sharp teeth. Please never leave your dog unsupervised with a toy and take it away if it is damaged.
Which dogs is the Twisty Ball suitable for?
For small, medium and large dogs of any age, from puppy to senior. At about 15 cm across it is easy for every sniffing nose to get hold of.
How often can my dog play with it?
Short, regular sessions usually make more sense than rare long ones. Watch your dog, he will show you when he has had enough. Puppies and older dogs need shorter sessions.
Can I use the snuffle ball for feeding?
Yes, that is a popular use. Put dry food into the lumiies® Twisty Ball instead of the bowl. Your dog works for the portion and stays busy longer than at the bowl.
How do I wash the Twisty Ball properly?
At 30°C on a delicate cycle with a mild detergent for coloured laundry, ideally inside a wash bag such as the Gentle Wash Bag. Then let it air dry, not in the tumble dryer.
In short
A puzzle toy turns what dogs already enjoy doing into an activity for home. A snuffle ball is the simplest way in, because it works with no preparation and no training. The lumiies® Twisty Ball is our suggestion for it: three colours, washable, for small dogs and large ones.
To the Twisty Ball
