Golden retrievers crave the attention and company of humans and other dogs. They are fun, playful creatures that like to be involved in engaging activities. They don’t like to sit around in the corner all by themselves, doing nothing. So, if you have to leave your golden retriever alone at home for hours on end, you can probably imagine how bored it may feel. Interactive games, like puzzles and fun toys, can help alleviate this boredom and give your dog some mental stimulation.
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
The 5 Best Puzzle and Boredom Toys for Golden Retrievers
This blog post reviews the best puzzle and boredom toys for golden retrievers that every golden retriever owner should consider getting if they have to leave their golden retrievers by themselves for extended periods of time.
1. Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Toy
Say goodbye to hide and seek and say hello to the new game in town – hide and squeak by Outward Hound. This is a fun puzzle game that will keep your goldie busy for hours. The game features a stuffed tree trunk with squishy squirrels in the body of the trunk. Your golden retriever will have to pull the squirrels out one by one. Keep stuffing them back in and watch your pet fetch them again and again.
This boredom-buster is available in three major sizes – small, large, and extra-large, making it the perfect boredom toy for puppies as well as older dogs.
Pros
- Provides mental stimulation to pets
- Fun, challenging game
- Made from soft, squishy material
- Available in three sizes
Cons
- Excessive chewing might cause the toy to tear
2. OurPets IQ Treat Ball
OurPets IQ Treat Ball is a puzzle game made for smarter dogs like golden retrievers. To encourage your pet to play with this puzzle, you need to fill the ball with kibble or some other treats. Your dog will have to roll the ball around and figure out the best way to get it to dispense the treats. As your dog gets smarter and finds it easier to get at the treats, you can tighten the ball to make it more difficult for your golden retriever.
Made from hard plastic, the ball is incredibly sturdy and can withstand rough and tough play. It also comes with a customizable interior disc that allows you to tighten or loosen the ball to adjust the difficulty level of this puzzle toy. Plus, cleaning the toy becomes a lot easier since the ball can easily twist apart.
Pros
- Promotes active feeding and a healthy lifestyle
- Made from strong, non-toxic plastic
- A customizable IQ ball
- Easy to use and clean
- Mentally stimulating for dogs of all ages
Cons
- Small dogs may get their mouths stuck in the treat dispenser’s opening
3. PetSafe Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Dog Toy
If you’re looking for one of the best puzzle and boredom toys for golden retrievers, then the Tug-A-Jug Meal-Dispensing Dog Toy is a toy that you need to consider. The toy is made from a long-lasting, non-toxic material that can withstand prolonged use. The sustainable plastic bottle comes with a rubber wrap that slides up and down with ease. As an added bonus, it’s made from nubs and braided with cotton ropes, all of which promote the dental health of your dog.
What makes this toy one of the best puzzle and boredom toys for golden retrievers, you ask? Well, you can fill this toy with your pet’s favorite treats, and your golden retriever will have to figure out how tugging on the rope can cause the toy to release the treats. Not only is this great mental stimulation for your dog, but it also encourages healthy eating habits.
Pros
- Promotes multi-sensory stimulation
- Made from durable and non-toxic components
- Promotes canine dental health
- Available in three sizes – extra small, small, and medium/large
- Fun and enjoyable
Cons
- Only small treats can fit through the neck of the toy
4. Hide and Slide Puzzle
This puzzle and boredom toy for golden retrievers will help keep your dog mentally stimulated for a long time. The invigorating puzzle features sliding blocks and flippers with hidden compartments that store treats for the dog. When your pet manages to open up one of these hidden compartments, they’re rewarded with their favorite treats.
This dog puzzle is made from wood, which means that it’s sturdy and durable and withstand prolonged playtime. With seven different compartments, you can store different kinds of treats to keep your pet thoroughly entertained.
Pros
- Has no removable parts
- Made from real wood
- Fun and interactive
- Easy to clean
- Mentally stimulating puzzle
Cons
- Available in only one size
- May not be suitable for golden retriever pups
5. Trixie Mad Scientist Turn Around Interactive Dog Toy
The Trixie Mad Scientist Turn Around Interactive Dog Toy is a toy that comes with three beakers and lids with holes. Each bottle is filled with small treats that your pet has to retrieve by flipping and balancing the bottle. With this game, you’ll get a chance to uncover the playful and intelligent side of your pet.
The set comes with a base and frames that are easy to set up. It also comes with a set of lids that can be mixed and matched to increase the difficulty level of the puzzle.
Pros
- Fun and tricky
- Best for playful, intelligent dogs
- Made from a non-slip rubber material that keeps the puzzle in place
- Comes with one year warranty
- Safe and reliable
Cons
- May not be suitable for golden retriever pups
What to Look for When Buying Puzzle Toys for Your Dog
1. Interactive and Challenging
A good puzzle and boredom toy for golden retrievers should be tricky and challenging enough to keep your goldie interested in it for extended periods of time. Because golden retrievers are clever and highly intelligent, a game that promotes their mental stimulation is the best option.
2. Durable and High Quality
Dogs love to chew and carry around their toys, which means that they’re eventually going to break down due to the extended wear and tear. If you want your golden’s puzzle and boredom toy to last for a long time, you need to ensure that it’s made with sturdy and durable materials. Also, ensure that the toy is safe to play with. The toy shouldn’t be made from toxic or hazardous materials.
3. Sets Up and Packs Up Easily
Look for a toy/puzzle that is easy to set up and pack away. Games that are hard to assemble may waste a lot of your time. Such games are also difficult to travel with. Therefore, it’s best to go for compact and portable puzzles/toys for your golden retriever.
Our Final Thoughts
Experts are of the view that mentally stimulating games are key to a dog’s happiness, and rightly so. Both indoor and outdoor games help keep your furry friend active. Various studies also show that less playtime leads to uncontrollable or destructive behavior. Therefore, every pet owner must consider keeping their pets engaged and mentally stimulated with various puzzles and boredom toys. Puzzles are highly recommended as they keep your pet mentally fit and stop the onset of boredom.
