Using Puzzle Toys to Stop Destructive Behavior in Dogs

Chewed shoes or baseboards, torn cushions, and toilet paper shredded across the living room floor - sound familiar?

If your dog has ever turned your home into a demolition zone, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: these behaviors aren’t signs of a “bad dog.” More often than not, they’re a cry for more stimulation. Dogs need more than just physical exercise - they need mental workouts too. And that’s where puzzle toys come in.

Puzzle toys are one of the most powerful (and fun) tools I recommend for dog enrichment. They tap into your dog’s natural instincts, engage their brain, and provide an outlet for energy that might otherwise be channeled into destructive behavior. And best of all? They give your dog a job to do - one that doesn’t involve destroying your home.

Why Dogs Engage in Destructive Behavior

Dogs don’t destroy your belongings out of spite. It’s usually due to boredom, under-stimulation, anxiety, or simply a lack of appropriate outlets. Especially when dogs are left alone for extended periods or don’t get enough physical and mental activity, they find their own entertainment. Unfortunately, that entertainment often involves your favorite slippers, walls or baseboards.

Different breeds and mixes have different needs.

Here are just a few examples:

• Border Collies & Australian Shepherds – thrive on problem-solving and need regular mental challenges.

• Golden Retrievers & Labradors – love mouth-based work like carrying, retrieving, and licking puzzles or scent games.

• Terriers – enjoy digging, tearing, and figuring things out; puzzles that mimic hunting-disection work great.

• Sighthounds – enjoy calm, visual challenges or scent games with minimal movement.

• Beagles & Scent Hounds – love snuffle mats and any scent-driven games.

• Mixed breeds – may need a blend of options to satisfy varied instincts. I love encouraging my clients to get their mixed breeds DNA tested - to help with determining what could help them. 

  
  

So when choosing enrichment tools, it’s important to consider your dog’s breed tendencies, personality, and preferred play style.

How Puzzle Toys for Dogs Help

Puzzle toys give your dog something constructive to do with their time and energy. Instead of chewing up a rug out of boredom, they can spend 20–30 minutes working on a foraging puzzle, and are usually tired after that.

They work by:

• Encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking.

• Mimicking natural foraging behaviors.

• Creating a sense of accomplishment and calm after play.

• Reducing stress and anxiety through focused activity.

  
  

Mental enrichment like this often triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins - feel-good chemicals that help regulate your dog’s emotions. Endorphins create a calming effect and help dogs self-regulate, making puzzle play especially helpful for anxious or high-strung dogs.

Even passive toys like frozen Toppls or stuffed Kongs can contribute to emotional regulation. The repetitive licking and chewing motions release calming neurotransmitters and reduce cortisol, similar to how some humans feel better after a stress ball session or rhythmic movement.

Some dogs even show measurable improvements in overall mood and behavior after incorporating puzzles into their daily routine.

Foraging like nature intended – sniffing their way to satisfaction

Different Types of Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys range from simple to complex, and choosing the right one for your dog is key. Here’s a breakdown:

Beginner

• Snuffle mats: Encourage natural sniffing and foraging. Great for first-timers.

• Treat-dispensing balls: Roll and drop treats with movement.

• Simple hide-and-seek cups: Place a treat under a cup and shuffle.

Pros: Easy to use, low frustration.

Cons: Some dogs figure them out quickly - but you can then move on to the next level soon.

Roll, chase, snack, repeat – our dogs kind of enrichment

Intermediate

• Kongs or Toppls (frozen or stuffed): Add complexity and time by freezing them. Make sure while freezing to add a straw into the holes of the Kong, to avoid potential suction. 

• Basic sliders or flip lids: Dogs must move parts to find the food. 

Pros: Adds duration and complexity.

Cons: Can get messy, needs supervision.

Advanced

• Multi-step puzzles (like from Nina Ottosson): Require sequences of actions.

• Puzzle boxes: Dogs must open latches, pull drawers, or turn dials.

Pros: Ideal for experienced dogs or high-drive breeds.

Cons: May cause frustration if introduced too early.

How to Introduce Puzzle Toys Properly

Start simple. Don’t hand your dog an advanced puzzle on Day One - they might give up and walk away. Instead:

• Choose a puzzle that matches your dog’s experience level.

• Supervise your dog the first few times. Help if needed.

• Keep sessions fun, short and successful to build confidence.

• Rotate puzzles every few days to keep them novel.

Common mistakes include:

• Starting too hard – leading to frustration or disinterest.

• Leaving puzzles out all day – they lose their novelty and value.

• Giving puzzles after meals – your dog may not be food-motivated if already full.

  
  

Instead, try offering puzzles when your dog is a bit hungry, or use their meal in the toy itself. Build up gradually.

Some dogs will need encouragement and coaching. You can even turn it into a bonding activity by playing together initially.

Behavioral Benefits Backed by Science

Studies have shown that mental enrichment through puzzle toys and food-dispensing devices can:

• Decrease boredom-based behaviors like chewing and digging.

• Reduce signs of anxiety and restlessness.

• Improve problem-solving skills over time.

In some shelters, dogs who had daily puzzle toy sessions were calmer, barked less, and were adopted more quickly.

A Real-Life Example: Meet Charlie

Charlie, a 3-year-old Labrador mix, was chewing furniture and digging through the trash every time his humans left the house. After introducing puzzle toys during alone time (starting with snuffle mats and frozen Toppls), Charlie’s destructive behaviors dropped significantly. Within weeks, he began looking forward to alone time. The mental workout gave him an outlet - and a job.

A calm mind starts with a well-stuffed Kong

Tips for Success

• Start small, build up.

• Use puzzle toys as mealtime replacements to manage weight.

• Keep it fun - never force your dog to engage.

• Use frozen options in summer to help dogs stay cool.

• Clean toys regularly (after each use), especially those that use wet food. Many can go into the dishwasher. 

If you’re worried about overfeeding, simply use your dog’s regular kibble as the puzzle filler. No need to add extra calories!

Troubleshooting: What If My Dog Isn’t Interested?

• Try warming the food slightly to boost aroma.

• Use higher-value treats or small bits of cheese, hot dog, or freeze-dried meat.

• Make the puzzle easier to start with - remove barriers or show them where the food is.

• Sit down and engage with the toy yourself - many dogs get curious when you’re excited about it.

• Use it when your dog is most alert and hungry, like before mealtime or after light exercise.

Summer treat delivery - straight to the cool spot

Summer Twist: Cool Enrichment Ideas

Here in Colorado, summer gets hot.

Try:

• Frozen treat trays: Use ice cube molds with wet food, kibble, or broth.

• DIY frozen puzzles: Stuff and freeze a Kong or Toppl.

• Splash games: Drop kibble into a shallow kiddie pool or water bowl.

One of my favorites? Blend a banana with a spoonful of peanut butter and a splash of water, pour into a Toppl or ice tray, and freeze. Simple, nutritious, and fun to lick on hot afternoons.

Hercinina licking a frozen puzzle treat

These seasonal options help keep dogs mentally and physically comfortable.

Conclusion

Puzzle toys aren’t just fun - they’re a simple, science-backed way to reduce destructive behavior, support your dog’s mental health, and strengthen your bond. Whether you start with a snuffle mat or a Toppl, the key is consistency and creativity.

Need help choosing the right puzzles or want to see some in action? Reach out to me! I’m always happy to guide you through enrichment options that suit your dog’s needs and lifestyle.

A job well done – post-puzzle nap achieved