Dog Brick Treat Puzzle Enrichment Toy review in 2025


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When it comes to caring for your dog, enrichment is a key factor that promotes mental stimulation, problem-solving skills, and overall happiness. Just like humans, dogs benefit from activities that engage their brains and allow them to focus, think, and learn. One excellent way to achieve this is by introducing puzzle toys into their routine. Among the best of these is the Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Treat Puzzle Enrichment Toy, which provides an exciting and challenging way to engage your dog’s mind.

In this detailed review, we’ll dive deep into the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick puzzle, discuss its features, benefits, and how it can improve your dog's mental well-being. We will also explore the game’s design and functionality, compare it to other similar toys on the market, and provide an honest assessment of whether it's worth adding to your pet’s toy collection.

What is the Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle Toy?



The Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle is a treat-dispensing, interactive puzzle toy designed to mentally stimulate dogs and keep them entertained for extended periods. This puzzle is a Level 2 Intermediate game, meaning it offers a moderate challenge for dogs that are already familiar with basic puzzle toys but need something to further engage their cognitive abilities.

The Dog Brick puzzle has compartments and sliding blocks that conceal treats. Your dog must figure out how to slide the blocks open or flip the compartments to access the treats hidden inside. This promotes problem-solving skills, patience, and keeps dogs mentally active while rewarding them for their efforts.

The puzzle is intended to be a fun way to enrich your dog’s life, prevent boredom, and reduce destructive behavior that often occurs due to lack of stimulation. It’s also an excellent choice for training and rewarding your dog during play sessions.

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Features of the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle Toy



1. Level 2 – Intermediate Difficulty
The Dog Brick puzzle is categorized as a Level 2 intermediate game, which makes it ideal for dogs that have some experience with puzzle toys but are ready to take on a more challenging activity. Unlike beginner-level toys, Level 2 puzzles require more focus, problem-solving, and physical dexterity to open the compartments and reveal the treats inside.

2. Treat Compartments and Sliding Blocks
The puzzle has a series of hidden compartments and sliding blocks, each one designed to hold treats. Dogs must manipulate the blocks and lids to uncover the food, which encourages them to use their noses, paws, and brains to figure out the best way to access the rewards. The sliding blocks are smooth and easy for dogs to move, but they still present a challenge, as they must move them in specific directions or combinations.

3. BPA-Free and Safe Materials
The Dog Brick puzzle is made from durable, non-toxic materials. It is BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, ensuring that your pet is safe from harmful chemicals while playing. The materials are also designed to withstand chewing, making it suitable for dogs that may be a bit rough with their toys.

4. Encourages Problem-Solving and Cognitive Stimulation
By offering a puzzle that requires both mental and physical involvement, the Dog Brick puzzle keeps your dog engaged and stimulates their brain. These toys are not just for fun; they also offer cognitive benefits by allowing dogs to use their natural problem-solving skills. Solving the puzzle can help improve focus and boost mental well-being.

5. Non-Slip Base
The bottom of the puzzle has a non-slip base, which helps keep the toy in place as your dog tries to manipulate it. This is especially useful for dogs that tend to get excited during playtime and might push or move their toys around. With the non-slip feature, the puzzle stays put and ensures that your dog can focus on solving the puzzle without the toy sliding across the floor.

6. Easy to Clean
The Dog Brick puzzle is easy to clean, which is essential for keeping it in good condition for repeated use. The puzzle can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and the compartments are easy to access for cleaning between puzzle sessions. Additionally, the materials used are resistant to food buildup, which helps maintain hygiene.

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Benefits of Using the Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle



1. Mental Stimulation and Cognitive Health
The Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle helps to engage your dog’s brain, promoting mental stimulation that is just as important as physical exercise. Mental stimulation can tire a dog out just as effectively as physical exercise, making it an ideal option for days when you can’t go on a long walk or need to keep your dog entertained indoors.

Regular use of puzzle toys helps prevent mental stagnation, reduces the risk of developing behavioral problems, and can even delay the onset of cognitive decline in older dogs. For dogs who are naturally curious and enjoy figuring things out, puzzle toys like this one are a great way to give them an outlet for their energy.

2. Alleviates Boredom and Prevents Destructive Behavior
Dogs that aren’t mentally stimulated may resort to destructive behavior, such as chewing on furniture, digging, or barking excessively. The Outward Hound Dog Brick puzzle provides a much-needed alternative that occupies your dog’s time and energy in a productive way. By giving them a challenge to focus on, you can help prevent boredom and the unwanted behaviors that often come with it.

3. Encourages Healthy Eating Habits
Puzzle toys are also a great way to slow down fast eaters. If your dog tends to eat too quickly, the Dog Brick puzzle forces them to work for their food, slowing down the process. This can help reduce the risk of obesity and improve digestion, as it promotes slower, more mindful eating.

4. Great for Training and Bonding
The Dog Brick puzzle can be an excellent training tool. By teaching your dog how to solve the puzzle, you can strengthen your bond with them through positive reinforcement. When your dog successfully opens a compartment and retrieves a treat, praise and reward them with affection. This reinforces the behavior, and over time, your dog will begin to associate problem-solving with positive outcomes.

5. Versatile for Different Dog Sizes and Breeds
The Dog Brick puzzle is suitable for dogs of various sizes, as it doesn’t require a lot of space to use. The design allows for multiple configurations, making it versatile for different breeds and their unique problem-solving skills. Whether you have a small or large dog, they can all benefit from the challenge the puzzle offers.

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How to Use the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle Toy



Using the Dog Brick puzzle is simple, but there are a few tips that can help you maximize its effectiveness:

  1. Start Slow
    If your dog is new to puzzle toys, start with a few easy-to-reach treats and let them explore the toy. Don’t expect them to solve the puzzle right away—let them figure out how the puzzle works at their own pace.

  2. Increase Difficulty Gradually
    Once your dog gets the hang of the puzzle, you can start increasing the difficulty level by hiding treats in more challenging compartments or adjusting the puzzle layout. This keeps your dog engaged and provides ongoing mental stimulation.

  3. Supervise Playtime
    Always supervise your dog while they are using the puzzle, especially at first. Some dogs may become frustrated or overexcited, and it’s important to monitor their behavior to ensure they are using the toy safely.

  4. Regular Use
    For the puzzle to be effective, it should be used regularly. Incorporate it into your dog's daily routine to keep them mentally sharp and entertained.

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Cleaning and Maintenance



The Dog Brick puzzle is easy to clean, which is important for hygiene, especially if you use it regularly. After each play session, you should wipe down the puzzle with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or food particles. If necessary, you can rinse the puzzle under water, but make sure it is thoroughly dried before storing it away.

Pros and Cons of the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle Toy

Pros:

  • Engaging: Provides mental stimulation and cognitive benefits.

  • Durable: Made from safe, non-toxic materials that are built to last.

  • Adjustable Difficulty: Great for dogs of varying skill levels.

  • Encourages Problem-Solving: Helps improve focus, patience, and critical thinking.

  • Non-Slip Base: Ensures the puzzle stays in place during playtime.

  • Easy to Clean: Low maintenance with simple cleaning instructions.

  • Promotes Healthy Eating: Helps slow down fast eaters and provides a rewarding experience.

Cons:

  • May Require Initial Training: Some dogs may need guidance on how to use the puzzle effectively.

  • Not Ideal for Extremely Destructive Dogs: Though durable, very aggressive chewers may damage it over time.

  • Intermediate Difficulty: May be too challenging for dogs who are not familiar with puzzles.

Comparison with Other Puzzle Toys



While there are numerous puzzle toys available on the market, the Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle stands out due to its intermediate difficulty and treat-dispensing design. Unlike basic toys that simply dispense food, this one requires your dog to engage with the puzzle itself, making it a more mentally stimulating and interactive experience.

Other popular puzzle toys, such as the Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board or PetSafe Busy Buddy Twist 'n Treat, are also excellent options but may offer different levels of difficulty or construction materials. The Dog Brick puzzle is unique in that it can be modified to suit your dog’s growing abilities.

Where to Buy the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle

The Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle is available on Amazon. With the convenience of quick delivery and often competitive pricing, it's a great option for dog owners looking to purchase this enrichment toy.

Buy Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle on Amazon 

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Final Verdict: Is the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle Toy Worth It?

In conclusion, the Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle Enrichment Toy is a fantastic option for dog owners looking to provide their pets with mental stimulation and a fun challenge. It is well-suited for dogs of intermediate skill levels and provides an engaging way to keep your dog occupied while improving their problem-solving abilities. The durable, non-toxic materials and easy-to-clean design make it a great addition to any dog’s toy collection.

If your dog enjoys puzzle toys and you want to take their playtime to the next level, the Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Puzzle is definitely worth considering. It’s more than just a toy—it's an opportunity to keep your dog mentally sharp, entertained, and satisfied.

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