How to choose a Nina Ottosson dog puzzle

Nina Ottosson is one of our dog’s favourite brands but with so many choices it can be hard to choose. Our advice is to start with what you want from the puzzles. Each toy has been designed for a slightly different purpose.

What are difficulty levels?

The first thing to know is that Nina provides difficulty ratings for all her games. These levels can help you pick a puzzle that is appropriate to your dog.

Nina defines them as:

1. Easy – Level 1:  Suits beginners, puppies, dogs who have never played before, and if you are unsure if your dog like puzzle solving for treats. Perfect as slow feeders for dogs
2. Medium – Level 2: Suits all kind of dogs, in all sizes and ages.
3. Advanced – Level 3: When your dog has mastered level 2 puzzles, you can move up to a more advanced challenging puzzle.
4. Expert – Level 4: When your dog has mastered level 3 puzzles, you can move up to the expert level. Congratulations and good luck!

Puzzle recommendations by size, skill, dog style

Below is Nina’s recommendation for toys depending on:

• Size of dog
• Flat nosed
• Beginners
• Clever and food loving
• Chewers or Rough Dogs (Like my boy Atlas)
• Puzzle’s to feed out of
• Injured and senior dogs

This doesn’t mean that the other games won’t work for your dog but should help get you started!

Beginners

Brand new to puzzle games? The recommendations above offer a variety of play options meaning you can start easy and work your way up. Before you know it you’ll be an expert and addicted to these puzzles like me..

Puppy recommendations

Playing games with your puppy is an awesome opportunity to have fun but also teach basics such as sit and stay. Nina recommends games that don’t have removable small parts which will reduce the risk of parts getting damaged or the puppy choking. You’ll find each game can be altered be even easier if needed.

Small or medium sized or breed dogs

Small breeds have the luxury of being able to use almost any of Nina’s puzzles.

Large sized or breed dogs

Similar to small or medium they can use all the puzzles however, as large breeds can be stronger we do recommend exploring the recommended ones.

Flat nosed dogs

We know having a flat nosed dog can sometimes be a challenge for toys and supplies. That’s why Nina has put this thought into her games. All toys should be suitable assuming your dog has a tongue that can reach. As it’s the tongue length that is important. To get started we still recommend you follow the above table.

Clever and food motivated

No longer a beginner and looking for more of a challenge? These games require the dog to be familiar with playing dog puzzles and to have the patience and understanding to solve the puzzle.

Chewers and rough dogs

All of Nina’s toys are super durable and I can definitely say this as an owner of two very large German Shepherds. However, nothing is indestructible. So there are some easy steps to reduce help these doggos destroying things.

1. Take time to teach your dog how to play the game by starting slow and easy
2. Don’t let them get frustrated. If they are frustrated make it easier by removing components or working with them
3. To slow down those rough dogs freeze treats in the compartments before play. This will force them to slow down and lick instead. Which will also calm them down.
4. Another way to slow them down is to force them to only play with their nose by placing the toy on a higher surface such as a chair or coffee table

Using puzzles as slow feeders

The puzzles listed above can fit a while dinner / breakfast including both wet and dry food. They can also all be frozen to slow down pup even more.

Nina also recently released two snuffle mats! Which are of great quality and are a great option to for brekky!

Injured dogs

These puzzles are great for injured dogs as they don’t require the dog to move around as much and can instead use their nose to work through the puzzle. They can also all be frozen with treats to instead work as a licki mat.