The Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Brick is an interactive puzzle toy designed to provide dogs with hours of mental stimulation and fun. This Level 2 intermediate enrichment toy offers a 3-in-1 challenge with easy, medium, and hard play options, making it a great boredom buster for dogs of all skill levels. Featuring multiple engaging actions—lifting bones, flipping lids, and sliding compartments—it doubles as a slow feeder to encourage healthier eating habits. Give your pup a rewarding and entertaining experience while supporting their cognitive development with this best-selling puzzle from the Outward Hound Store.
We’ve always believed our dog deserved more than just physical exercise—mental challenges matter too. Our retriever mix would demolish regular toys in minutes and then pace around looking for something to do. We needed a boredom buster that would keep her occupied without constant supervision, and we were tired of flimsy plastic toys that cracked or broke within weeks. Finally, we found this dog puzzle, which is an interactive treat toy.
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The Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson dog puzzle is an interactive treat toy designed for canine mental stimulation and enrichment. This Level 2 intermediate puzzle offers three levels of difficulty, making it perfect for beginners or pups who are ready to move beyond basic toys. It’s designed for dogs of all ages who need mental exercise to stay happy and engaged.
That’s when we discovered this dog puzzle from Nina Ottosson and Outward Hound. It transformed our afternoons from chaotic zoomies to focused, calm problem-solving sessions. Instead of anxious pacing, our pup now settles down with purpose, working through each compartment to find her rewards.
The Dog Brick measures approximately 12 inches long by 8 inches wide and 2 inches tall, making it compact enough for apartment living but substantial enough for larger breeds. It’s made from BPA-free, food-safe plastic that we appreciate for its durability and easy cleaning—critical for us since kibble and treat crumbs can get everywhere. The puzzle holds up to 3/4 cup of dry food or treats, which is just right for a meal replacement or extended play session. The design includes removable bone-shaped pieces, flip-open compartments, and sliding blocks that reveal hidden treat chambers, giving your dog multiple ways to engage and problem-solve.
What We Honestly Loved
The first thing that impressed us about this dog puzzle was how well this hidden treat toy fits into our living room without looking like typical pet clutter. The bright colors—blue, orange, and white—are cheerful without being garish, and the compact footprint means we can store it on a shelf or under the coffee table when not in use. The design feels intentional and well thought-out, not like a cheap afterthought.
Setting up the dog puzzle is something we do together as part of our routine now. One of us loads the compartments with kibble or small training treats while the other distracts our pup, building anticipation. The bone pieces lift out easily, the sliding blocks move smoothly, and the flip lids snap shut securely enough that our dog has to work for it—but not so tight that she gets frustrated. The whole process takes under a minute, and we love that the difficulty can be adjusted by blocking certain compartments or removing bones entirely.
In terms of real-world durability, we’ve been using this interactive dog puzzle toy daily for over three months. Our 50-pound retriever isn’t gentle—she’s a determined chewer—and while she has left some light scratches on the plastic, nothing has cracked or broken. The pieces all still fit snugly, and the sliding mechanisms work just as smoothly as day one. We did notice the toy can slide around on hardwood floors when she’s really focused, so we place it on a rubber mat now. According to Nina Ottosson’s official site, these dog puzzles are designed with both safety and longevity in mind, and we’ve found that to be true. For more ways to enrich your pet’s environment, check our guide on complementary enrichment tools.
Setup & Care Tips
- Start easy: For first-time users, leave all the compartments open and let your dog see the treats. Once they understand the game, gradually increase difficulty by closing lids and adding the sliding blocks.
- Wash weekly: We hand-wash ours with warm soapy water every week and let it air dry completely. Avoid the dishwasher—high heat can warp the plastic and affect how smoothly the pieces move.
- Rotate with other toys: To keep the challenge fresh and prevent boredom, we only bring out this pet puzzle game 3-4 times per week, alternating with other enrichment activities.
- Supervise initially: Watch your dog the first few sessions to ensure they’re not trying to chew or destroy the pieces. If they get frustrated, step in and help them succeed so they stay motivated.
Is It Honestly Loved?
Yes—the Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson dog puzzle is a smart, well-built investment that delivers real value for pet parents who want more than a basic toy. At around $15-20, it sits in that perfect middle ground between flimsy dollar-store gimmicks and expensive electronic feeders. The build quality is solid enough to withstand daily use from determined dogs, yet affordable enough that you won’t stress if your pup is rougher than expected.
This level 2 dog toy is ideal for apartment dwellers who need quiet enrichment activities, busy couples who want to tire out their dog mentally before work, and anyone with a food-motivated pup who eats too fast. It’s also fantastic for senior dogs who need gentler exercise or puppies learning impulse control. That said, if you have an aggressive power-chewer who destroys Kongs in minutes, this might not hold up long-term. And if you’re looking for a completely silent option, be aware that sliding pieces and dropping bones do make some noise on hard floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take a dog to complete this treat puzzle?
Most dogs take 5-15 minutes to work through all the compartments, depending on experience and motivation. Our retriever started at about 12 minutes and now finishes in around 6-7 minutes as she’s learned the patterns.
Is the Nina Ottosson puzzle safe for unsupervised play?
We recommend supervision, especially at first. While the materials are non-toxic and sturdy, determined chewers can damage any toy if left alone. Once your dog understands it’s a puzzle and not a chew toy, short unsupervised sessions are usually fine.
Can I use this boredom buster as a slow feeder for meals?
Absolutely. The Dog Brick holds 3/4 cup of kibble, which works well for small to medium dogs’ meal portions. It slows down fast eaters significantly and adds mental enrichment to mealtime, which we love.
What’s the best way to clean this interactive toy?
Hand-wash with warm water and mild dish soap, then air dry completely. We do this weekly to prevent bacteria buildup from treat residue. Avoid harsh chemicals or the dishwasher, as high heat can warp the plastic.
Is this canine mental stimulation toy suitable for senior dogs or puppies?
Yes to both. The adjustable difficulty makes it versatile. For puppies or seniors, start with the easiest level (all lids open, no sliders) and adjust as they gain confidence. It’s gentle on aging joints while providing the dog brain training benefits all ages need.
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The HONESTLY LOVED Team