A one-woman ” Fisher Price” of Sweden, Nina Ottosson, has created dog toys that engage dog minds, putting their energies into solving puzzles for rewards instead of chewing a creative redesign onto your shoes, or bouncing off walls from boredom during rainy seasons. 
These toys use several different approaches to problem solving, ranging in difficulty so that dogs that are let’s say less motivated can join in the fun…if you can get Butch off the sofa. But it’s the smart ones–those who are often considered the irredeemable naughty dogs–that will find the toys to be a challenge and intriguing enough to deflect from undesirable behaviors.
Developed to match a dog’s natural instincts and movements, they include lifting blocks, turning discs, pushing blocks, putting blocks inside something, and so on. A healthy mind is as necessary a component as a healthy body, and this line of toys fills the bill. Dog psychologist (you laugh?) and trainer recommended.
Check out this great video demonstration. It shows you all the different toys and various dogs actively involved in finding their rewards.
With thanks to Liz Palika at Pet Connection who first shared this find.
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I discovered these toys awhile ago — I saw them at ClickerTraining.com I searched high and low to find a supplier…which I did a year ago. I have to admit that we have a hard time keeping these puzzles in stock. After ordering one for their dog people come back and order more. We love them so much that we carry the entire line. We have the wooden version, which are made in Sweden, and the plastic version that is made in China.
Norman loves to show off his puzzle solving skills. Finally Betsy, who is not food motivated, decided that she wante to try these puzzles too! Now she loves them too.
How nice stuff to train dog. that is nice if that dog is not a food motivated, it means he decides for what he wants to do.
This is amazing!! This is just what most dogs need, they get bored too and sometimes we just don't always have the time to please them. Great, great idea!