Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Hide N' Slide Puzzle Game Dog Toy

We bought this toy after seeing it recommended many times over to help mentally stimulate our puppy. Ringo is a 5 month old German Shepherd mix and it takes him about 5 minutes to completely figure out this game. We have found ways to make it trickier for him to finish to help prolong play time and mental stimulation but still, we can only get it to last about 10 minutes max. We love to use this toy for mental work or as a different way to feed Ringo. Overall, I would recommend this puzzle but I took a star off because the difficulty level doesn't seem to match how difficult it actually is.

Maybe I just have a really smart dog? This was the first puzzle I’ve bought. I knew my dog was pretty smart so I started with a level 2. It didn’t take long for him to figure this out. First I tried just treats under the flaps which he figured out immediately then I did it with them in the little holes he’d need to slide which I thought would be difficult for him but it took him like 8 minutes to figure it all out and get all the treats. He can now do it very fast. Overall it’s a good quality puzzle and easy to clean.

I was a little worried that my German Shepherd would struggle with this puzzle but was looking for a mental challenge so I gave this a try. Sadly, he had it mastered after the first time and now it merely slows down his treat consumption. This may be better for a dog that struggles to learn tricks quickly but not a challenge for those that need mental stimulation. The structure itself seems very sturdy and I’m not worried the puzzle will fall apart anytime soon. Since my dog isn’t a chewer, I can’t provide feedback on that type of durability

My boy Frankie inhales his food. He is also a problem solver. I like this puzzle for a few reasons: 1. it does not have loose parts my dog can pick up and walk off with; 2. It has an easy and a hard setting. The easy setting you put food in the wells and slide the cover on, but you don't use the knobs. I did that twice. Then I used the knobs. The look on Frankie's face when he couldn't nudge the cover was priceless! Wish I had the camera on him at that point! I measure out his food, and put 4 or 5 pieces in each well. I have to refill it, about 4 times, for his meal. Slows him down, and he has to think. Great fun!

My dog injured his leg, so for the last two months, we have been exploring puzzle toys to keep him engaged. This is important-he’s not a beginner and has already worked through two level two puzzles. I thought this puzzle might be tricky for him because of the double action; the dog has to slide the peg out of the way to flip the little mermaid tail in order to get the treat. I was wrong. He had the entire thing figured out in less than 3 minutes. I think it would be good for a dog that’s a beginner, but if your dog is accustomed to puzzles, this probably won’t be much of a challenge.

This is listed as level 2. Ace has never done a puzzle but he's 7 so I thought this would likely be a good puzzle to start with. Unfortunately he finished it in :30 seconds the first time and has only gotten faster. It does seem to be well made and he seems to enjoy it so I still feel it's worth 4 stars but it's probably not for more advanced dogs.

We bought the first game, rated #2, for Winnie and she had it mastered in under 3 minutes. We purchased the next game, rated #3 and it has created a challenge for her, she’s still trying to master the center wheel, but no fear, she’ll figure it out. Keeps her busy and challenged for quite a bit of time. Great challenge for your dog and they’ll be excited to play every time you get it out.

Love this thing! Went level 2 for my shepadoodle and she is loving it! Gave it to her for Christmas and it spreads her meal out to a full 3 minutes lol! She figured parts of it out quickly and had to watch to make sure she didn’t try to chew it open- my Shepherd/husky (super lazy/chill) is even into it! Going to get her a different version to swap between them. Definitely recommend for those way-too-smart highly active pups!

It took me longer to put the treats in all the little compartments, than it did for my pups to find them, slide open and get the treats...which was literally less than one minute. I reloaded treats, and let each pup try puzzle by himself. Same thing. I never bought a puzzle game prior to this one, but both of my Aussie Cattle Dogs can quickly solve it.

It took her about three seconds to figure out but it is still fun and has enough little flipper doors and sliders to get her thinking a little and keep her occupied for a few minutes. This is her first puzzle. I will get her another design next that is more advanced and mix things up. Brilliant idea!