Some pets have an instinct to stay busy. If they don’t have something to do, it’s not uncommon for them to bark excessively, pace, or destroy things around the house.
“The general inclination is to think cats and dogs have behavioral issues, but it could be something much simpler,” says Kristi Pritchett, founder of All About Spot. “They may be bored and need more mental stimulation than your schedule affords. This is where pet puzzles can be a lifesaver.”
Pet puzzles and interactive toys can give animals a task or a problem to solve, engaging their minds and keeping them busy. Some of them appreciate the problem-solving aspect. Others enjoy the activity. Some will be interested in one kind of toy but not another.
“It depends on the breed and personality of a pet,” says Kristi. “Some animals won’t even play by themselves. They will only play with something if another pet or person is playing with them. But for most pet owners, they never really have an opportunity to find out what might work.”
Since pet owners were already signing up for All About Spot, Kristi came up with another idea. By creating a puzzle exchange program, pet owners would have the opportunity to try out puzzles and games at a fraction of the cost, and continue to receive new puzzles every two to three months.
“Some of our dogs really love puzzles, but the problem has always been a matter of how long they might like a puzzle,” says Kristi. “Most puzzles will keep their interest for about a month, forcing us to scramble for yet another puzzle. Other owners tell me they only load up on puzzles for Christmas and abandon them by Groundhog Day.”
The consensus is that their pets aren’t interested in puzzles. The reality is that they might be, but only for a few weeks or months. By trading puzzles out before they become bored, pet owners might discover that hide-and-seek toys, sliding block toys, and other challenges are appreciated. All they need is to have a steady supply in rotation.
“The Puzzle Exchange program helps keep everything fresh until your cat or dog loses interest,” says Kristi. “Before that happens, a new puzzle arrives to stimulate them.”
Puzzle Exchange subscribers always have the option to keep a toy or turn one in that didn’t work early. All About Spot carries enough surplus to keep everything interesting so pets don’t become bored and turn toward bad behavior.
“You still need to play with your pets, especially dogs, at least 15-30 minutes a day. You might even play with them and the puzzle to help curb social dependence,” says Kristi. “With enough patience and practice, your pets will eventually learn to have their own fun without humans too.” Dogs aren’t the only pets that benefit from puzzles. There are slide toys, mazes, and treat traps for cats and other animals too. If nothing else, it will help the cat slow down how many treats they eat. This makes it a win-win, producing a healthier and much more active pet.
