{"id":16549,"date":"2021-09-30T08:12:32","date_gmt":"2021-09-30T14:12:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/?p=16549"},"modified":"2022-06-27T13:34:13","modified_gmt":"2022-06-27T19:34:13","slug":"dog-brick-tips-tricks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/product\/puzzles\/dog-brick-tips-tricks","title":{"rendered":"Nina Ottosson’s Tips & Tricks: Hacking the Dog Brick"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Some dogs have a hard time figuring out our puzzles, while other dogs figure them out too quickly! Nina Ottosson\u2019s Tip & Tricks is a series of posts that cover how to make each puzzle game harder for dogs that are quick to solve them, and easier for dogs still getting the hang of it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the Dog Brick Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Place treats or kibble in compartments of the base, under the flip-open lids and sliding discs. Cover middle compartments of the Dog Brick<\/a> with white bones. The more covered compartments, the harder the puzzle will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let the games begin! Show your dog how the game works and encourage them to find the treats. Dogs are smarter than you think. Sometimes we just need to teach them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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With the following tips & tricks, you can adjust this game to make it both easier and more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Always start by letting the dog watch you fill the game with treats. I recommend using extra tasty treats the first time the dog plays with a new game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making the Dog Brick Easier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Start easy \u2013 Hide treats under the sliding discs. Don\u00b4t add in the white bone covers yet. Leave some of the sliding discs a little open for the dog to sense the smell and see the treats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Next step: Hide treats under the flip-open lids. To make it easier for your dog to open the lid, you can tie a rope through the hole on the lid. (Only do this if you are certain your dog won\u2019t try to ingest it. Always supervise.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Play together with the dog, sit next to, and help them understand how the game works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the dog understands how to slide the discs you can start locking one disc with a white bone cover, if he doesn\u00b4t understand, many dogs can learn visually if we show how to open the lids, lift up bone covers, and slide the discs to uncover the treats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If the dog has difficulty lifting the white bones off, you can make it a little easier by tying a rope through the hole in the bone, (with a knot on the bottom and top of the bone), so that the dog can lift up the bones with the rope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To help the dog understand how the game works, you can pull on the rope a little to help the dog see and smell the treats, repeat several times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the dog has figured out how the Dog Bricks works, you can gradually remove the \u201ctraining wheels\u201d\/ ropes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: The red snap on and off lids are designed to come loose. If the dog presses too hard on them, they are then easy to attach again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Practice Training with Dog Puzzles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While you hide treats in the game and\/or until you place the game on the floor, you can practice commands. Try to teach the dog to sit or lay down and wait for you to say go ahead. Dogs learn the usual commands like wait, sit, and release incredibly fast if doing it in positive forms, and treat puzzles are very positive in a dog\u2019s world. This also strengthens the bond with your dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Making the Dog Brick More Challenging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Freeze it<\/strong>: place your dog\u2019s favorite snacks with water or natural yogurt in all compartments and let them set in the freezer. A frozen puzzle<\/a> will keep your dog busy for a longer time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs love frozen puzzles! These are especially great for energetic dogs or if your dog is convalescent or not allowed to move freely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cover it<\/strong>: Cut out pieces of cardboard and place them over the treats, adding an extra layer of difficulty. The dog must remove both the bone and cardboard to reach the treats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Always supervise your dog to ensure they do not eat the cardboard or puzzle pieces.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Elevate<\/strong> it<\/strong>: Place the game higher up, on a stool, box, or chair, which is great for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n