Louie is a curious Yorkshire Terrier who needs both physical and mental stimulation at home. When his energy builds up indoors, simple walks are not enough. Nose work toys help redirect that energy into focused, calm activity. Among the many puzzle toys we use, the Nina Ottosson Hide & Slide has been one of the most consistently effective.
1. What Is Dog Nose Work?
Dog nose work refers to activities that encourage dogs to use their sense of smell to search, solve problems, and make decisions. This type of mental work reduces stress, improves focus, and helps prevent boredom-related behaviors.
Unlike physical exercise, nose work tires dogs mentally in a short time. For small breeds like Yorkshire Terriers, this kind of enrichment is especially useful indoors.
2. Why Choose Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toys
I tend to stick with brands that are well-designed and durable. Nina Ottosson puzzle toys stand out for several reasons.
They offer clear difficulty levels, allowing gradual progression.
They are made with BPA-free materials.
The structures are sturdy enough for repeated daily use.
Cleaning is simple, which matters when food rewards are involved.
3. Hide & Slide Structure and Difficulty
The Hide & Slide puzzle requires dogs to move sliding blocks and pillars in a specific sequence to access treats. It is not a single-action toy.
For beginners, treats can be placed in the larger compartments with minimal obstruction.
For higher difficulty, treats are hidden under multiple sliding elements, requiring repeated nose and paw actions.
Louie clearly shows more engagement when the difficulty increases slightly, rather than when the puzzle is too easy.
4. How We Use It at Home
We usually play in two short rounds.
In the first round, I set the puzzle so Louie can succeed quickly. This builds confidence.
In the second round, I increase the difficulty by locking multiple sliders. This encourages longer sniffing and problem-solving.
The entire session lasts only a few minutes, but the calming effect lasts much longer.
5. Observed Benefits
Reduced restlessness indoors.
Improved focus and patience.
Positive stress release without overexcitement.
Stronger engagement with the handler during play.
Reflections
Nose work toys do not need to be complicated to be effective. The Nina Ottosson Hide & Slide works because it respects how dogs naturally think and solve problems.
While DIY nose work games are useful, a well-designed puzzle offers consistency, safety, and ease of use. For dogs who need structured mental enrichment, this toy has proven to be a reliable option in our daily routine.