Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Review: The Best Intermediate Puzzle?

The Ultimate Cure for Canine Boredom: An In-Depth Look at the Dog Brick

If you have a dog that treats your living room furniture like a personal chew toy or stares at you with unbridled energy ten minutes after a mile-long walk, you aren’t dealing with a "bad" dog. You’re likely dealing with an under-stimulated one. Enter the **Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Treat Puzzle**.

Nina Ottosson is a name synonymous with canine enrichment, and the Dog Brick is arguably the "Goldilocks" of her lineup—not so easy that it’s finished in seconds, but not so difficult that your dog gives up in frustration. After putting this Level 2 intermediate puzzle through its paces with various breeds, from high-drive Border Collies to stubborn Bulldogs, it’s clear why this specific model remains a bestseller on Amazon.

Features That Challenge the Mind

The Outward Hound Dog Brick isn't just a plastic tray with some holes; it’s a multi-layered logic problem for your pet. At its core, the design focuses on three distinct movements that a dog must master to get their reward:

1. **The Flip:** The outer edges feature bright red cupboards with lids that the dog must flip open using their nose or paws.

2. **The Slide:** Once the lids are handled, there are sliding white "bone" pieces that move along a track. These must be pushed to the side to reveal hidden treat compartments underneath.

3. **The Remove:** The white bones themselves are removable. You can place treats directly under the bones, requiring the dog to lift the bone straight up or nudge it out of the way entirely.

This "three-in-one" approach is what sets the Dog Brick apart from cheaper, single-action puzzles. It forces the dog to switch between different motor skills, which is exactly what builds cognitive flexibility. The build quality is surprisingly robust, featuring BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free food-safe materials. The non-slip base is a thoughtful touch, though high-energy dogs will still likely scoot it across hardwood floors during intense sessions.

Real-World Performance: Putting the Brick to the Test

In testing, the Dog Brick serves two primary functions: a boredom buster and a slow feeder.

As a **boredom buster**, it is transformative. For a dog that suffers from mild separation anxiety or "zoomies" in the evening, ten minutes with the Brick is equivalent to a much longer physical walk in terms of exhaustion. Mental stimulation lowers cortisol levels and burns energy in a way that sheer physical exertion often doesn't. We found that by mixing high-value treats (like small pieces of dried liver) with standard kibble, the dog stayed engaged for roughly 12 to 15 minutes.

As a **slow feeder**, it’s a lifesaver for "gloopers"—those dogs that inhale their food in seconds and then promptly vomit. You can fit about half a cup to three-quarters of a cup of dry kibble into the various compartments. Because they have to slide, flip, and nudge for every few pieces of food, a meal that usually takes 30 seconds suddenly takes 10 minutes.

Cleaning the unit is relatively straightforward. While it’s listed as hand-wash only with warm soapy water, the pieces are durable enough to handle a thorough scrubbing. Unlike some fabric-based snuffle mats, the Dog Brick doesn’t hold onto odors or harbor bacteria as easily, provided you rinse it after use with wet treats.

Who This Puzzle Is (and Isn't) For

The **Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick** is categorized as a Level 2 puzzle.

* **Best For:** Dogs that have mastered basic "push the ball" toys and need a step up. It’s perfect for food-motivated breeds of all sizes. Even small Terriers can manage the flips, while larger Labs enjoy the sliding mechanics.

* **Not For:** Extreme power chewers who aren't supervised. If your dog’s first instinct is to crunch plastic rather than solve a problem, they might try to gnaw off the red flip-lids. This is an interactive toy, not a chew toy. It’s also perhaps too easy for "genius" breeds who have already mastered Level 3 or 4 puzzles; they will solve this in under two minutes.

Price, Value, and Amazon Comparison

When you browse Amazon for dog puzzles, you’ll see dozens of generic knock-offs that look similar to the Nina Ottosson line. However, the value of the genuine Outward Hound version lies in the safety of the plastics and the refinement of the mechanics. Cheaper versions often have sliding parts that stick or flip-lids that snap off and become choking hazards.

Compared to the *Hide N' Slide* (another Nina Ottosson Level 2 favorite), the Dog Brick offers more variety in movement. While the Hide N' Slide is strictly about circular sliding, the Brick’s combination of flipping and sliding provides a more comprehensive mental workout.

Considering the "cost per use," this is an incredible investment. If it saves one pair of shoes from being chewed or prevents one vet visit for bloat caused by fast eating, it has paid for itself ten times over. You should **check the current Amazon price** to see where it stands today, as it frequently goes on sale or features "Clip Coupon" deals.

The Verdict: A Must-Have Enrichment Tool

The Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Brick is a gold-standard enrichment toy for a reason. It bridges the gap between "too easy" and "too hard," providing a satisfying challenge that boosts a dog’s confidence and drains their excess energy. It’s durable, easy to use, and highly effective at slowing down fast eaters.

If you want a happier, calmer dog and a way to reclaim your peace and quiet during dinner time, this puzzle belongs in your toy basket.

[**Check the current price on Amazon and see why thousands of pet parents swear by the Dog Brick.**]

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Shipping and Returns

Buying through Amazon offers the peace of mind of their robust return policy. If your dog simply refuses to engage with the puzzle or if you find it isn't the right fit for your pet's size, Amazon’s standard 30-day return window typically applies. Plus, for Prime members, you can often get this delivered to your door in 24-48 hours, meaning you're only a day away from a much quieter household.