Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel — Puzzle Play for Smart Dogs

Quick Summary

The Hide-A-Squirrel toy is an interactive plush puzzle that hides squeaky squirrels inside a plush tree trunk. It’s designed to engage dogs’ natural search and hunting instincts by encouraging them to root out the hidden toys.

Specs
  • Material: Plush trunk + removable squeaky squirrel toys
  • Sizes: Small, Medium, Large (number of squirrels varies)
  • Uses: Nose work, problem solving, independent play
  • Best for: Curious dogs who enjoy searching and light chewing
Pros
  • Mentally stimulating and rewarding
  • Encourages independent play and problem solving
  • Soft and safe for most dogs
Cons
  • Not for aggressive chewers — squirrels are plush and squeakers can be removed
  • May require replacement of squirrels over time
  • Some dogs lose interest if they remove squirrels quickly

Full Review

Hide-A-Squirrel taps into a dog’s predatory play loop: find, remove, squeak, and repeat. The toy is simple but effective — the trunk acts as a puzzle and the squirrels provide immediate reward. For dogs that love burrowing and discovering, this toy can keep them occupied and satisfy natural instincts.

The toy also serves as an excellent training tool — you can hide kibble in the squirrels or make a game where your dog must return squirrels to the trunk. Its plush construction is gentle on teeth and safe for supervised play.

Durability is fine for interactive play sessions, but owners of determined chewers should be cautious. The squirrels are not intended for heavy tearing. Over time, many owners replace the squirrels rather than discard the full trunk — a cost-effective option. Rotating this puzzle with other toys keeps novelty high.


Who Is This For?

Dogs who enjoy puzzle play, problem solving, and interactive sessions. Especially good for high-energy dogs that need mental enrichment.

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