Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle

The verdict

A soft puzzle, which is a small category and a useful one. Three squeaky squirrels tuck into a plush tree trunk, and the dog's job is to extract them — a hunting-shaped game rather than a mechanical one, which suits dogs who lose interest in sliders and lids but will work at something that squeaks and moves. Because you can put the squirrels back in, it resets endlessly, and replacement squirrels are sold separately when one goes missing under the sofa. Owners describe it as engaging and good value for what amounts to four toys, with the entirely predictable caveat that plush does not survive determined chewing and that reports on durability are split. Outward Hound's own line is worth repeating: no toy is indestructible, do not leave it with an unsupervised dog, and retire it when damaged.

Drawbacks

• Plush will not survive a determined chewer
• Exposed squeakers become a swallow risk

Researched from the manufacturer’s listing, its published specifications and what owners report. We do not test products on dogs.

What the listing says

• Resets endlessly by stuffing the squirrels back in
• Suits dogs who prefer hunting games to mechanical puzzles
• Effectively four toys in one purchase

Specifications

Specs come from the manufacturer listing and Amazon’s public product data. A field that reads “Not stated” is one we have not verified — not one the product lacks. We research and analyse; we do not test products on dogs.