Outward Hound fans—if your dog’s smarter than your partner, is this toy a threat or treat?

A bite-sized hunt inside your lounge room? Let’s talk squirrel.

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The Hide A Squirrel mystery: bark-worthy brilliance or chew-inducing chaos?

You’ve probably seen it on Insta: three squeaky squirrels stuffed in a tree stump, looking innocent enough—until your dog goes full jungle explorer trying to dig them out. The Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel is a viral hit for stylish pups and their décor-conscious hoomans, but is it love at first squeak for the big-brained breeds like yours truly?

Let me break it down from a Rottweiler’s snorty, slobbery point of view.

I gave it the sniff test (and bite test... and launch-it-across-the-yard test)

“It used to take me 9 seconds to de-squeak a toy. This one lasted 12 minutes. Progress.”

We dogs are either problem solvers... or problem creators, depending who you ask. When Mum shoved those squeaky squirrels into the trunk and told me to “find them!”, I assumed we were playing fetch. But nope—it’s a brain game. A plushy, squeaky, puzzle-filled, delightful brain game.

Here’s what makes this stump of joy surprisingly paw-some:

• Instinct-approved: We’re born to chase fuzzy things. These squirrels squeak, squirm (with some creative pawing), and practically beg to be hunted.
• Puzzle factor: Unlike your average squeaky toy, this demands strategy. You gotta snout, paw, and toss. It’s dog gym for the brain.
• Soft on the gums: The plush material means no risk of chipped teeth, even for mouths like mine. It’s gentle chewing with purpose. Bonus? Cuddly post-play naps.
• Refillable fun: Lost a squirrel under the couch again? (Guilty.) You can get replacement squeakies from the same brand, so the fun never dies—unlike many of my former toys.

But here’s the tail-twist for smarty-paws like me…

If your floof has a high IQ and the jaws of an overenthusiastic crocodile (hi), the stump may stand zero chance. I cracked the puzzle pretty quick, but the fun wasn’t over—I turned the game into a fetch launcher with bonus squirrel tosses. Entertaining? Yes. Challenging... for a bit.

That’s where you hoomans come in. You can shake up the challenge by adding treats, freezing the squirrels, or introducing it for short bursts when we’re not already hyped up from park zoomies. Worn out minds chew less furniture. Fact.

Chewer Tip: Use it for Calm-Down Time

Whenever I get the post-walk hyper snorts, Mum whips out the tree trunk. It signals a brain switch: Fun’s not over, just going indoors. Honestly, it’s genius. For both of us.

When it gets wag-worthy: Real-life scenarios where this toy shines

• Rainy days? Drop squirrels in, put down the stump, and sip your coffee while I work it out. That’s what I call enrichment.
• Guest visits? Keeps me occupied so I’m not hurling my 50kg joy at everyone’s legs. A true hospitality win.
• Styling bonus: Let’s be real, the toy’s kinda cute. I’ve seen hoomans literally stage it like it belongs in their Pinterest-worthy living room. It blends in with throw pillows better than my slobbered rope ever could.

Want to test your dog’s detective skills? Grab the Hide A Squirrel Puzzle Toy for your next play session. If we’re going to chew something, might as well be something that earns us a mental gold star.

So, final verdict from your favourite cheeky Rottie?

Fun for brains, easy on gums, and guaranteed to get squeals (from the toy, not you)

If you’ve got a pup who’s part cuddlebug, part squirrel-hunting strategist, this is worth tossing into the toy rotation. Sure, a few of us high-IQ chompers might make quick work of it—but it turns an ordinary day into a mission. And every dog needs a quest.

Play smart, dig deep, and don’t forget to sniff out your squirrels, hoomans.

Catch ya next squeak,
Thor 🐾

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