Nina Ottosson Dog Worker Puzzle Game

The Nina Ottosson Dog Worker Puzzle Game is a Level 3 advanced interactive treat puzzle that exercises your dog's mind and body through classic "spin, scoot and treat" play. Designed by Swedish pet behaviourist Nina Ottosson and distributed in the UK by Rosewood, this advanced-level puzzle challenges your dog to swivel the flippers, scoot the blocks, and spin the centre to uncover hidden treats — a smarter way to fight boredom and channel natural foraging instincts.

Best used on a flat, non-slip floor in a calm area of the home — a kitchen, hallway, or living room rug works well. Pop a handful of your dog's favourite kibble, training treats, or a smear of pâté into the circular blocks and compartments, swivel the flippers to cover the tracks and lock the spinning top, then place the game down and let your dog work it out. Most dogs need a little help the first time, so swivel a couple of flippers off the tracks to show them how the blocks slide.

Made from a unique composite material that looks like real wood but is more durable and far easier to clean. The Dog Worker is BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free, and the built-in play pieces do not come out when your dog plays, so there's nothing to lose down the back of the sofa. Hand wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry before refilling.

Key Features

• Level 3 advanced treat puzzle — more challenging than Level 2, ideal after your dog has mastered introductory puzzles
• Three-step challenge: swivel the flippers, scoot the blocks, and spin the centre to release the hidden treats
• Built-in play pieces — nothing comes out when your dog plays, so no small parts to lose or swallow
• Composite wood-look material that is more durable than real wood and will not splinter or snap
• BPA-, PVC- and phthalate-free composite plastic and wood
• Suitable for dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes — recommended for active, smart dogs
• Easy to clean — hand wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry
• Can be frozen for extended play on hot days or with energetic dogs

How to Use

• Fill: place dry treats, kibble, training treats, or a smear of pâté into the circular blocks and compartments in the base.
• Lock: swivel the flippers over the tracks to cover the treats, and lock the spinning top into place.
• Play: place the game on a flat, non-slip floor and encourage your dog to investigate. Praise and reward each discovery.
• Teach: for first-time players, swivel a couple of flippers off the tracks and slide a block yourself to show your dog how the puzzle works.
• Freeze (optional): mix wet food with a little water, fill the hollows, and place the whole game in the freezer for a longer-lasting challenge.
• Clean: remove all treats, hand wash with warm soapy water, rinse clean, and dry before refilling.

Product Details

• EAN: 700603673372
• Approx. size (D × H): 34.5 × 5 cm
• Weight: 0.3 kg
• Material: Composite plastic and wood (wood-look finish)
• Colour: Tan
• Difficulty level: 3 (Advanced)
• Suitable for: Dogs of all ages, breeds and sizes — best for active, smart dogs
• Product type: Dog Puzzle Toys
• Use: Indoor, supervised play only

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Level 3" mean for the Nina Ottosson puzzles?
Nina Ottosson rates her dog puzzles from Level 1 (introductory — single-step reveals) up to Level 4 (expert — multi-step challenges). The Dog Worker sits at Level 3 (advanced) and is recommended for dogs that have already mastered Level 1 and Level 2 puzzles such as the Dog Smart and Dog Twister. If your dog is new to puzzle games, start with a Level 1 or 2 puzzle first.

Is the Dog Worker suitable for puppies and aggressive chewers?
The Dog Worker is designed for supervised interactive play, not for chewing. The built-in pieces do not come loose, but no dog toy is indestructible. Always supervise your dog, teach them how the game works, and remove and replace the toy if it becomes damaged. It is not recommended for very destructive dogs or as a chew toy.

How do I introduce the puzzle to a dog that has never used one before?
Start by leaving a few of the flippers open and sliding a couple of blocks yourself so your dog can see how the treats are released. Place high-value treats in easy-to-reach spots to begin with, then gradually swivel more flippers into place as your dog learns the game. Most dogs pick it up within a few short sessions.

Can I use wet food, raw food, or freeze the puzzle?
Yes. You can fill the hollows with wet food, pâté, soaked kibble, or raw food. For an extra challenge — especially on hot days or with very energetic dogs — mix the wet food with a little water, fill the hollows, and place the whole game in the freezer until set. This turns the puzzle into a longer-lasting licking challenge.

How do I clean the Dog Worker, and is it dishwasher safe?
Hand wash only — remove any leftover treats, wash with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow to dry before refilling. The composite material is not designed for dishwasher use, and high temperatures may damage the wood-look finish over time.

Is it safe to leave my dog alone with the puzzle?
No. Nina Ottosson puzzle games are designed for supervised interactive play between you and your dog. Always stay with your dog while the toy is in use, do not let your dog chew on the game or its pieces, and store the puzzle away between sessions. This both protects the toy and keeps play fun and rewarding for your dog.