★★★★★ 5
Great for keeping dog busy and for rescues
Size: 3 INCH, Pattern Name: IQ TREAT BALL 3"
We got our dog from a shelter -- we don't know much about her history, but we imagine that she has never been socialized to play with toys because she has no interest in objects whatsoever. We've tried squeaky toys, chew toys, and ropes but to no avail. Other than her Kong (and she only plays with that because she wants the food; she has no interest in the Kong itself), this IQ Treat Ball is the only other toy that she plays with.
It took us a day and a couple of meals to teach her how to use it. In fact, we started out by making the toy a bit easier by removing the disk in the center altogether. The disk is still out, but we'll be sure to add it when we feel that she needs the challenge.
I LOVE the concept of this toy because it teaches dogs how to play, using food as a motivator, and allows them to really think and problem solve (especially for older rescue dogs who have never really been taught). My dog started out constantly getting the ball stuck under the couch and between furniture, but she now knows how to navigate around the house and how to avoid these "problem areas." She originally had no idea how to push the ball around, but now she noses it around eagerly for her kibble.
Aside from that, it is easy to open and easy to clean.
I see some negative reviews here, which is unfortunate because even though the toy is made of plastic, it IS well-made. (I should note here that my fiance and I have both dropped the ball from kitchen-counter height to the tile on multiple occasions because we're clumsy, and there are no dents or cracks from the impact.) Even on the packaging, the manufacturer gives you the warning that the ball is NOT for aggressive chewers and should absolutely only be given to a dog under guardian supervision. Giving the IQ Treat Ball to an aggressive chewer, not supervising him, and then blaming the manufacturer for injuries is irresponsible.
My dog is not a chewer, and I always watch her while she is playing with this toy, so I think that it's a great product. If you have a rescue/shelter dog who doesn't know how to play with toys, I think this is a fantastic start! I highly recommend!
UPDATE (7/15/2014): This toy has lasted a whole month since we started using it mid-June. We use it twice a day for breakfast and dinner, and it's still in good shape. The ridges around the ball do have some minor teeth marks on on them, but that's something that I expected would happen. As far as I'm concerned, it's still in great working order.
I am ecstatic with this toy because it has functioned as a segue for our rescue. As I mentioned above, she showed absolutely ZERO interest in toys before. However, we've slowly started getting her out of her anti-toy-socialization shell, and I think this IQ Treat Ball has served a part in that. We've had her for about two months, and in that time we've taught her out to play tug-of-war, how to chase after a ball (Very short distances for now, but hey! Baby steps, right?), and how to chew on ropes and other toys. Now, a lot of hard work has gone into shaping these behaviors on our part, but I really do think that the IQ Treat Ball has improved her appetite, not only for food, but for games as well.
My original verdict still stands -- I highly recommend!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2014
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