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Our take: a good first level 3 puzzle for food-motivated dogs who like using their paws. Skip it if your dog chews plastic.
The Dog Casino is a level 3 puzzle from the Nina Ottosson range by Outward Hound. Your dog has to turn a bone-shaped lock before it can pull out a drawer with the treat inside: two moves in the right order. That makes it one of the cheapest ways to move a dog up from beginner puzzles.
At a glance: Level 3 (maker’s scale) · 6 drawers, each locked by a bone · About 1 cup of kibble or treats · About 14 × 12 × 2 inches · Plastic, BPA, PVC and phthalate free · Wash with warm water and soap
How it works
The board has six drawers along its sides. Each drawer is held shut by a white bone on top. Your dog turns the bone with its nose or paw to unlock the drawer, then pulls the drawer out to reach the food.
You set the difficulty:
- Learning: leave the bones unlocked so your dog only has to pull the drawers. The maker suggests this for dogs new to the game.
- Full level 3: lock every bone, so each drawer needs two moves in order.
- Harder still: fill only some drawers, so your dog has to search, and rotate it with another puzzle so the answer doesn’t become a habit.
Who it’s for
- Dogs who solve level 2 puzzles quickly and need a next step
- Dogs who paw at things: pulling drawers suits them
- Owners who want a budget level 3 puzzle before spending more on bigger boards
Skip it if
- Your dog chews plastic. The drawers and bones are the parts owners most often describe as chewed.
- Your dog flips or pushes toys across the room. The board is light, and sliding around the floor is a common complaint. A non-slip mat underneath helps.
- Your dog already beats level 3 puzzles in minutes. Look at the MultiPuzzle (level 4) instead.
What owners report
Across owner reviews, the pattern is consistent:
- Liked: it keeps dogs busy and works as a real step up from easier puzzles.
- Split: some dogs work out the bone-then-drawer sequence fast, others need help at first. Unlocked drawers make the start easier.
- Disliked: durability with strong chewers, and the board sliding on smooth floors.
Safety
- Supervise. The maker says not to leave a dog alone with a treat puzzle.
- Put it away when the food is gone, so it doesn’t become a chew toy.
- Check it before each use and replace it if anything is cracked or chewed. The bones and drawers are built in, but a chewed piece can still break off.
- Food: use your dog’s normal kibble or treats, and count them as part of the day’s food.
Dog Casino vs Dog Twister
Both are budget level 3 puzzles from the same range.
VS · Compare with
Dog Twister
| Feature | Dog Casino | Dog Twister |
|---|---|---|
| How it opens | Turn a bone, then pull a drawer | Lift a tab, then slide a block |
| Best for | Dogs who paw and pull | Learning a lift-then-slide sequence |
| Watch out for | Chewers, sliding on smooth floors | Chewers: supervise, check the tabs |
Many owners rotate the two so neither gets stale.
FAQ
Is the Dog Casino good for beginners?
It’s a level 3 puzzle, so it’s best after your dog has mastered a level 1 or 2 puzzle. Leaving the bones unlocked makes it a gentler start.
How much food does it hold?
About a cup of kibble or treats, according to the listing. Measure it from your dog’s daily ration.
Is it dishwasher safe?
The maker’s instructions say to clean it with warm water and soap between uses, so we’d wash it by hand.
Can a puppy use it?
Puppies chew, so supervise closely, use unlocked drawers, and put it away once the food is gone.
Similar puzzles
- Nina Ottosson Dog Twister: budget level 3, a different sequence
- Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider: level 3, 24 compartments, wet food OK
- Nina Ottosson MultiPuzzle: level 4, the next step up
- TRIXIE Move-2-Win: level 3 from a different brand, good for rotation
- KONG Classic: for dogs who chew plastic puzzles
Compare all six: Puzzle Toys for Smart Dogs
How we research
This review brings together the maker’s information and patterns in what owners report. More in How We Review.
Last updated: October 29, 2026