Toppl Dog Toy Review (2025): Better Than Kong for Maremmas and Livestock Guardian Dogs

Why I’m Writing This Toppl Review

I recently had a consultation with a livestock guardian dog owner whose dog didn’t want to stay with her turkeys. The dog had lived inside for several months, and transitioning to outdoor livestock guardian work was proving difficult.

I suggested she give her dog a frozen Toppl during “bird time”—to create positive associations and give him something enjoyable while adjusting to his new role.

Her response? “What’s a Toppl?”

That conversation made me realize: Most people have never heard of Toppls unless they’re dog trainers or deeply embedded in the dog community. Yet they’re hands-down the most effective enrichment toy I’ve found in my years of working with dogs.

So here’s my honest review after extensive personal use—mostly with companion dogs, dogs on kennel rest after surgery, and dogs in transition situations where proper enrichment makes all the difference.

The Dog Enrichment Toy That Actually Works

I’ll be honest—I’ve wasted money on plenty of dog enrichment toys over the years.

Kongs? Sat abandoned in my yard. My dogs would sniff them, maybe give one half-hearted lick, and walk away.

Puzzle toys? Solved in minutes, then boring.

“Indestructible” chew toys? Either destroyed or ignored.

Then I discovered Toppls.

Here’s the thing: Unless you’re a dog trainer or deeply embedded in the dog community, you’ve probably never heard of them. But Toppls have become my go-to solution for:

• Companion dogs who need daily mental stimulation beyond basic exercise
• Dogs on stall rest after surgery or injury (when they can’t exercise but desperately need enrichment)
• Young dogs learning to enjoy new situations like car rides or calm behavior with livestock
• Any dog who gave up on Kongs and needs something more accessible

After years of personal use across various situations with Maremma Sheepdogs and other breeds, here’s my complete, honest review.

What Makes Toppl Different from Kong?

The million-dollar question: Why do dogs who ignore Kongs engage with Toppls?

The Toppl Advantage: Accessibility

The key difference is accessibility. While Kongs have a narrow, conical opening that can frustrate a lot of dogs, Toppls feature a wider, more accessible design that lets dogs actually taste success as they work.

My observation across multiple dogs: Dogs who completely ignored Kongs will work on a Toppl for 20-45 minutes. The wider opening means they can reach treats more easily without getting discouraged and walking away after two minutes.

This isn’t a minor difference—it’s the difference between a toy that sits unused and one that provides genuine enrichment.

Key Toppl Design Features

1. Wider Opening
Dogs can reach treats without frustration. This keeps them engaged instead of giving up.

2. Side Hole with Plug System
Allows layering different treats and freezing without leakage. This is what enables long-lasting frozen enrichment.

3. Stackable Design
Two sizes (Small + Large, or Large + XL) can connect for increased difficulty once your dog masters a single Toppl.

4. Durable Material
Made from natural rubber like Kong, but the shape distributes pressure differently. Stands up to powerful Maremma jaws.

5. Dishwasher Safe
Easy cleanup after messy stuffing sessions—and the wide opening actually makes them easier to clean than Kongs.

Toppl vs Kong: Side-by-Side Comparison

Bottom Line: If your dog uses and enjoys Kongs, stick with them. They are cheaper than Toppls. But if your dog ignores Kongs or gives up quickly, a Toppl is worth trying.

My Proven Freezer Stuffing Method for Long-Lasting Enrichment

The secret to making Toppls last 30+ minutes isn’t the toy itself—it’s how you stuff and freeze them.

Here’s the exact method I use for all my dogs, from my companion dogs to my working Maremmas.

What You’ll Need

Essential:

• Toppl toy (appropriate size for your dog)
• Toppl plug (sold separately – essential for this method)
• Variety of dog-safe ingredients

Ingredient Categories:

• High-value protein (cooked chicken, meatballs, cheese)
• Medium-value treats (training treats, small biscuits)
• Filler (kibble, vegetables like green beans or sweet potato)
• Liquid binder (goat milk, low-sodium chicken or beef broth, or thinned canned dog food)

Step-by-Step Layering Strategy

Step 1: Insert the Toppl Plug
Plug the side hole with the Toppl plug/stand. This prevents everything from pouring out during prep and freezing.

Step 2: Bottom Layer (High-Value)
Place your most enticing treats at the bottom:

• Small pieces of cooked chicken
• Bits of meatball
• Small chunks of cheese
• Pieces of hot dog

Why this matters: Dogs smell these high-value treats, which hooks their interest immediately, but they have to work to get to them.

Step 3: Middle Layers (Alternating)
Create 2-3 layers alternating between:

• Handful of kibble
• Layer of training treats
• More cooked protein pieces
• Dog-safe vegetables and fruit

Pro tip: Press each layer down gently to pack it, but not too tight.

Step 4: Top Layer (Liquid Binder)
Leave about 1/2 inch at the top. Pour in liquid to fill gaps:

• Goat milk (dogs love this)
• Low-sodium chicken or beef broth
• Canned dog food thinned with water
• Plain Greek yogurt (if your dog tolerates dairy)

The liquid seeps into all the gaps, creating a frozen matrix that holds everything together and makes dogs work longer to extract treats.

Step 5: Freeze Solid
Place in freezer for 4-6 hours or overnight. The Toppl plug keeps it upright and prevents spilling.

Step 6: Serve
Remove from freezer. You can:

• Remove the plug before giving it to your dog
• Leave the plug in to help balance it 

Batch Prep Strategy

What I do: I prep several Toppls at once and keep them in my freezer. This way, I always have enrichment ready without daily prep work.

Time investment:

• Batch prep 5 Toppls: 15-20 minutes

Storage tip: Once frozen solid, I remove them from the plug stands and store them in a large freezer bag. This frees up my plug stands for the next batch.

Recipe Variations Based on Situation

For Dogs on Kennel Rest (Calming):

• Focus on lick-able ingredients (less chewing required)
• More liquid content
• Softer proteins
• Consider adding a drop of lavender-infused coconut oil (calming)

For High-Energy Dogs (Extended Entertainment):

• Pack it tight with harder treats
• Less liquid, more solid chunks
• Use XL size

For Picky Eaters:

• Extra high-value ingredients throughout
• Stronger-smelling proteins
• Fish (if tolerated) – salmon, sardines
• More liquid to enhance scent

Budget-Friendly Version:

• Primarily kibble
• One layer of higher-value treats
• Use water instead of goat milk/broth
• Still freeze – even frozen kibble provides extended engagement

Choosing the Right Size Toppl: Real-World Sizing Guide

Toppls come in three sizes. Choosing correctly matters for both safety and engagement time.

Small Toppl

Dimensions: Approximately 2.5″ tall
My use: Only for my small house dogs (under 20 lbs)
Best for: Toy breeds, puppies under 12 weeks, small companion dogs
Not recommended for: Large or giant breeds

Why I don’t recommend Small for adult livestock guardian dogs: It’s simply too small. A Maremma or other LGD can finish it in 5-10 minutes, and there’s potential concern about them trying to bite/chew the entire toy.

Exception: Small can be used as a “cap” for Large Toppl for stacking (see advanced section).

Large Toppl

Dimensions: Approximately 3.5″ tall
My use: This is my go-to for most adult dogs
Best for:

• Medium to large dogs (30-100+ lbs)
• Adult Maremmas and other LGDs
• Most working breeds
• Dogs 6+ months old
• Perfect balance of size and engagement time (20-30 minutes frozen)
• Substantial enough for big dogs but not unwieldy
• Easy to stuff and clean

Engagement time observation: With my frozen stuffing method, my adult Maremmas work on a Large Toppl for 25-35 minutes on average.

Extra Large Toppl ⭐ My Preferred Size

Dimensions: Approximately 4.5″ tall
My use: For my largest Maremmas or when I want extended entertainment
Best for:

• Giant breeds 100+ lbs (Maremmas, Great Pyrenees, Mastiffs, etc.)
• Power chewers who need maximum engagement
• When you want 45+ minutes of entertainment
• Dogs who’ve mastered the Large size

When I choose XL:

• When I need the dog occupied for longer
• For my most food-motivated dogs
• When a dog is on extended kennel rest and needs maximum entertainment

Cost consideration: XL costs a few dollars more than Large, but provides significantly more capacity and entertainment time.

My Specific Sizing Recommendations

For Maremma Sheepdogs:

• Puppies (8-16 weeks): Small or Large
• Adolescents (4-12 months): Large or XL
• Adults (12+ months): Large or XL

For Other Livestock Guardian Dogs:

• Great Pyrenees: Large or XL
• Anatolian Shepherds: Large or XL
• Smaller LGD breeds: Large

For Companion Dogs:

• Under 20 lbs: Small
• 20-50 lbs: Large
• 50-100+ lbs: Large or XL

When in doubt: Size up. A slightly larger Toppl just means longer entertainment. A too-small Toppl can be finished quickly and potentially poses safety concerns.

Can You Have Multiple Sizes?

Absolutely. I own multiple sizes because:

• Small for my small house dogs
• Large for most situations
• XL for maximum engagement

Having multiple sizes also allows for stacking (advanced technique covered later).

When Toppls Are Most Valuable: Real-World Applications

Through my experience with various dogs in different situations, here’s where Toppls have proven genuinely invaluable.

1. Dogs on Kennel Rest After Surgery or Injury

This is where Toppls truly shine, and where I’ve used them most extensively.

The Problem:
When a dog needs surgery or injury recovery, they must rest—but their mind still needs stimulation. Bored dogs on kennel rest become stressed, anxious, and harder to manage. If they must be separated from their livestock or LGD partners, it may be very stressful for them. They may lick wounds, whine constantly, or become depressed.

Why Toppls Are Perfect for Kennel Rest:

• ✅ Provides mental enrichment when physical exercise isn’t allowed
• ✅ Keeps dogs occupied and calm during recovery periods
• ✅ Can be given multiple times per day without overfeeding (adjust meal portions, using their kibble as part of the stuffing)
• ✅ Reduces stress and boredom that can slow healing
• ✅ Completely safe for dogs who must stay still—no running, jumping, or excitement required
• ✅ Works in crates or confined spaces where other enrichment won’t fit

My Real Experience:

I’ve used frozen Toppls with multiple dogs recovering from surgeries (spays and neuters) and injuries. The difference in recovery quality is noticeable. (Use the dog’s kibble as part of the stuffing, if desired, to add enrichment without the dog overeating.)

Typical kennel rest schedule with Toppls:

• Morning: Frozen Toppl
• Midday: Training/puzzle games (if allowed and your dog likes them)
• Afternoon: Dinner, some clicker training (targeting), if the dog can participate
• Evening: Second frozen Toppl

Results I’ve observed:

• Dogs settle more readily in confinement
• Less whining and restlessness
• Faster recovery (my perception—less stress aids healing)
• Easier management for humans

Important note: I adjust their daily food portions to account for Toppl calories. If they’re getting significant treats in Toppls, I reduce meal portions accordingly or use their kibble as part of the stuffing. Dry kibble mixed with goat milk, broth, or canned dog food can make up the bulk of the stuffing, if needed.

*Bonus Use: Give Mama dogs something engaging when they are waiting the last few days for those new puppies to arrive.

2. Bringing Home a New Puppy

Those first few days in a new home can be overwhelming for puppies. They’re adjusting to:

• New environment and smells
• Separation from littermates and parents
• Different routine and expectations
• Possible loneliness, especially at night

How Toppls Help: A frozen, stuffed Toppl gives your new puppy:

• Positive association with their new space
• Comforting activity during stressful transitions
• Mental exhaustion that aids sleep
• Something to focus on besides missing their old home

I suggest that every new puppy owner purchase a Toppl before bringing home their new puppy. You’ll get years of use out of it.

3. Car Rides and Travel Training

I use Toppls when taking young dogs on practice car rides or during longer trips.

Why This Matters:

Many working dogs have limited exposure to vehicles. When they eventually need to travel—vet visits, relocation—car anxiety can be a real problem.

How to Use Toppls for Travel:

• Practice rides: Give Toppl at the start of short training drives
• Longer trips: Provide Toppl during the journey
• Vet visits: Frozen Toppl in the car before/after appointment

Why Toppls Are Ideal for Travel:

✅ Provides positive distraction from car anxiety or motion
✅ Keeps dogs occupied during boring travel time
✅ Completely safe – unlike toys that could roll away, become projectiles, or pose choking hazards
✅ Won’t make a mess in motion like some enrichment
✅ Easy cleanup – any melting stays contained to the Toppl

Results: Dogs who receive Toppls during early vehicle exposure show less anxiety about car rides later. They learn: car = good things happen.

4. Transitioning Dogs to New Situations

This application prompted me to write this entire review.

The Consultation Story:

A livestock guardian dog owner contacted me for help. Her LGD had lived inside for several months (long story), and now she wanted him to transition to outdoor livestock guardian work with her turkeys.

The problem: He was resistant and unhappy, refusing to stay with the birds. Understandably, he’d become accustomed to indoor life, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and constant human contact. Now she expected him to stay outside and focus on poultry.

My Suggestion:

Give him a frozen Toppl during “bird time.” This strategy:

• Creates positive associations with being outside near the turkeys
• Gives him something enjoyable while he adjusts
• Reduces stress during the transition period
• Helps him learn: turkey time = good things

She’d never heard of Toppls. That’s when I realized this tool needs to be more widely known.

How This Strategy Works for Transitions:

The principle: Pair the new/uncomfortable situation with something highly rewarding.

Applications for livestock guardian dogs:

• A dog learning to stay with a new livestock species
• Puppy adjusting to their livestock guardian role
• Relocation to a new farm/property

Applications for companion dogs:

• Moving to a new home
• Adjusting to a crate or confinement
• Learning to be comfortable alone
• Acclimating to a new household member (pet or human)

The Process:

1. Identify the situation causing stress/resistance
2. Prepare high-value frozen Toppl
3. Introduce Toppl at the START of the uncomfortable situation
4. Dog forms an association: uncomfortable thing = Toppl = good
5. Repeat consistently for 1-2 weeks
6. Gradually reduce Toppl frequency as the dog adjusts

Why this works: Classical conditioning. The rewarding stimulus (Toppl) helps the dog form positive associations with the previously uncomfortable situation.

5. Companion Dogs Needing Daily Enrichment

Unlike working LGDs, who have livestock to watch and natural patrol work to do, companion dogs need intentional mental stimulation.

My Situation:

I have one companion Maremma who lives in my house full-time rather than working with livestock. I also have three non-Maremma house dogs.

How to Use Toppls for Companion Dogs:

• Part of daily routine: One frozen Toppl per day, as desired
• Calm-down tool: After stimulating activities or training
• Weather day backup: When outdoor activities are limited
• Household transition: When I need them settled and quietly busy (guests arriving, client phone calls, etc.)

What I’ve Observed:

✅ Dogs anticipate and look forward to Toppl time
✅ Provides a reliable outlet for mental energy
✅ Keeps them satisfied on days when training or exercise might be limited
✅ Works well as part of a calm-down routine after excitement

Behavior impact: Dogs who receive regular enrichment like Toppls show fewer boredom-driven behaviors—less attention-seeking barking, less restlessness, more contentment with downtime.

6. Single Dog Households

While I strongly recommend having two LGDs, I understand some situations only allow for one dog. Single dogs face unique challenges:

• No playmate for natural dog-to-dog interaction
• More potential for boredom-related behaviors
• Greater dependency on human interaction for stimulation

How Toppls Help: For single LGDs, daily Toppl time provides:

• Mental stimulation that partially substitutes for dog play
• Independent activity that builds confidence
• Outlet for natural foraging behaviors
• Prevention of destructive boredom behaviors

My Recommendation: If you have a single LGD, invest in at least 3-4 Toppls so you can rotate them daily.

7. Any Dog Who Gave Up on Kong

This is straightforward but important.

The Pattern I’ve Seen:

Many people buy Kongs because they’re the “standard” enrichment toy. Their dog sniffs it, licks half-heartedly for 2-3 minutes, then walks away. The Kong sits unused.

The owner thinks: “My dog doesn’t like enrichment toys” or “My dog isn’t food motivated.” (Huge misconception that I hear ALL the time. Trust me – your dog IS food motivated. You’re just using the wrong food!)

Often, that’s not true. The dog just found the Kong frustrating—they couldn’t access treats easily enough to stay engaged.

The Toppl Solution:

Same dog, same stuffing ingredients, wider opening = 20-30 minutes of engagement.

My observation across multiple dogs: Dogs who completely ignored Kongs will work consistently on Toppls. The accessibility makes all the difference.

If your Kong is gathering dust, try a Toppl before giving up on enrichment toys entirely.

8. Preventing Predictable Problem Behaviors ⭐

One of my favorite uses for Toppls: proactive behavior management.

Young LGDs often develop unwanted behaviors that follow predictable patterns:

• Boredom barking at specific times (early morning, dusk)
• Harassing livestock during feeding time
• Fence testing during afternoon energy surges
• Getting overexcited when there’s a lot of activity on the  farm

Here’s the powerful strategy: Once you identify when these behaviors typically occur, you can use antecedent arrangement to prevent them by giving a frozen Toppl 10-15 minutes before the trigger time.

Real Examples:

Your adolescent Maremmas consistently show problem behaviors around evening livestock feeding (5:30 PM). Your goats get excited and vocal, triggering the young dogs to get overstimulated—barking, bouncing, occasionally trying to chase the goats.

The solution: At 5:15 PM—before feeding time—give each dog a frozen Toppl in their favorite spot away from the feeding area.

The results:

• Dogs are busy during high-stimulus feeding period
• No opportunity to rehearse unwanted behaviors
• Within a short time, dogs actually settle at feeding time
• Turn a problem time into a positive routine

Why This Works:

Every time your dog practices an unwanted behavior, that behavior becomes more ingrained. But if you prevent the practice and provide appropriate alternatives instead, you’re building entirely different habits.

Toppls give you an easy management tool for predictable behavior problems while you work on training alternatives.

Common Scenarios Where This Strategy Helps:

Early Morning Barking: Set an alarm 15 minutes before typical barking starts. Give frozen Toppl. Creates quiet morning routine instead of rehearsing barking.

Dusk Energy Surges: Anticipate the witching hour (often 7-9 PM). Provide Toppl before energy escalates. Mental work tires them more effectively than letting them run wild.

Livestock Movement Excitement: Give Toppl 10 minutes before you move animals. Dog is occupied while you handle livestock. Prevents practicing chase behaviors.

Delivery/Visitor Times: Have Toppl ready before expected arrival window. Reduces initial over-reaction. Dog is engaged rather than escalating.

When You Can’t Supervise: Give Toppl at the start of intensive work sessions. Provides 30-60 minutes of appropriate engagement while you focus on tasks.

Setting Up Your System:

1. Track patterns for one week – Note when unwanted behaviors occur
2. Prep your Toppl arsenal – Batch-prep 5-7 frozen Toppls
3. Intervene proactively – Give Toppl before trigger time (timing is everything)
4. Be consistent – Stick with it for 2-3 weeks to establish new patterns

Important Distinction:

Toppls are a management tool, not a training solution. Management prevents practice of unwanted behaviors and buys you time to train alternatives. But management alone doesn’t teach new behaviors.

The complete approach:

• Manage with Toppls to prevent unwanted behavior practice
• Train alternative behaviors during calm times
• Gradually replace management with trained responses
• Keep Toppls as enrichment even after behavior improves

For serious behavior issues (fear, aggression, severe separation anxiety), consult with a qualified livestock guardian dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. Toppls can be part of a behavior modification plan, but shouldn’t be your only tool for serious problems.

The Toppl Plug System: Small Investment, Big Difference

Critical detail: Toppl plugs are sold separately.

Many first-time buyers skip the plugs, thinking they’re optional. They’re absolutely not—at least not if you want to use the freezer method that makes Toppls so valuable.

Without the plug, you can’t:

• Layer liquid ingredients without them pouring out
• Freeze the Toppl upright without spilling
• Create the long-lasting frozen enrichment that provides extended engagement

What Toppl Plugs Do:

• Seal the side hole during stuffing and freezing
• Act as a stand to keep Toppl upright
• Can be removed before giving to dog, or left in for added difficulty
• Are reusable and dishwasher safe

Buy the plugs from the start. Trust me on this.

Safety and Durability: Built for Powerful Jaws

I’ve used Toppls with Maremmas and other large, powerful dogs. They hold up remarkably well.

Durability:

• Made from natural rubber (like Kong)
• Flexible but extremely tough
• No detachable parts that could become choking hazards
• Designed to withstand powerful chewing

Safety Features:

• No small pieces to swallow
• Wide enough that dogs can’t get tongues or jaws stuck
• Non-toxic materials
• Safe for unsupervised use (especially important for kennel rest situations)

My Experience: I’ve never had a dog damage a Toppl. They may show tooth marks after extensive use but remain fully functional.

Cleaning and Maintenance

One of my favorite practical features: easy cleaning.

Cleaning Methods:

• Dishwasher safe – Top rack recommended
• Hand washing – Wide opening makes it easy to scrub inside
• Quick rinse – For daily use between deep cleans

My Routine:

• Quick rinse after each use
• Deep clean (dishwasher) weekly
• Inspect for damage monthly

The wide opening that makes Toppls easy for dogs also makes them easy for humans to clean.

What Makes Toppl Different from Kong?

The Toppl Advantage

Toppls address the main reason my dogs gave up on Kongs: accessibility. While Kongs have a narrow opening that can frustrate dogs, Toppls feature a wider, more accessible design that lets dogs actually taste success as they work.

Key Design Features:

• Wider opening – Dogs can reach treats more easily without getting discouraged
• Side hole with plug system – Allows you to layer and freeze without leakage
• Stackable design – Two sizes can connect for increased difficulty
• Durable material – Stands up to powerful LGD jaws
• Dishwasher safe – Easy cleanup after messy stuffing sessions

The difference in my dogs’ engagement has been dramatic. Dogs who ignored Kongs will work on a Toppl for 30+ minutes.

Honest Cons: What Toppls Aren’t Perfect For

1. Plugs Sold Separately The plugs are essential for frozen use, yet you must purchase them separately. Budget for both from the start.

2. Initial Cost Toppls cost more than basic toys. However, given their durability and effectiveness, I consider them worthwhile.

3. Prep Time Required Toppls require advance prep (stuffing and freezing). I mitigate this by batch-prepping multiple Toppls at once.

4. Messy Frozen Toppls will melt and can get messy. I give them outside or on easy-to-clean floors, or put them in a shallow pan.

5. Not Widely Known Most people have never heard of them, so they may not be available in some pet or feed stores. You’ll likely need to order online.

Where to Buy and What to Order

For Most Maremma and LGD Owners:

🔹 Large or XL Toppl – My preferred sizes for most dogs

🔹 Toppl Plug Set – Essential for freezing method

For Small Dogs Only: Small Toppl (not recommended for LGDs—too small)

My Recommendation: Buy 2-3 Toppls so you can rotate them and always have frozen options ready.

My Final Recommendation: Who Needs Toppls

After extensive use across various situations, Toppls are my #1 recommendation for:

✅ Dogs on kennel rest after surgery or injury
✅ Companion dogs needing daily mental stimulation
✅ Dogs in transition learning to enjoy new situations
✅ Travel and car rides requiring safe, engaging entertainment
✅ Anyone whose dog gave up on Kongs
✅ People wanting reliable, long-lasting enrichment

Who Should Skip Toppls:

• People unwilling to prep and freeze (though they work okay unstuffed, that’s not where they shine)
• Those looking for the absolute cheapest option
• Dogs with special dietary restrictions, limiting stuffing options

Why I’m Making This a Standard Recommendation

That consultation about the LGD who didn’t want to stay with turkeys was my wake-up call. I’ve been using Toppls for years, finding them incredibly useful across multiple scenarios—but I haven’t been actively sharing this tool with others.

That changes now.

If you’re:

• Preparing for a dog’s surgery and planning kennel rest
• Bringing home a new puppy or dog
• Helping a dog adjust to livestock guardian work
• Looking for better enrichment for a companion dog
• Tired of buying toys your dog ignores

…Toppls deserve a place in your toolkit.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 stars)

Best Feature: Wide design that keeps dogs engaged instead of frustrated

Biggest Drawback: Plugs sold separately

Would I Buy Again: Absolutely—I keep multiple in rotation

❓ FAQ: Toppl Dog Toy Review

Q: What’s the best size Toppl for Livestock Guardian Dogs?
A: Most adult LGDs, including Maremmas, do best with the Large or XL Toppl. Puppies under 4 months should start with the Small.

Q: Can you freeze a Toppl without the plug?
A: Technically yes, but the plug prevents leaks and lets you layer liquids like goat milk or broth. It’s worth buying.

Q: How long does a frozen Toppl last?
A: Depending on size and stuffing, 20–60 minutes of engagement—longer if stacked.

Q: Are Toppls dishwasher safe?
A: Yes—top rack only. I usually hand wash after each use and deep clean weekly.

Potential I’m Excited to Explore

While I’ve primarily used Toppls for enrichment in the situations above, I see significant potential for proactive behavior management—using them strategically before predictable trigger times to prevent unwanted behaviors.

This is something I plan to test more intentionally. If you try this approach (giving Toppls before times when your dog typically shows problem behaviors), I’d love to hear how it works.

For now, what I know for certain is that Toppls provide excellent mental stimulation across various situations, and that alone makes them invaluable.

FTC DISCLOSURE

This post contains affiliate links to products I personally use and recommend. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend Toppls because they’ve been genuinely useful tools across multiple situations with my own dogs—I’d recommend them whether or not I earned a commission.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ready to Try Toppl?

Grab a Large Toppl and a set of plugs, then try my layering method. Prep a few in advance so you’re never without enrichment options.

Have a dog recovering from surgery? Toppls can make kennel rest so much more manageable.

Helping a dog adjust to new guardian responsibilities? Use Toppls to create positive associations during the transition.

Questions about Toppls or how to use them in specific situations? Leave a comment below or contact me directly.