Selecting toys designed to stimulate your dog’s brain is vital for their mental and physical wellbeing. Such toys can help combat boredom, channel their natural instincts, and provide an outlet for excess energy.
Understanding your dog’s play style is also vitally important. This guide will equip you with all of the knowledge and tips needed to select suitable toys for your pup!
1. Chew Toys
Dogs that love to chew require toys that can withstand their aggressive gnawing. A toy made of the wrong material could injure or break teeth; vets and dog dentists frequently report seeing broken, chipped, cracked and fractured ones among dogs who chew plastic bones such as Nylabones, real bones, antlers, knuckles or rocks.
Choose a chew toy with some flexibility and “give,” so it won’t disassemble into pieces that could pose swallowing or choking hazards. Also take shape into consideration; toys with hard edges tend to last longer. This plush dinosaur comes complete with built-in squeaker and double stitching so it will stand up better over time!
2. Balls
Dogs that enjoy playing fetch should have plenty of ball toys on hand – especially ones made of durable material and designed to float in water. One popular line such as Chuckit Ultra offers a squeaky ball (though I have yet to witness its survival thanks to Roo).
Consider investing in an automatic ball launcher for hands-free fetching fun. These launchers can throw balls far, making retrieval a lot simpler – perfect for doggies!
Keep stuffed animal toys that contain squeakers away from dogs as many will respond by trying to kill or tear into them. Choose toys large enough so as to prevent choking hazards – for example these three forest animal stuffed toys by Kong are an ideal example.
3. Frisbees
Dogs are energetic creatures, so if you don’t provide an outlet for their excess energy, they may become bored or even destructive. Playing fetch with your pup strengthens the bond between you while providing exercise and releasing pent-up energy.
Search for a frisbee made of sturdy materials to withstand chewing and rough play, while its design must not harm your dog’s mouth or teeth.
Nite Ize Discuit offers an innovative option that lights up in the dark for playing fetch after dusk with your pet. Plus, its floating design makes it a great fit for aquatic dogs!
4. Kong Cozies
These cute and cuddly plush toys are created specifically to keep dogs entertained. Perfect for playing fetch or snuggle sessions, their squeak can encourage playful behavior as well as teething periods or soothing anxious dogs.
To provide more stimulating play, opt for interactive toys that promote mental stimulation. Such toys may include puzzles, treat dispensing mechanisms and moving parts. Choose durable materials that can withstand chewing as well as those without small parts that could break off and present a choking hazard. When choosing toys that suit your dog’s play style, age or chewing habits make sure to regularly inspect and replace toys as needed.
5. Rope Toys
Rope toys make a wonderful choice for active puppies that enjoy physical play and mental stimulation, as well as aiding obedience training.
Consider rope toys designed with your dog’s dental health in mind, like this one featuring mint-scented floss and fluoride to clean teeth. Plus, this water resistant toy features wax-coated nylon for tugging play!
Another excellent choice is this hybrid rope toy with an elk antler chunk for determined chewers. The close-knit design of its twists makes it easy for pet parents to grasp when playing tug of war and helps prevent frayed edges that could pose a choking hazard.
6. Twisty Qwizl
Dogs enjoy shaking, chasing, chewing, and tugging toys like plush toys stuffed with treats for hours-long play sessions. West Paw’s Twisty Qwizl features a unique soft elastic shell designed not to tear when filled with bully sticks, dental chews, kibble or treats; additionally it floats for water fetch play!
Small dogs need toys tailored specifically to their mouths and playstyles. Small pups enjoy grabbing and thrashing toys like the skinneeez stuffing-free toy with its squeakers and wishbone shape; smart pups may like Nina Ottosson puzzle games which allow them to nudge levers and pull sliders to dispensing snacks or kibble.
7. Goughnuts Tug Toy
If your pup enjoys tug-of-war games, finding toys that withstand their strong jaws will be key. Goughnuts’ Indestructible Rubber Tug toy offers just such durability while remaining safe and comfy for dogs when tugging away at it.
Size should also be taken into consideration as toys that are too small can pose a choking hazard and conversely too large may dissuade smaller breeds from engaging with it.
Your dog needs something they enjoy playing with and that they can chew through safely without ruining. Be patient as this process could take time before finding what will satisfy their interests!
8. Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Interactive Dog Toy
Nina Ottosson puzzle toys provide your canine with mental and physical stimulation while strengthening their bond, providing interactive toys of varying degrees of difficulty that are free from BPA, PVC and phthalates – perfect for strengthening both!
The Dog Tornado is an intermediate level toy designed to dispense treats while entertaining your pup. Simply place his or her treats inside its twelve compartments, covering some with bone covers for extra challenge, and hand washing between uses is quick and simple. Plus, its durable materials make cleaning up after themselves simple!
