Most dog toys quickly become unruly or broken – that’s no fun for either of you, and could potentially pose health hazards if any pieces contain strings or ribbons attached to them are consumed by your canine friend.
Make an investment in durable toys that can withstand intense play. Here are a few of our favorites.
1. Kong Cozies
These plush toys are supersoft and luxuriously cuddly – ideal for snuggle time. Available in an array of adorable characters.
This interactive KONG toy promotes intuitive play and impulse control while helping slow down fast eaters at mealtime.
This toy is ideal for puppies thanks to its soft rubber construction that soothes teething gums while satisfying instinctual chewing needs. Plus, you can fill it with treats or kibble to extend playtime – plus it floats! Great for fetch in water environments such as pools and lakes!
2. Snuffle Mats
Snuffle mats (sometimes referred to as enrichment mats) use strips of fleece fabric to conceal treats in different crevices for your dog to find using only their nose! Ideal for smaller breeds.
Be careful when giving your dog a snuffle mat as some dogs may flip or pull at its fleece pieces, which could present a choking risk. Old or worn-out toys should also be replaced, and any that have been consumed by dogs known for chewing and swallowing things should also be discarded or replaced immediately.
3. Ball-Launchers
Fetch can be an excellent way for dogs to release excess energy while bonding with their humans, but playing it repeatedly can become tiresome and tiring for both parties involved. With the ball launcher, playing fetch for extended periods is made simpler.
It features adjustable distance settings and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, its safety features include an advanced motion sensor that won’t release balls if humans or pets come within 7 feet. Furthermore, an automated 15-minute rest period prevents overexcited dogs.
Though some launcher toys require specialty balls, this one was easy for most testers and their dogs to use. It proved popular.
4. Tentacle Toys
Those who appreciate tentacle dildos will adore this no-frills device that makes tentacle pleasure straightforward and pleasurable – ideal for solo use as well as use with partners.
This toy’s steady gradation width coupled with bulbed textures make it the ideal anal stretcher. At its tip it reaches down to fingertip diameter before expanding as you play.
Laphwing recommends using it with plenty of lubrication and discretion, as this hefty toy weighs 19 ounces and comes packaged in a discreet box for safe storage.
5. Treat-Dispensing Toys
Treat-dispensing toys require more work from your pup, but will keep him mentally and physically stimulated. Sinn suggests starting off simple ones such as this Starmark Bob-a-Lot that dispenses treats after being rolled around by your dog.
Your pup may take time figuring out how to use this toy, so consider options with adjustable difficulty levels and disassembleable parts that can easily be cleaned up afterwards.
Similar to humans, dogs become bored of playing with the same toys over and over, so rotating them helps prevent bacterial growth while making it easier to spot stains or wear.
6. Squeaky Toys
Dogs adore squeaky toys because they stimulate their predatory instincts and provide an outlet for energy. In addition, these irresistible toys encourage owners to play with their pups – further deepening the bond.
Becker notes that high-pitched noises from squeaky toys mimic rodent prey and activate dogs’ hunting instinct. She points out that wolves and wild dogs must hunt food to survive, with their superior hearing enabling them to hear any scared or injured prey squeal for help when needed.
Look for interactive toys that can be thrown or played tug-of-war with, such as those designed to be thrown or pulled by your pet. These will stand up better against their chewing and gnawing than plush toys filled with stuffing.
7. Kong Balls
There are an infinite number of ways to create interactive toys, but most fall into two broad categories. Some toys dispense treats in a controlled way like KONG toys and snuffle mats; others, like this puzzle toy from The Daily Dog Tag require your pup’s participation – such as KONG toys.
Making this DIY toy will require only minimal supplies, yet many owners found it extremely effective at engaging their dogs for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, several noted it wasn’t sturdy enough for power chewers.
8. Treat-Dispensing Puzzle Toys
Many puppies adore toys that dispensing treats, particularly ones featuring food-based kibble or other edible goodies. Such toys can promote more mindful eating habits while decreasing weight gain risk in fast eaters.
Burgess suggests switching up your interactive toys regularly in order to keep your pup interested. Just as people may become disinterested with playing with similar toys over and over, so she suggests slowly introducing new ones over time and rotating them once every week – while always supervising play sessions so as to prevent chewing or choking hazards.
9. Wooden Toys
Dogs enjoy playing with anything soft and cuddly, including these irresistible pet cushions for Corgis from our irresistible pet range! These cuddly Corgi cushions provide tactile stimulation as they encourage chewing.
Wooden toys offer all the fun without plastic, batteries and restrictions – 100% imagination-fueling fun! Perfect for encouraging open-ended play – vital in children’s development – children will adore this vet-themed game set that includes a puppy, stethoscope and other medical accessories to develop empathy while learning about human bodies!
10. Balls
Playing fetch can be an excellent way to burn energy and develop bonds between human and dog. Sinn recommends the Chuckit! Sport Launcher as an easy way to ease arm fatigue while protecting from dirt or saliva ingestion by having an anti-slick grabber end that keeps hands free from debris and slobber build-up.
Consider toys with strong materials and seams if your pup likes to chew, as some toys can quickly become choking hazards. Also check toys regularly for loose pieces that could break off and be swallowed; consider getting plush toys that allow you to add treats for enrichment purposes.