This article contains Amazon affiliate links, see my full disclosure at the bottom of the page.
Toys aren’t just a way to have fun for your dog. They’re necessary for your pup’s comfort, health, and happiness. 6 great toys for dogs
6 Best toys for dogs
Playing and chewing are natural dog behaviors, and toys give your dog the perfect outlet to fight boredom, get active, and release their pent-up energy. This article will explore the 6 best toys to try in your next play session with your dog.
1. Rope Toys
Rope toys are a classic for a reason. Made from braided fabric, these toys are multi-functional and perfect for fetch, tug-of-war, or simply used as a chew toy.
Daily use of a rope toy can even help remove tartar build-up from your dog’s teeth.
If your dog prefers to rough house, and they’re known for chewing through their toys quickly, your dog may love a good rope. Always supervise your dog during play, however, to prevent them from swallowing any unraveled pieces.
2. Floating Toys
If your dog’s favorite summertime activity is a dive in the pool or a swim in the lake, then floating toys are a necessity.
Typically made from foam or rubber, these toys won’t sink to the bottom of the pool, so they’re perfect for adding a little extra fun to your dog’s swimming practice.
Make sure you rinse these toys off well after you use them to prevent any mold from growing.
3. Food-Dispensing Toys and Food Puzzles
Playtime isn’t always about physical exercise.
Mental exercise can be just as important for your pup, and enrichment activities are a key part of any happy, healthy dog’s daily routine.
Food dispensing toys and food puzzles challenge your dog to solve problems to earn treats. These can range from simple puzzles like a stuffed Kong toy to more advanced puzzles where your dog needs to lift flaps or push open doors to find their treats.
These toys are also great for rainy days or days where your dog’s outside physical time has to be cut short.
4. Chew Toys
Chewing is a natural instinct for dogs, but without a proper outlet for that chewing, your dog may turn to your furniture or other items to fill that need.
In addition to giving your dog an appropriate place to chew, chew toys offer many great benefits for your pup, including:
- an outlet to relieve stress and anxiety
- mental stimulation
- a supplement to daily brushing for clean teeth
5. Burrow and Hide-and-Seek Toys
Burrow toys combine the interactive nature of a puzzle toy with the comfort of a plush toy.
There are many different styles of burrow toys, but they all feature the main component (like a stuffed log), and 3 to 4 small plush toys that can be hidden inside that main component (like squirrels).
It’s your dog’s job to dig out all the plush toys in a hide-and-seek fashion. These types of toys are great for dogs that love scent work or that like to have a job.
6. Flirt Poles
Flirt poles aren’t your average dog toy. Flirt poles are long, sometimes extendable, poles with a cord or elastic attached with a lure on the end. They resemble fishing poles or cat wand toys.
Flirt poles are perfect for dogs with high prey drives because they can stimulate your dog’s love to chase in a controlled way that helps build communication and impulse control. You can even DIY your own flirt poles.
What Type of Toy Does Your Dog Prefer?
Different dogs prefer different play styles and types of toys, so it’s a good idea to experiment with your dog to find the perfect toy.
Take your dog’s breed, energy level, and personality into consideration, and look for a toy that meets their needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative and DIY your own toys as well.
