Written By: Lexie Chow. Edited By: Victoria Regan and Emily Hanson.
You may ask yourself “Does my dog really need toys?”
Well the answer is… YES!!! Dogs get bored, just like humans do! They have a natural instinct to have a job and crave that mental stimulation. However, most people don’t require a working dog, and are looking for a companion instead. Unfortunately, if we don’t offer our companions another way to stimulate their minds, they will become bored and then become frustrated. Dog toys fulfill the craving for that mental stimulation, and can also satisfy your pup physically for chewing and playing!
As most dog owners know, it can be hard to pick the right dog toy! Even if you think the toy will be great, often your dog will show no interest in it. Or when you do find a toy that they like, it’s destroyed in a matter of minutes! We understand how difficult finding a good dog toy is, but that doesn’t mean your dog needs to go without them. We’ve tried and tested a variety of popular toys, and here is our list of the top 10 dog toys we recommend.
1. For The Ball Chasers – Chuckit! ULTRA ball with launcher
This classic is a must-have for any ball lovers out there.
“Made from natural, high-bounce rubber, the Ultra Ball encourages dogs to leap and jump for more stimulating games of fetch. Featuring an extra-thick rubber core, these dog fetch toys are durable for long-term use, yet lightweight and buoyant as water toys for dogs.”- Chuckit product description
“No ordinary ball, designed for the most demanding use. Developed to have high bounce, high buoyancy and high visibility. Durable, the Ultra Ball lasts longer than ordinary tennis balls.” – Chuckit product description
“Throw farther, faster, and never bend down to pick up a slimy ball again with a Chuckit! Launcher. Durable plastic launcher firmly grasps a ball then releases it as you swing. Picks up balls tossed into mud or water during games of fetch.” – Chuckit product description
ChuckIt! Medium Ultra Balls 2.5 inch, 2-Pack: Amazon.ca: Pet Supplies
Chuckit! Classic 26M Launcher (Colors Vary): Amazon.ca: Pet Supplies
2. For Prey Drive – Flirt Poles
A flirt pole is a long rod with a string attached to the top. At the end of the string is typically a toy or lure. To use this type of toy you hold it like a fishing rod, and whip the lure back and forth in a way that would be challenging for your dog to catch. If they want to catch the “prey” they have to focus, plan, run, change direction, etc. This kind of toy engages your dog’s instinctual prey drive and is used for challenging physical endurance, agility, and mental stimulation. Here are some suggested flirt poles.
Amazon.com : flirt pole for dogs
3. For Puppies – KONG Puppy Goodie Bone
Kong is well-known for their iconic, durable rubber chew toys. If you have a puppy then this toy is a great option for you. This soft rubber teething bone helps soothe teeth and gums, and satisfies your puppy’s natural chew instinct. This unique teething bone can also be stuff with treats to extend play time.
4. For The Brain – Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Interactive Puzzle Game Dog Toys
Interactive puzzles are great mental stimulation for dogs! They incorporate the challenge of problem solving while fulfilling the dog’s instinct to hunt for their food.
Puzzles encourage dogs to use their nosework skills, they can sniff, paw and use their mouth to try and retrieve the treats from the puzzles. The Outward Hound X Nina Ottosson interactive puzzle line offers a variety of different puzzles types and levels with varying difficulties. Some puzzles slide, lift, and flip to hide treats making the puzzle more interactive for your dog.
5. For Bonding – Tug Toys
A game of tug-of-war with your dog is a great way to bond while playing. Whether your dog is facing off against you or another dog, tug toys are interactive for those on both ends of the toy. Playing with a tug-type toy can teach dogs to limit mouth play to when you have the toy, and not mouth your hands! Tug of war is also an efficient way of getting great exercise for your dog, it is physically and mentally exerting for your pup and can be played inside or out. Tug toys also appease that chewing instinct. Mammoth dog toys have a paw-some selection of premium tug toys and are a go-to for large dogs.
Amazon.com: Mammoth Pet Products
6. For The Love Of Plush – goDog toys
Not all dogs are severe chewers, so here’s one for the stuffy lovers. GoDog plush toys are made with chew guard technology. While not indestructible, these toys do hold up better compared to the standard plush type toy. Dogs will go nuts for the classic squeaker in these goDog plush toys, and since they are made with less stuffing they have that “floppy” feeling that mimics a real life prey. Unleash your dog’s prey drive with a goDog toy!
7. For the stick lovers – Petstages Dogwood Chew
Is your dog relentless with chewing sticks? This toy might be for you! Petstages dogwood chews are an alternative to chewing on sticks. Made from a fusion of natural wood fibre and safe synthetics, this toy imitates the feel and taste of real wood that dogs enjoy.
**NOTE: This is a toy and is inedible, please supervise your dog at all times**
“With no dangerous splintering and minimal mess, Dogwood wooden stick toys smell just like a tree branch and come in a variety of flavors to entice your dog away from eating sticks, while supporting natural dog chewing behaviors
Strong, durable, and tough enough to withstand hours of chewing, Dogwood real wood chew toys are a great way to redirect your canine away from destructive behaviors, and reward them with a tasty chewable toy they’ll love!”- Petstages product description
Amazon.com : Petstages Dogwood Stick Large : Pet Chew Toys : Pet Supplies
8. For The All In One – West Paw Qwizl
★Tanner’s top pick!★
This is the ultimate toy! Made with non-toxic, zero-waste material these toys are recyclable! *paw-five for sustainability* The qwizl is durable and comes in two sizes, and multiple bright colours, made to be found easily. The qwizl has multiple ways to be played with. You can play fetch, use it as a chew toy, stuff treats and use it like a puzzle, and the large version is even big enough to play tug-of-war with! Wowza! With so many options you can see why this is the ideal toy!! When used to stuff treats, it fits smaller sized treats or can be used to hold long dental chews like bully sticks! This toy is so versatile, and if that wasn’t enough, the qwizl is…. wait for it…. dishwasher safe!!! No more slimy toys!
Check it out here ..
Also available on amazon
9. For the Ball Chewers – JW Pet Hol-ee Roller X Dog
Does your dog love balls, but not playing fetch them? This is the ball made for chewers! Check out the Pet Hol-ee Roller X, made with natural thick rubber. This ball is tough, yet gentle on gums and teeth. Another multifunctional toy, the Hol-ee Roller X can be chewed, fetched, tugged, thrown, and can also be stuffed to hide treats!
10. For Everyone – Kong Classic Toy
Good old faithful, AKA the classic Kong toy. Kong is easily the most recognizable name brand dog toy on the market, and for good reason. These toys have an iconic shape and red color. Dogs love them, and so do our wallets! Reasonably priced and long-lasting for average chewers, the kong is a favorite among dog owners. Made with natural rubber and a unique design, the kong bounces and rolls erratically making it a fun ball to chase. It can also be used as a chew toy, treat dispenser and food stuffer! The ridges on the outside are perfect for the peanut butter lovers. Freeze it for a cool treat in the summer! They come in 6 sizes, so it’s a staple dog toy for any furfriend. Check it out in the link below: