Best Toys to Keep Your Dog’s Brain & Body Busy
Trying to make sure your dog gets all the exercise and mental stimulation they need can be exhausting, especially if you’re pooch seems to never get tired of being active. But, there’s a solution to rescue you from neverending puppy playtime. Stimulation toys help keep your dog’s mind and body occupied to prevent boredom, destructive behaviors, and separation anxiety. Here’s a list of some of the best interactive toys that will keep your furry best friend engaged!
Interactive Toys VS Regular Toys
Are interactive toys a waste of money? If your goal is to get your dog’s body and mind working without much effort on your part, no! Interactive toys take all the best parts of traditional toys and puzzle toys and put them together. Interactive toys help dogs become more self-sufficient as they can fulfill their exercise/playtime needs mostly on their own while still remaining engaged with the task. Follow this guide to find out which type of interactive toy is best for your doggie situation:
- Electronic Toys: Dogs who are left alone for long periods of time
- Treat-Dispensing Toys: Dogs who are food-motivated
- Ball-Launching Toys: Dogs who love fetch/need to exert themselves physically
- Hidden Component Toys: Dogs who are natural diggers/sniffers
- Tension Toys: Dogs who love tug-of-war games
- Mobile Interactive Toys: Dogs who are hunters/enjoy searching for prey
- Miscellaneous Toys: Generally loved by most dogs
CleverPet (Electronic)
This toy is pre-programmed with games for your dog to play that progressively get harder, all you have to do is fill the treat dispenser from time to time! The app allows you to track your pooch’s progress and limit the amount of food as you see fit (so if your dog is on a diet, no worries).
West Paw Qwizl (Treat-Dispensing)
This toy is unique in that it’s aggressive-chew durable, allows a variety of treats to fit into the slot (like dental sticks or small kibble), and works your dog both physically and mentally as they try and figure out how to get their treat out! Plus, your dog can use this toy even without a treat inside.
IDOGMATE (Ball Launcher)
Your dog gets all the fun in fetch without ever needing you to throw your shoulder out trying to keep up with them! Your dog simply places the tennis ball into the top slot and the machine shoots the ball out (10-40 feet) for your dog to fetch and return. This toy even comes with specialty tennis balls that don’t have the teeth-grinding abrasives of normal tennis balls, so it’s completely safe for your canine’s dental health!
iFetch iDig (Hidden)
Let your dog embrace their natural instinct to dig with this interactive digging toy! The durable fabric encourages an outlet for digging (that isn’t your couch cushion) by hiding “hidden treasure” in flaps for your dog to uncover.
Tumbo Tugger-Of-War (Tension)
Attach this self-sufficient doggie tug-of-war on a sturdy branch outside or strong hook on the ceiling for an engaging playtime experience your dog can partake in all alone! Your dog will be entertained and you won’t have to face any doggie whiplash like your last game of tug-of-war with Fido.
SwiftPaws Lure Course (Mobile)
This interactive course is perfect for hunting dogs (retired or practicing) to play while imitating the hunt for prey! The lure pulls a flag with an animal graphic on it with speeds up to 30 miles per hour for an exhilarating hunt experience.
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel (Miscellaneous)
This adorable toy will be a fun way for your dog to get mentally stimulated while playing a game of hide-and-seek. They are tasked with looking for the hidden squirrels inside the trunk holes! You can even spice up this game by placing a few treats inside with the squirrels so your dog has more to hunt and sniff out for.
Whichever interactive dog toy you choose to get for your canine companion, be sure to read any instructions and don’t be shy to teach them how to use it the first few playtimes. Your dog is smart, but interactive toys may be new to them, so show them the ropes!