The Best Toys for Dogs that Love to Chase

Fetch is one of our favorite games to play with our dogs, and they love it when we add fun twists to their favorite game as well. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of fun new toys to play fetch with! Check it out to learn more about how you can spice up your games of fetch. At Sit Means Sit, we believe that play is everything!

Why Playing is Important for Dogs

Even when your dog moves beyond the active pup stage and into adulthood, it’s still important to play with them. Studies show that dogs benefit most from interactive play that involves their owners, rather than independent play, even with their favorite toy.

1. Playtime Strengthens Bonds 

We know that playtime encourages good relationships and social skills, but having a bit of time set aside each day just for your pup shows them your investment in the bond you share. Playing one-on-one means undivided attention, which, to a dog, translates to feeling cared for and prioritized. It also strengthens your dog’s trust in you.

Here’s an example: When you’re playing fetch, your dog will learn to either trust that you’ll throw the ball, or trust that you won’t. When dogs chase the ball and bring it back, there should be an expectation of trust. A layer of predictability (throwing the ball every time) provides dogs with security that they can depend on.

2. Playing is an Energy Release  

Many of our modern-day, domesticated dogs end up spending most of their time indoors, often sleeping. Allowing your dog to have a lot of quiet downtime can lead to negative behaviors such as chewing on things, barking for attention, or disobedience. Especially if you have a breed that’s very high-energy, leaving squeaky toys around the house isn’t going to be enough to keep your dog satisfied, sleeping soundly, and eating properly.

3. “Too Old to Learn” is False

When you play ball, for example, all of your dog’s senses activate and sharpen. This helps the brain stay alert and developing! The growth that comes with understanding socialization, textures, coordination, and manners doesn’t end when the dog reaches adulthood.

Additionally, playtime is a great opportunity to incorporate training into your dog’s life. Most dogs love a challenge, so giving them that in a positive and engaging way is a surefire way to win them over. Consider making a game a reward for completing a task or trick to associate training with positive memories.

4. Play improves your dog’s mental wellness  

Playing releases endorphins in a dog’s brain, which causes them to feel joy and happiness. These hormones last for a long time, even after playtime has ended. This boost helps your dog’s emotional health and hormonal balance.

On top of feeling good, physical and mental stimulation is known to be incredibly impactful for dogs with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other mental diseases. Participating in playtime has been proven to slow the progress of Canine Cognitive Decline, as well as decrease the symptoms.

5. Playing helps build your dog’s confidence  

The benefits of playtime go on! Playing strengthens dogs’ prefrontal cortexes. This is the area of the brain that assists in making decisions and exercising control. The stronger that area is, the more confident and wise your dog will be! If they’re healthy and developed, your pup will be able to approach a puppy pal with surety and control.

Which Dog Breeds Are More Likely to Chase?

• Chasing comes naturally to most dogs, but Sighthounds of all sizes, from Afghan Hounds to Whippets, were specifically bred over thousands of years to chase down prey.

Materials to Avoid in a Dog Toy When Buying Dog Chase Toys?

Generally speaking, it’s important to pick toys that aren’t hard, brittle, or too flimsy. Anything that will shatter, break, or tear easily could cause a cut-up mouth and some big vet bills. Soft toys are excellent for playing with! Even games like fetch and tug-of-war can be done with toys that are easy on your pet. You might have to replace them more often than some of the tougher toys, but sometimes that’s worth it.

Some materials are toxic to dogs even though they’re common in dog toys (especially cheap or fake toys!). Here are some common things you can watch out for when purchasing toys for your beloved companion:

Lead

Lead is typically found in the paint that covers many dog toys. You won’t find lead in toys that are made by conscientious companies or those under the strict watch of safety regulations, but it’s still easy to come across.

Dogs exposed to lead in their toys can experience very serious neurological problems. Puppies and kittens, especially, are sensitive to lead and should be kept away as much as possible. Lead poisoning can damage organs, including the gastrointestinal tract and the nervous system, which could be irreversible.

PVC and Phthalates

PVC is very common type of plastic that’s used to create toys and many pet products. The surface layer of PVC isn’t harmful, but manufacturers are known to put phthalates into the PVC to make it softer and more chewable. The more the toy is in the dog’s mouth, the more that surface layer of protection wears down and the more phthalates seep out of the toy and into your dog. These toxins can be quickly absorbed through your dog’s gums or skin and lead to reproductive or developmental issues. It is particularly important to avoid giving PVC toys to young animals who are still growing.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

You have probably heard of BPA but never given it much thought. It’s commonly found in most plastic products and has been linked to severe problems such as cancer and hormone imbalances. BPA upsets the canine endocrine system and metabolism, which can quickly bring their overall health down.

Chromium and Cadmium

Chromium, when injected in very small amounts, is essential to your dog’s diet, but in high doses is toxic. Cadmium is a cancer-causing metal that negatively impacts dogs’ hearts, joints, and lungs.

Both of these things are found in many cheap dog and cat toys across the nation. It is best to avoid them at all costs by sourcing where you get your toys and understanding what they’re made from.

Which Type of Dog Toys are Best for Dogs That Like to Chase Things?

Dogs that have a lot of energy will often love to chase! If you let them, they will play fetch until your arm feels ready to fall off. Now, even if you’re not going to play fetch that much, you can still provide your dog with toys that are fun to chase in several different settings.

• Rubber balls are more durable than tennis balls, for example, so if you play a lot of fetch, you might choose rubber as a more durable option. You can also pick bright colors to help distinguish your toy from several other dogs’ toys at the dog park.
• Disk toys are highly popular for dogs. Some breeds are especially good at catching disks in midair and enjoy the thrill of a challenge. You may think that this is very similar to fetch with a ball, but your dog will notice a difference and revel in the change.
• Flirt poles work for dogs as well as cats! The ones for dogs are thicker and sturdier than the ones for cats and often have a tug toy or ball at the end (instead of a feather or bell), but the concept is the same. These toys are fun for owners, as well, because you can control where the toy goes and how fast it gets there! If your dog likes to play more “keep away” than fetch, this might be just the way to get all that beneficial exercise in without having to fight for control of the toy.

West Paw Tizzi

This fun toy flies high for your dog to jump up and snag it out of the air. It spirals, floats, and is dishwasher-safe, so don’t be afraid to get it dirty! The toy comes in three fun colors and two different sizes, so all dogs can enjoy playing with this funky toy. The perfect way to switch up your game of fetch.

Chuckit Amphibious Bumper Fetch and Float Toy

This lightweight fetch toy floats in water, so you can bring your game of fetch to the beach or to the pool. Bright and colorful, you’ll never lose sight of this fun toy and your dog will have the time of their life chasing it down. It’s very durable and you won’t have to worry about your furry friend gnawing it up.

Kurgo Skipping Stones

Another fetch toy designed for water, you’ll never need to go hunting down the perfect skipping stone again! Shaped like natural stones but in brighter and bolder colors, your dog will love chasing down these floating fetch toys. They glide across the water and will spice up your game of fetch in no time.

Squeaky Standing Stick Animal Toys

Is your canine more of a stick kind of dog? These toys are perfect for pooches who prefer chasing after sticks but with the added delight of being squeaky and bouncy! They also come in various animals: you can choose between a chicken, pig, or frog, and enjoy your game of fetch with your furry friend. Talk about the perfect fetch toy!

Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper

Some dogs are big fans of chasing after a disc, and we don’t blame them. This floppy disc is durable and comes in bright colors that will help you and your dog find it with ease. It also floats on water if your dog prefers playing fetch in the water. Your dog will never want to stop playing fetch with their fancy new disc!

New dog toys are a fun reward for your furry friend and they can lend themselves to some exciting games of fetch! Try any of these toys to switch up your game and make fetch even more fun.

Dog Toys for Different-Sized Breeds

Puppy Dog Toys

Buying toys for your puppy is a little different than buying toys for your grown-up dog. From 12 weeks to 6 months, your dog will lose their baby teeth and grow in all their adult teeth. This stage is called “teething” and it means that your puppy will chew on everything within sight. By choosing toys that are designed for puppies, you will not only be helping your pup grow in healthy habits, you will be saving your furniture, shoes, socks, and hands from weeks of destruction.

The size of your puppy will impact what size toys you buy, but in general, there are some things to watch out for.

Look for toys that are made from natural rubber. It’s not only more durable than regular rubber products, it’s softer. This means it’s easier on your little pup’s baby teeth.

Plush toys are a natural go-to for puppies in need of comfort. The softness of these toys makes them easy on teeth and jaws, and they don’t often come in sizes that pose a choking hazard. The only consideration is that you will need to watch out for any tears or holes that might allow fluff to come out. That could become a hazard!

Dental chews are a great way to give your puppies some entertainment while encouraging hygiene! These are particularly helpful when your pup is teething because the little bit of resistance that these chews offer is soothing to the teeth and gums.

Puzzle toys are a must for little ones who need a challenge! The mental stimulation of these toys is very beneficial for young minds that are still developing. Choose toys that are made of dog-safe rubber or plastic for the most durability. Most of them will have small holes where you can place treats, which your dog will then have to paw, lick, roll, or knock out.

Whatever toys you choose to go with, know that durability is absolutely crucial. Puppies can destroy new toys faster than you can blink. If you’re not careful, your puppy could end up with small and sharp pieces of toys that could be injected, or even worse, get stuck in your dog’s throat! Look for toys that are specifically designed to withstand a whole lot of chewing.

Small Dogs Toys

Choosing the correct size of a toy based on your breed’s size is about safety as much as it is about fun. You want it to be small enough that you don’t overwhelm or injure your little dog, but it needs to be big enough so that it isn’t easy to swallow or lose. The toys need to be lightweight and small enough that your dog can carry, chew, and interact with them without having to strain their teeth and jaws.

Stick with mini and small-sized squeaky and puzzle toys, lightweight rubber chew toys, soft, plushy animals, and mini tennis balls (or rubber balls) for your petite canine companion.

Medium Breed Dog Toys

As the size implies, medium dog breeds will need toys of medium strength and size. You don’t want to jump right to the jumbo for your pup, but instead, stay with moderate choices. The good thing about medium-sized breeds is that there are so many options out there! Pick toys that can withstand quite a bit of use, because medium breeds are often a lot stronger than they look.

Large Breed Dog Toys

On top of having giant mouths and paws that come with a lot of strength, large breeds often display intense play behaviors. They are also known to have strong chewing tendencies, which means any toy you pick for your big friend has to be durable. “Heavy duty” is the name of this game. Your toys need to withstand impressive jaw pressure, sharp teeth, and a lot of body weight. It’s also important to ensure that the toys you pick are large enough to eliminate the concern of choking.

Choose large, tough balls, rubber toys, and robust ropes for tug-of-war and interactive play. As far as plushies are concerned, always go for the oversized, durable options when they’re available. All your puzzle toys need to be big and strong since they’ll be used heavily by your large dog.

Toys that are tailored to your dog (their size, breed, personality, etc…) make playtime and training sessions much more beneficial. Toys that match your dog increase focus and motivation. They are powerful toys for positively reinforcing good behavior patterns and establishing trust. Never underestimate the importance of carefully choosing your dog’s toys.