The Wishbone is a classic Benebone shape and the one we most recommend. It comes in all the sizes listed above. The Wishbone Benebone is offered in Chicken, Bacon, and Real Peanut Butter Flavors. This offers a vast array of options for even the pickiest of dogs to choose from. From our testing the Bacon version seems to be the favorite of most pups, after all who doesn't love Bacon! This shape resembles a chichen's wishbone and has three legs of chewing surface. At the end of each leg, there is a rounded portion which offers plenty of chewing potential for your pup!
The Wubba Classic Line has a durable and tough exterior material made up of what the company calls balastic nylon. From my experience many people would say it has the consistency of a fire hose. The balls are made up of rubber similar but slightly stronger than the strength of a tennis ball. The classic comes in three different colors and a variety of sizes.
Tug toys are highly effective for interactive play sessions with your dog. When you play a friendly game of tug-of-war with your pooch, it helps burn off some of that canine energy.
Through tug play, your dog learns important obedience commands like drop it and take it. It also encourages impulse control as they wait for your cue to start tugging. You'll be teaching them to pay attention to your cues and, the best part, to let go of their beloved toy when you give the word.
Most of them adore this rewarding game and it's a great way to channel the dog’s natural instincts and energy into a positive outlet.
If you're up for a super fun tug-of-war session with your pup, grab a tough rope or rubber tug toy – they're built to handle some serious chomping. Just make sure you pick the right size that fits your dog's mouth and strength so they can tug comfortably. Keep an eye out for dog toys with sturdy knots that won't come undone during play.
You can check out the Kong Wubba – it's a great pick for a tug toy. It has two balls wrapped up in a cloth material, complete with these "tails" of fabric hanging off them. Here’s the bonus: it's not just for tugging. You can also use it to play a game of fetch with your dog. Double the fun.
3. Automatic Ball Launchers For Fetch Play
Fetch – a timeless classic when it comes to dog games. But sometimes our arms just can't keep up with our dog's endless enthusiasm. That's where automatic ball launchers come to the rescue. These devices can shoot a ball far and wide, giving your dog the joy of chasing without wearing out your throwing arm.
Fetch play is not only a great physical workout for your pup but also an excellent way to keep their minds sharp. The thrill of chasing, the excitement of finding the ball, and the joy of bringing it back stimulate your dog's brain. A tired brain means a well-behaved pup.
Buy one with adjustable distance settings so you can match it to your pup's energy level. Look for a fetch toy that uses standard-sized tennis balls for easy replacements. Safety's key so choose a launcher with motion sensors to prevent it from firing when your dog's too close.
4. Frisbee/Flying Discs For Long-Distance Exercise & Fun Retrieval
You know that feeling when you take your dog to the park, and they just can't get enough of running and fetching? Well, a frisbee or flying disc takes that excitement to a whole new level. Running and leaping to catch the frisbee gets their heart pumping and muscles working, keeping them in tip-top shape.
Playing frisbee with your dog can have some positive behavioral impacts too. It helps productively channel their energy to reduce destructive behaviors. The training involved in teaching them to catch the frisbee and bring it back also enhances their obedience skills and responsiveness to commands.
Choose a frisbee or flying disc that is specifically designed for dogs. These are usually made from durable materials that can withstand rough play and sharp teeth. Look for a size that suits your dog's mouth comfortably, not too small that it becomes a choking hazard, and not too big that it becomes difficult for them to carry. Go for a brightly colored option so it's easily visible during playtime.
5. Kongs For Mental Enrichment & Chewing
- Perfect for stuffing with KONG treats
- Unpredictable bounce for games of fetch
- Recommended worldwide by Veterinarians, Trainers and dog enthusiasts
- Made in the USA
- Available in six sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL
If you ever notice your dog seems bored or restless, puzzle toys are here to the rescue. They provide mental enrichment and give your dog a challenge to conquer. Also, it helps keep their cognitive abilities sharp as they age.
Puzzle toys are also handy for those moments when you need some peace and quiet. They can keep your dog busy and entertained, giving you a little breathing space to recharge. If you've got a hyperactive pup who can't seem to sit still, get a puzzle toy. The mental challenge helps to burn off some of that excess energy and leaves your doggo feeling more relaxed and content.
Here's a neat trick: if you're dealing with a picky eater, hide their meal inside a puzzle toy. Suddenly, mealtime becomes a fun and rewarding experience and your dog is eager to chow down.
If you're looking to help your dog eat a bit slower and keep their brain buzzing, you should definitely consider a Kong Wobbler. They resemble the Kong Classic toys but they're bigger and built from tougher plastic. And they can hold a whole meal for most dogs.
Puzzle toys come in various complexities so choose one that matches your dog's skill level. Start with simpler toys that have easily accessible treats. As your dog becomes a puzzle master, you can level up to more challenging ones. Look for sturdy construction to withstand the enthusiastic problem-solving sessions and ensure it's free from small parts that can be swallowed accidentally.
7. Lure Course Toy Sets For Endurance Building
A lure course toy set will help you create a mini canine Olympics right in your backyard where your dog gets to channel their inner athlete. It typically consists of a long line with a lure (like a toy or fluffy tail) attached to the end. You control the lure's movement, making it dart and dash around like a nimble critter. Your dog's mission? To chase and catch that elusive prize.
This high-octane activity builds endurance in your dog. It gets their heart pumping and leg muscles working hard. It's a blast to watch as they go full speed, fueled by the thrill of the hunt.
For those adult dogs with energy to spare, lure course toys are a godsend. It allows them to release pent-up energy constructively for a calmer and more content dog. Not to mention, it's a fantastic way to work on their focus and obedience skills.
Look for one that's easy to set up and control. The lure should be enticing but also safe and durable. You want your pup to have a fantastic time without any safety concerns.
8. Flirt Poles For High-Energy Exercise & Coordination
A flirt pole is the ultimate exercise tool for dogs who need to burn off some steam and perfect their coordination skills. It is a long pole with a rope or string attached to one end and a toy or plushie at the other. You move the pole around, swinging and twirling the toy and your dog eagerly tries to catch the moving target.
Flirt poles provide a mix of agility training and chase. They are a great way to work on their coordination and reflexes as they leap and pounce to catch the elusive toy. For older dogs who still have a spring in their step, flirt poles are an excellent outlet for their energy, reducing undesirable behaviors that come from boredom or excess energy.
Look for one with a sturdy pole and a durable toy or plushie that can withstand some serious tugging and chasing. Make sure it's long enough to give your dog plenty of room to run and jump but not too heavy to handle.
9. Hide & Seek Plush Toys For Interactive Enrichment
The hide-and-seek plush toy comes with a soft plush container that holds a few small squeaky toys or treats inside. You place the plush toy on the floor and your pup's natural curiosity kicks in. They'll sniff, nudge, and paw at the plush to reveal the hidden treasures inside.
This toy keeps your dog entertained and mentally stimulated. It can also help prevent boredom and reduce destructive behaviors around the house. When you engage their minds and encourage problem-solving, it improves their cognitive abilities.
If you have a beginner pup or a dog that's new to interactive toys, go for one with larger compartments or easier-to-find treats. Make sure to pick a toy that's well-made and can withstand some rough play. Be careful about the size. Check for non-toxic materials and avoid toys with small parts that can be easily chewed off or swallowed.
10. Activity Boards For Brain Games & Skill Enhancement
Activity boards help boost your dog's smarts. They are built tough with all sorts of movable parts, drawers, and compartments. Each section hides a treat or a puzzle that your dog needs to figure out.
As your dog sniffs and manipulates the various elements, they're sharpening their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. You also get to capture and hold your dog's attention and promote positive behavior. For dogs who struggle with boredom-related behaviors, the mental stimulation they get from solving puzzles also helps reduce anxiety and restlessness.
Start with simpler ones with fewer compartments and straightforward puzzles. As your dog becomes an ace puzzle-solver, you can challenge them with more complex boards. Look for a board made of durable, pet-safe materials, and ensure that the moving parts are smooth and safe for your dog to interact with. Choose one that suits your dog's size and abilities so they don't get frustrated or overwhelmed.
11. Snuffle Mats For Sensory Stimulation & Nose Work
- The snuffle mat stimulates pets foraging instinct and satisfies sense of smell. Make your dogs nose and brain to work by mimicking the hunt for food.
- Hide your pet's food and treats in the sniff mat for dogs, encourage them to search it, to keep them busy when you needed.
- Multiple mats can be put together to be a big mat ! Your pet definitely like to play and search on the mat, just meet their curiosity. The mat is made of dense and sturdy fleece. Worth the money, do the job.
- The size of the dog feeding mat is 1717, which is convenient size size to store out of the way wehn not in use. And one mat is perfect for a small or medium sized dog.
- Easy to clean, hand wash and washer are both OK.
An interactive ball is a puzzle in the form of a ball. It has treat holes or compartments that you can fill with your dog's favorite goodies. As your dog rolls, nudges, and paws at the ball, the treats inside are released as a reward for their playful efforts.
This type of toy encourages dogs to focus, follow commands, and sharpen their retrieving skills. They stay engaged and content which means fewer chances of them engaging in destructive behaviors. It's excellent for dogs who are prone to separation anxiety as it will keep them occupied and distracted when you are not around.
Make sure it's made of durable materials especially if you have a strong chewer. Look for treat holes that are the right size for your dog's favorite treats. For smaller dogs, go for a ball that is easy for them to carry and roll around. If you have a larger dog, find a more durable option.
West Paw Toppl is a great option when it comes to interactive balls for your furry buddy. It's made from their unique Zogoflex material – super safe, free from BPA, and totally non-toxic. Cleaning it is a breeze, too. This is going to keep your dog having a blast for quite a while.
13. Jump Rings & Hurdles For Agility Training & Exercises
Jump rings and hurdles are designed to mimic the obstacles found in dog agility courses. Set up a mini agility course in your backyard and watch your dog's athleticism shine. As they navigate through the rings or jump over the hurdles, they learn to pay attention to your cues, improve their body awareness, and build those strong leg muscles.
For dogs that have a bit of nervous energy or are naturally hyperactive, these toys channel that energy into something positive and have a calming effect on their overall behavior.
Consider your dog's size and breed when buying one. You don't want the rings or hurdles to be too high or too low for your pup. Avoid anything sharp or rigid that could cause injury. PVC or foam options are excellent choices. If your dog is just starting with agility training, go for adjustable options.
14. Floating Water Toys For Water Play & Fetch In Pools Or Lakes
- Super High Bounce: Better than standard tennis balls, the Ultra Ball is made of durable rubber yielding an ultra bouncy, exciting fetch experience on land or on water.
- Tough and Durable: This rugged dog fetch toy has a textured surface and a thick rubber core that can stand up to rough play yet is soft on dog's mouths.
- Sizing matters: Size medium measures 2.5" in diameter and is best suited for dogs weighing 20-60lbs.
- Make Fetch Happen: Chuckit Performance toys are designed with you and your dog in mind;
- ChuckIt Fetch Pet Toys: Chuckit makes indoor and outdoor dog toys that enrich the human-animal bond and helps dogs and puppies stay engaged.
Floating toys are a blast and can really up the fun factor during water playtime with your furry friend. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, from classic floating balls to more unique designs like floating frisbees and water retrieval sticks.
Swimming is a low-impact activity that helps to keep your dog's muscles toned and joints healthy. Playing with these toys in the water provides a full-body workout without putting too much strain on their bodies.
When dogs are engaged in fetching in the water, they release pent-up energy and are less likely to engage in unwanted behaviors. The mental challenge of retrieving floating toys makes them smarter and more alert.
Ensure the floating water toys are made of buoyant materials to keep them afloat easily. Bright colors are helpful for visibility in the water. Choose toys that are easy to clean and don't absorb water as you wouldn't want a soggy, smelly toy.
Suburban K9: Enhance Your Dog's Playtime With Expert Training
We all know how important dog toys are to keep our canine companions entertained and mentally stimulated. But here's the thing – using these toys effectively and getting your dog to follow your commands takes some skill, the kind you get from professional dog training.
At Suburban K9, we've been in the dog training business since 2006. We have 42 skilled trainers who've worked with over 20,000 dogs and they really know their stuff. What makes our board and train boot camp special is that it's all about personalization. Your dog won't be stuck in some impersonal facility; they get to stay at our trainer's home.
Our trainers will take care of your dog and teach them all sorts of necessary skills. They'll learn obedience commands so they know when to sit, stay, and come when called. We'll also cover good manners at the front door because who likes a dog that jumps on every visitor? We’ll also potty train them and give them on and off-leash training so you have the freedom to explore with your pup by your side.
We've discovered that the best way to train your furry friend is to strike a balance between positive reinforcement and gentle correction. Our experienced trainers totally understand that some dogs need a little extra motivation to conquer their challenges. So they step in with their magic touch, using just the right mix of rewards and corrections to help your dog kick those bad habits to the curb.
Conclusion
So when you think that it’s your dog’s body that needs stimulation and exercise, think again. Mental stimulation is equally important for your furry friend’s well-being. These dog training toys will make your pup more engaged while making them learn how to put a halt to their compulsive behavior.
Just make sure that when you go for one of these specific eye-catching, colorful things, it should be safe for your doggo in all terms – no hazardous material used or nothing that could hurt them during friendly play.
A Suburban K9, we have over 17 years of dog training experience. Our team of dog training experts is enthusiastic and passionate individuals who love challenges. We believe that every dog is unique so we create a customized training plan that meets the needs. Discover the power of balanced training from Suburban K9. Request your free quote today!
