March 15, 2023, 12:48 pm | Read time: 11 minutes

One thing almost all dogs love? Playing! For dogs, playing is more than just a fun pastime; it helps them learn, build social bonds, improve intellectual abilities, and stay fit. With so many benefits, the range of dog toys is broad and diverse. From classic chew and fetch toys to squeaky animals and intelligence toys, there’s nothing that doesn’t exist. Dog toys can promote a wide range of skills in dogs, making it not so easy to find the right one for your pet.

When buying, consider individual factors such as the dog’s age, size, fitness, and character. The toy should also be safe to ensure the fun remains harmless. Particularly dangerous are small parts that can be swallowed and toxins in inferior toys. Therefore, always choose toys from established manufacturers and certified products. We show you the types of toys available and what to look for when buying. We then present seven toys worth purchasing.

Why Playing Is So Important for Dogs

For dogs, playing is a way to practice for real life: When a dog roughhouses, romps, and frolics with other dogs or its owner, it literally develops its social behavior in a playful manner. Additionally, playing physically and mentally exhausts the dog, which is important if it has to be left alone afterward or if you don’t always have much time for it.

Playing also strengthens the bond. Communication with peers is learned and practiced during play. What looks so fun can quickly turn serious: Dogs practice in “play” for real-life situations. Therefore, elements like submission, appeasement, and correcting other dogs can be observed during play.

What Types of Dog Toys Are There?

Dog toys can be categorized based on their function. There are throw toys like balls and frisbees, chew toys like knots or ropes, intelligence toys or interactive dog toys like Kongs, and even strategy games and memory games. Stuffed animals for cuddling or tossing also fall under the category of dog toys. Sniffing toys like snuffle mats and rugs are also popular. All these types of toys have their respective advantages and dangers, which we will explain below:

Throw Toys

A dog toy that everyone knows is the throw toy. This is especially ideal for dogs with a retrieving instinct, such as hunting dogs. This type of toy can be hidden and brought back to the owner, providing comprehensive engagement for the dog. If you play with a ball, choose a solid rubber ball that bounces upon impact. This stimulates the hunting and retrieving instinct. However, you should closely observe your dog and vary the game. Some dogs tend to develop addictive behavior due to the monotonous movement pattern of throwing and fetching.

Tug Toys

Tug toys can also be thrown and fetched but are mainly suitable for a joint, playful test of strength. They often consist of a rope or cord with a ball at the end. This is excellent for tug games or fetching. Dogs also enjoy playing with them among themselves. Additionally, tug toys are great for training the “release” command–letting go of objects. When playing with a young dog, ensure it has already gone through the teething process or play gently to avoid accidentally injuring a milk tooth.

Intelligence Toys

Is your dog very smart? Then an intelligence toy is the right choice. Among intelligence toys, the Kong is a top contender. It can be filled with a treat that the dog must extract. The Kong can also be thrown and fetched. Here, too, the dog must experiment to get its treat. There are also various snuffle mats or rugs where treats can be hidden. Puzzle boards, where the dog must open different compartments to find food, are also suitable.

Stuffed Animals

Stuffed animals are also great for playing: They are soft, easy to carry in the mouth, and can be shaken. You can throw the toy for your dog and have it fetch it. For advanced players, the stuffed animal is also suitable for hide-and-seek games indoors. The dog must wait in one room while you hide the stuffed animal in another. Then the dog should search for its stuffed animal, which is easy for most dogs because many scents are trapped in it. Still, start with simple hiding spots so the dog quickly experiences success.

Chew Toys

They provide chewing fun for the dog and support the pet’s health. Especially in terms of oral hygiene, they are an important tool. Besides removing plaque, they also massage the gums. These toys are often found in the form of chew bones, balls, or a Kong. Chew snacks also belong in this category. Chew or bite toys are ideal for young dogs and puppies, as they explore the world with their teeth and love to chew on things. The need to chew increases with teething. A Kong can help ease the teething process for young dogs. If your dog still has milk teeth, the toy should not be too hard to prevent injury. In general, chew toys are very important as they help the dog learn about its environment and develop motor skills.

What to Consider When Buying

No Harmful Substances

Ensure the dog’s toy contains no plasticizers. Imported plastic toys often contain plasticizers because, unlike children’s toys, there are no legal limits. Heavy metals can also be present in toys and be released by saliva during play. This can be dangerous for the dog.

No Small Parts

Do not give the dog toys with small parts that can be swallowed. These could irritate the gastrointestinal tract and, in the worst case, lead to a bowel obstruction, which can be fatal. Even with stuffed animals not suitable for dogs, there is a risk that the dog could swallow parts like plastic eyes and noses.

How to Get Your Dog to Play

The dog doesn’t want to play? Then it’s best to wait until it’s completely relaxed. Be careful not to startle it–the shyer the dog, the more cautiously you should move. This is especially true for newly adopted puppies and rescue dogs. The dog might prefer playing without toys or stealing socks and toilet paper rolls. Use these for play! Essentially, anything the dog likes can be a toy–as long as it doesn’t harm its health and is dispensable for the owner. If your dog still doesn’t engage in play, try a treat dummy. Stuff treats into the toy. This might make it more exciting or rewarding for the dog.

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Below, we present seven recommended toys that are worth buying:

Gucho Chew Toy

This chew toy from GUCHO is quite durable. The dog toy made of sturdy natural rubber has been tested by German Shepherds, Pitbulls, Mastiffs, Siberian Huskies, Bulldogs, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and many other dogs with strong chewing muscles and is also suitable for strong chewers. The toy consists of various textures that are particularly durable due to their special layering and are supposed to withstand even the strongest jaws. Additionally, the chew toy has a teeth-cleaning effect: The nubs on the toy can clean teeth and reduce plaque and tartar.

• Chew Toy
• Material: Natural Rubber
• 15.59 euros

Yami Snuffle Mat

Dogs explore the world with their noses. Sniffing, they learn about their surroundings and other dogs, which is why it’s important not just to walk them but also to engage their noses. The Yami snuffle mat promotes searching behavior through the sense of smell within your own four walls. Small treats can be hidden in the fringes and indentations of the non-slip mat, which the dog must then find. The mat simulates the natural foraging behavior of dogs and also stimulates mental activity. Thus, the mat can contribute to stress reduction and mental engagement for the dog. It is made of sustainable polar fleece, is free of harmful substances, and can be machine washed.

• Intelligence Toy
• Material: Polar Fleece
• 22.39 euros

Toozey Dog Toys for Puppies & Small Dogs

The Toozey puppy toy set offers puppies three different dog toys for romping. The chew toy is made of extra-thick ropes and reinforced joints that withstand strong chewing movements. Additionally, the toy can support puppies during teething and later during the tooth change. The toys are made of non-toxic, natural cotton fibers and are therefore safe for health. If the ropes get dirty, they can be easily cleaned with water and a neutral cleaner.

• Chew Toy
• Material: Cotton
• 16.99 euros

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Kong – Dog Training Dummy

The Kong is a true classic among dog toys, providing chewing fun for over 40 years. The classic model made of red natural rubber satisfies the dog’s natural chewing instinct and can also contribute to the mental engagement of the pet. Filled with food, the dog has to work to get it out of the Kong. If it drops the Kong, the toy bounces unpredictably, stimulating the dog’s hunting instinct. The toy can be filled with snacks like dry food, sausage, and even firmer wet food. But it can also be used as a throw toy when empty. Kongs come in six different sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL.

• Chew, Throw, and Intelligence Toy
• Material: Natural Rubber
• From 9 euros

Dog Activity Strategy Game “Move-2-Win” by Trixie

This high-quality intelligence game for dogs consists of a board with two cones and several recesses and drawers. The dog must overcome these obstacles to get its treats. The game provides varied, challenging activity. The board and obstacles are made of dishwasher-safe plastic. The game is suitable for experienced dogs of all ages.

• Intelligence Toy
• Material: Washable Plastic
• 16.99 euros

Andiker Round Dog Toy

This intelligence toy has several compartments that keep the dog engaged in a challenging way. The compartments must be opened by the dog to access the food hidden in the drawers. This stimulates the dog’s curiosity. The eating behavior is also positively influenced, as the dog cannot simply gulp everything down at once but must work for its meal piece by piece. However, it should be noted that smart dogs can quickly figure out the technique. For dogs new to the world of intelligence toys, the Andiker bowl is well-suited. The bowl itself is made of plastic and is equipped with a non-slip mat at the bottom.

• Intelligence Toy
• Material: Thickened Polypropylene (PP)
• 12.99 euros

Kong – Wild Knots Bear

The Wild Knots Bear from the classic Kong toy line is a cuddly toy for dogs that can be used for tugging, throwing, and cuddling. The bear is made of knotted ropes covered in allergen-free plush and is almost too nice to chew on. According to the manufacturer, it is extremely durable and nearly indestructible. The cuddly toy is washable, which is especially important for plush chew toys, as bacteria can form when the toy is slobbered on and remains moist for a long time.

• Cuddly Toy
• Material: Allergen-Free Plush
• 10.99 euros

Conclusion

Playing is an essential activity for dogs. While playing, dogs develop their social skills and are mentally challenged. Playing with the dog as an owner also strengthens the bond. Dog toys come in all imaginable shapes, types, and qualities. They promote various skills and instincts in dogs, such as their joy in chewing, retrieving objects, their sense of smell, or intelligence. Whether puppy, adult dog, or senior, there is a suitable dog toy for every pet to keep them engaged.