The Different Types of Dog Toys

Every dog will have a preference for how they like to play, whether it’s with other dogs, their owners, or by themselves. Toys are an excellent way to help dogs fuel their play instincts and release some built-up energy. All dogs will respond differently to toys and forms of play, depending on their natural instincts, personal preferences, and how you have trained them.

In this blog post, we’ll go through all the different types of dog toys and which ones are best for your four legged friend!

The Types of Dog Toys

Enrichment Toys

KONG Classic

The KONG Classic is the gold standard of dog toys and has become the staple for dogs around the world for over forty years. Offering enrichment by helping satisfy dogs instinctual needs, the KONG Classics unique natural red rubber formula is ultra-durable with an erratic bounce that is ideal for dogs that like to chew while also fulfilling a dogs need to play. Be sure to stuff with tempting bits of kibble and entice with a dash of peanut butter to extend play time.

M-PETS Rectangle Snuffle Mat

Snuffle mats are the ideal way to provide physical and mental enrichment for your dog. They’re perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes. They help to slow down fast eaters, encourage them to use their sense of smell, reduce anxiety and boredom, and use energy. Perfect those doggies who may be home alone throughout the day.

Chew Toys

Chewing toys tend to be made of rubber or plastic and they allow your dog to do some pretty excessive chewing! Great for puppies when they start teething or dogs who suffer from separation anxiety.

M-PETS Greenbo Natural Rubber Bone Eco Toy

This eco-friendly dog toyis the perfect gift to surprise your best friend with. This toy is is bound to provide countless hours of entertainment and chewing fun due to its durabilty, making it tough even against the strongest of chewers!

KONG Squeezz Dental Stick Toy

KONG Dental Squeezz toys satisfy dogs’ instinctual need to chew as the textured nubs reward appropriate behavior while cleaning teeth.  Stuffing with treats and its flexible material add to the engagement while extending playtime. The way the toy flexes as dogs chew allows for a great clean. Chewing on the KONG Dental Squeezz is a fun way to help prevent clinical teeth and gum conditions.

Rope Toys

1. HAPPY PET Grrrelli Tugger

HAPPY PET Grrrelli Tugger Medium is guaranteed to make your dog’s playtime even more fun. This durable treat toy can be filled with kibble, snacks or paste that your dog can get their paws on, so they’ll be kept busy for hours on end!

2. M-PETS Large Prickly Ball & Rope Trio Dog Toy

The perfect toy for those who love to run around with a toy in their mouth. Pull, tug and play with this toy that is ideal for all types of dogs.

Dog Balls

1. SPORTSPET Squeak Ball

SPORTSPET Squeak Balls are a standard size, quality squeak ball in different colours; they are ideal if you have a high energy dog who loves to run around and play fetch!

2. M-PETS Pongo Interactive Dog Ball Toy

This is the perfect ball to keep your dog entertained by engaging their natural instincts to play. This interactive toy contains tubes inside which emit sounds when rolled or shaken, ensuring your dog is kept stimulated and entertained for hours!

Things to Consider When Choosing a Dog Toy

Entertainment

If your dog will be left alone during the day, make sure to buy him interactive puzzles and reward toys to quench any boredom he may accumulate. Dogs can become depressed when faced with boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviour; save your cushions or carpet from being destroyed and leave out some fun, puzzle toys for your dog to play with.

Something to chew

Teething puppies and dogs that love to chew will need a specially made chew toy to satisfy their urge to chew. To save your furniture from being chewed, make sure to leave out plenty of toys for your dog to chew on instead.

Training aid

Are you trying to teach your dog something new? Choose a toy that matches the skill that you want to teach, such as using rope toys to teach dogs to ‘drop’ or ball toys to teach him to return to you. For more on training your dog, visit our blog posts here.

Exercise

Choose an interactive toy to keep up with your dog’s energy and physical fitness, such as balls or frisbees.

Comfort toy

Choose a soft toy which he can take to bed with him and cuddle – and only make it available at bed time or at times of rest, so they know when its time to settle down.