Our Favorite Interactive Dog Toys
Interactive dog toys can be used to help with separation anxiety, destructive chewing, and other unwanted behaviors. Many unwanted behaviors are the result of your dog being bored or not having enough mental stimulation and that is where interactive dog toys come into play. They will help battle boredom and keep your pet active.
Interactive dog toys, also called enrichment dog toys, are toys that engage your dog and playback with him. They include treat dispensing toys, puzzle toys, memory games, responsive toys, and even high-tech toys. We have tested numerous interactive dog toys and below is a list of some of our favorites to keep your pet busy and stimulated.
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Interactive Dog Toys We Recommend
Kong Extreme
I have yet to come across a dog toy that I will recommend more often than the good old classic Kong. It is my go-to. Available in red or black for extreme chewers. Be sure to check out our Kong Stuffing Video Here.
West Paw Toppl
Similar to the Kong, the Toppl is a great treat dispensing dog toy. Fill it, freeze it, and your dog will get plenty of playtime with it. Combine a small and large one to use with dry kibble or treats. If your dog is a power chewer, I would recommend sticking with the Kong.
Etusur Dog Toy Ball
Another great treat dispensing ball, which adds in a touch of mint flavor and has the added benefit that it will help clean your dogs teeth and prevent plaque and tartar. Good for fetch or to use as a distraction toy. Just add your pets kibble or treats.
Snuffle Mat
Snuffle mats are a great way to make your dog work for their food. Hide your pet’s food and treats within the ribbons and they will use their nose and their minds to hunt each piece down. It is a great tool for relief from boredom which can lead to destructive chewing. Washing machine safe.
Interactive Dog Puzzle
This Nina Ottosson Challenge Slider puzzle dog toy is great for dogs that get bored quickly. Hide their food or treats and let your dog use his sniffer to figure out where they are and how to get them. This is a level 3 (out of 4) on the difficulty scale.
Hide-A-Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy
For those of you who have dogs that love squeaky plush toys, this is a great interactive version. Hide the squirrels within their tree trunk and let your dog find them all and pull them out. You can also add some treats or kibble inside that will fall out as he pulls out his squeaky friends.
Squishy Face Flirt Pole
This is one of my favorite items to use in play and training. For dogs with a prey drive, or just like chasing things, this flirt pole can add hours of fun and great exercise. This can also be used as a lure and training aid. It provides the mental stimulation and exercise that dogs need.
Hyper Pet Doggie Tail
This plush squeaky dog toy also wiggles vibrates and barks. It will entice your dog to run, chase, play, and exercise. It is a battery-operated toy and the batteries come with the toy. This is also a great item to use when working with distractions during training sessions with your dog.
West Paw Qwizl
The West Paw Qwizl is a durable toy that can add additional time and mental stimulation to your pet’s favorite chews such as bully sticks. A bully stick fits perfectly through the toy and allows your dog to better grasp it and adds a new difficulty extending the life and playtime of their bully sticks.
Romp-n-Roll
The Jolly Pet Romp-n-Roll is a great interactive dog toy for medium and large-sized dogs. The ball will not deflate if punctured so it will last a long time. It can be tugged, thrown, carried, or launched due to the rope that can be pulled back and forth through the ball. It floats, so it can also be used in water. They come in two different sizes.
Kong Wobbler
Another great interactive toy from Kong. This hard plastic toy opens to allow you to put food or treats inside it. It is weighted at the bottom so it will wobble on the floor as your pet touches it, dispensing what is inside. Dogs love this toy and have so much fun, warning though, it is loud when it hits and rolls around the floor, I also have some concerns using it on hardwood floors.
Dog Soccer Ball Toy
This soccer ball toy is both soft and durable and still bounces. The tabs sewn onto the ball make it bounce erratically while also making it easier for your pet to grab it. Throw it, kick it, play tug-of-war with it. It is also floats so it can be used in water. Note, the ball will need to be inflated but comes with a needle and pump.
Hanging Bungee Dog Toy
Pass the included strap through the toy then wrap the bungee rope around a sturdy tree branch, wrap it around, and tighten it. Then let your dog enjoy hours of fun and exercise outdoors. They can tug, hand, swing, and get that energy out.
Chilly Bone
The Chilly Bone is a great tool to use with teething puppies. Take these canvas bones and soak them in water and then pop them in the freezer and they make a great teething bone for puppies. Also great for any dog during a hot summer day.
LickiMat
The LickiMat helps calm and soothe your pet by helping release endorphins through the promotion of licking. Just take some of your pets favorite treats and spread over the mat. For added duration, freeze the mat prior to giving to your pup. Works great with canned food, yogurt, banana, pumpkin and more.
Starmark Bob-A-Lot
The Starmark Bob-A-Lot is an adjustable treat dispensing toy. Fill the large chamber with your dogs kibble or treats then adjust the opening to just slighting large than what is inside. The weighted bottom will make the toy bounce right back after your dog knocks at it dropping food out.