Image Source: Gentle Dog Trainers https://gentledogtrainers.com.au/
Most good dog lovers know that keeping your pup physically - and mentally - stimulated is extremely important when it comes to their health, and to preventing behavioural problems. The tricky part is figuring out exactly how to do this.
Investing in interactive toys is one of the easiest and most fun ways to keep them engaged and entertained for hours on end.
This article looks at our Top 9 picks for the best interactive dog toys on the market.
1. iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher
iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers are ideal for home-alone dogs, indoors or outdoors, and all dog sizes!
Comes in three versions, with prices ranging from $39.95 to $199.99.
iFetch Original
- Uses miniature tennis balls 1.6″ (40 mm) in diameter
- AC Adapter or battery-operated
- Three distance settings, 10, 20 or 30 feet.
iFetch Frenzy
- Uses miniature tennis balls 1.6″ (40 mm) in diameter
- Gravity-operated, doesn’t require batteries/power
- Balls roll out of the base in a random direction
- For small dogs & small spaces.
iFetch Too
- Rechargeable battery that lasts up to about 300 throws
- Four distance settings (10, 25, or 40 feet, or random)
- Normal or large tennis balls or Chuck-it balls
Check out full iFetch product specifications and prices here.
2. Wobble Wag Giggle Ball
The Wobble Wag Giggle Ball is an extremely fun option because of its many various features. It is an irregularly shaped ball so that it is prone to bounce in any direction when nudged and has 6 clutch pickups to allow for easy grasp from any size pup. The ball also emits giggles and sounds as it bounces to audibly stimulate all users.
Note - If your dog is an aggressive chewer it may be best to see Option #3.
Available on Amazon.com, Price: $11.99 plus shipping.
3. Nina Ottosson Easy Dog Smart by Outward Hound
The Nina Ottosson Interactive Dog Toys are mentally stimulating dog puzzles that are a great way to challenge your dog in an enticing way.
In the puzzle shown above, owners are to place treats hidden within the bones and dogs learn to nudge away the bones to reach their prize.
Though this is a beginner toy, you can build up to intermediate, advanced, or even expert. Prices from $14.99. See full range here.
4. West Paw ZogoFlex Treat Dispensing Chew Toy
The West Paw ZogoFlex Treat Dispensing Chew Toy is specifically Designed for aggressive chewers. It is EXTREMELY durable and thousands of reviews claim that to be true. A treat is placed within the hollow part of the toy and the chewers work at getting it out. The shape also allows it to bounce in unpredictable ways making this toy extremely entertaining for all pups.
Price: $19.99. Check out full West Paw range here.
5. Hyper Pet Doggie Tail
The Hyper Pet Doggie Tail is a plush squeaky dog tail that wiggles, vibrates, and even barks. It is known to reduce anxiety and boredom. The Doggie Tail can even be turned on and off with ease and is battery operated. Due to the plush nature, a huge variety of pups enjoy playing with this one, not just chewers.
Price: $15.95 Available on Amazon.com.
6. AWOOF Pet Snuggle Mat
The AWOOF Pet Snuggle Mat is a transformable mat that aims to train and stimulate your dog in many ways. To use it efficiently, you can hide treats within the soft felt material in order to train your dog's sense of smell and keep them entertained. The mat can also be transformed into a feeding bowl. Some more key features include the fact that it is completely washable and has a non-stick mat for ease of use.
Price: $16.59. Available on Amazon.com.
8. Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel
This super plush toy helps play to your dog’s natural instincts. With 6 squeaky squirrels hidden throughout your pup can search and discover them within while keeping their minds sharp. It can save them from boredom on their own, or you can play with them, throwing and tugging the squirrels around. It comes in many sizes and styles for different prices. The one shown above is an XL Squirrel.
Price: $19.99. Available on Amazon.com.
9. K9 Connectables Interactive Dog Toys
The award-winning K9Connectables are designed to engage, stimulate and entertain mans best friend. They utilize your dogs natural instincts to hunt and work for food, challenging them to unlock the treats inside.
They are suitable for all dog sizes, and for super chewers!
They come in a variety of colours and interlocking shapes and sizes, meaning you can keep varying the game - and challenge!
You can check out the full range, including choice of sizes, bundles etc. here.
Overall, interactive toys are an amazing way to mentally stimulate and train your dog while also easing him of boredom and stress. All of the above come highly reviewed and recommended so if you are looking into buying a new present for Rover we would heavily suggest looking no further.
Good luck and have fun!
