Dogs love to play in all different ways, and what excites one hound may not float the boat of another. Toys play an important role in encouraging natural behaviour and stimulation in dogs, as well as providing a great bonding experience for you and your pooch. Whether you’ve got a chewer, a tosser, a tugger or a squeaker, we’ve rounded up the best dog toys for every type of pooch.
1. THE TOSS & SHAKER
Do the hippy hippy shake! Some hounds love to toss and shake their toys around, whacking themselves in the face like silly sausages. This new stripy Bunny Dog Toy by East End Best Friend will be a flying around your house in no time. Available at store.styletails.com
2. THE SQUEAKER
It can drive them wild and drive you mad, but some enthusiastic dogs just to love SQUEAK! If your dog is the type that gets off on a bit of squeaking, these cute Bad Cuz rubber dog toys by JW Pet are made from hard, natural rubber with funny feet a tough squeaker inside to take lots of action. Available at amazon.co.uk
3. THE TREAT
If your dog is food-motivated (what dog isn’t!?) then a toy like the Tug-a-Jug will keep them busily beavering away to get to those treats. Simply screw off the bottom, put your dog’s favourite treats inside, and let them drag and tug the toy around to release them. Available at store.petsafe.net.
4. THE PUZZLE
For the thinking hound, interactive puzzle games like the Dog Casino by Nina Ottosson are a great way to provide mental stimulation and reward. Place dog treats in the little drawers and let your pooch figure out how to get to them. Once they’ve mastered this part you can up the level of difficultly by locking the compartments with the bone shaped pegs – then see if they can figure out how to open them. Available at amazon.co.uk
5. THE FLOATER
Does your dog love nothing more than a good splash around? Some pooches are mad for water and get a real thrill out of paddling out to retrieve. These nautical toys, including the Floats My Boats Buoy Toy and Anchors Aweigh Toy by Brooklyn brand Waggo will have your pup wet and wild in no time. Available at waggo.com.
6. THE CHEWER
Chewing is an important part of your dog’s routine and a natural activity for our canine friends. Not only is it great for their dental health, it also provides mental stimulation and stops them from chewing things they’re not meant to – like your new shoes! For nutrition and longevity, you can’t go past natural antler chews, which last dogs for weeks and even months. Available at antlerdogchews.co.uk
7. THE TUGGER
If you’ve got a terrier, you’ll know that they LOVE to tug. These fur tug toys are made from 100% British sheepskin that dogs can’t wait to get their teeth into. Extra tough, very durable and easily stashed in your pocket – available at tug-e-nuff.co.uk
7. THE INDESTRUCTIBLE
Have you tried all sorts of toys for your ferocious Fido, only to discover that they destroy everything within a matter of seconds? The original and arguably the best option for indestructible dog toys is Kong. Their ‘extreme’ range of black rubber toys are extra durable and withstand just about anything your mutt can throw at them. Available at amazon.co.uk
