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Like humans, dogs need activity to keep their bodies healthy and their brains sharp. But as much as you love your pooch, it’s impossible to play with him all day long. Lucky for your furry friend, there are plenty of interactive dog toys that they can play with on their own when you’re not around.
From treat dispensers to hide and seek toys to puzzle toys, here are 9 interactive dog toys to keep your doggie entertained for hours of fun!
Kong Wobbler
The Kong Wobbler is a bestseller and one of the most popular dog toys on the market. It gets excellent reviews, and most pet owners agree that dogs love it!
The Kong Wobbler is an interactive treat-dispensing dog toy. Dogs can push it with their paw or nose to make it wobble around, and, from time to time, it will dispense your dog’s favorite treats or a piece of kibble. The wobbling feature offers hours of entertainment and can help slow down fast and overeager eaters.
This toy comes in sizes small and large, so make sure you order the size that’s appropriate for your pet.
ZippyPaws Coffee and Donutz
The ZippyPaws Coffee and Donutz toy is a cute and colorful hide and seek game that dogs can play with for hours. It features a plush pink coffee mug with three squeaking donuts.
Just stuff the donuts deep into the mug and watch your dog go to town trying to dig them out.
Dogs love burrowing inside this toy. It makes for great stimulation, and it’s perfect for the pup who bores easily. However, it is not recommended for severe chewers.
https://amzn.to/3196VOJPet Qwerks Blinky Babble Ball
The Blinky Babbly Ball from Pet Qwerks Toys flashes lights, makes different sounds, and even barks back at your dog while they’re playing. This is not your average dog ball.
This toy starts moving with a simple touch and sometimes with just the vibration of your dog walking past it. It’s a fun and surprising interactive toy that literally beckons your dog to play!
When your dog no longer wants to engage, it will automatically shut itself off.
Trixie Mad Scientist Treat Dispenser
Your dog will need to do some problem-solving to figure out the Trixie Mad Scientist activity toy. This treat dispenser features three little test tubes that your dog will have to learn how to flip in order to get the dog treats or bits of dry dog food out.
It’s detailed with rubber feet so it won’t slip and slide as your pup nudges it with his paw or nose. It also includes an instruction booklet with some tips on how to train your dog. This is the perfect toy for smart dogs or dogs who need a slow feeder.
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Outward Hound Hide a Squirrel
If your dog likes a challenge, he’ll love the Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Puzzle. Available in different sizes to suit small, medium and large dogs, this hide and seek toy will keep your furry friend occupied and entertained.
It features a soft, plush toy tree trunk with three squeaking squirrels inside. Your dog will be faced with the challenge of trying to dig each squirrel out from inside and get that squeaker. Once they pull them out, just stuff them back in, and they can start all over again!
iFetch Ball Launcher
Don’t have the stamina or the time to play fetch with your dog for hours on end? With the iFetch Ball Launcher, you won’t have to – your dog can play fetch all by himself.
This toy includes an auto ball launcher and three mini tennis balls. Just place one of the balls on top, and the iFetch will automatically launch the ball. You can set it to toss balls 10, 20 or 30 feet.
And if your dog can figure out how to drop the ball in by himself, he’ll be able to enjoy endless hours of fetch when no one is around.
PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat
The PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat won’t just occupy your dog – it will actually teach your dog how to forage for food in the wild. The texture of the mat simulates what it’s like for a dog to hunt for food in grass, and it also helps to stimulate his brain through his natural sense of smell without using something like a dog puzzle toy.
When it needs a cleaning (and it surely will), just toss it in the washer and dryer as this mat is completely machine washable.
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Wickedbone Smart Bone
With auto-play modes and the ability to control it with your smartphone, the Wickedbone Smart Bone offers dogs hours of entertainment. This high tech bone reacts differently depending on the actions of your pup. It will respond one way when your dog chases it, another way when he touches it, another way when he avoids it, etc.
This bone includes rolling tires that make it move on its own and, if you choose, you can control its precise movements by synching it to the Wickedbone app. This is some serious playtime tech!
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Smart Puzzle
With removable bones to hide treats and dry food, the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Smart Puzzle will keep any pup engaged. This puzzle challenges your dog to nuzzle and paw at the pieces around the board.
Once he figures out that removing a piece reveals a treat, you can be sure he’ll keep at it until he gets each and every bit out.
To make it more challenging, you can position the pieces flush with the board, so your dog really has to work to remove them.
What Are the Best Interactive Dog Toys?
Dog owners love their pets and want them to be happy when we can’t be with them. From tech toys that you can power with a smartphone to soft and plush toy puzzles, interactive toys are a great way to entertain your dog and stimulate the brain, even when you’re not around to play with them!
Before you buy any type of toy, check its dimensions and make sure that it’s appropriate for your dog’s size. Giving a big, heavy toy to a small dog can be dangerous while giving a small toy to a big dog is almost a guarantee that it will become yet another chew toy.
You might also be interested in: 10 Of The Best Subscription Boxes For Your Pets (Dogs, Cats, Birds And Horses)
Jessica Heston
view postJessica Heston
After 15 years in the fashion industry, this Philadelphia native ditched her corporate career to focus on writing full time. Jessica is a TV junkie, whiskey lover and true crime addict. She finds inspiration from Broadway musicals, Hitchcock films and The Beatles. She is happily married without children, which she credits as the reason for her professional success, youthful attitude and solid eight hours of sleep every night.
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