Introduction:
Pets are a part of the family and should be treated as such. So, when it comes to buying them toys, we should take our time to find the best toys for smart happy dogs.
As a universal fact, not all pets are the same, so not all toys are the perfect fit for every pet. However, some general guidelines can help us find the best toys for our smart, happy dogs.
One of the most important things to consider when buying a toy for a dog is their size.
A small dog won’t need a large toy meant for a larger dog and could easily become injured if playing with something too big or heavy.
In reverse, the same is true; a large dog could easily break or destroy a small toy.
There are different types of pet toys available on the market these days, from simple rubber balls to interactive gadgets that dispense treats.
So, to find the best from the rest, we have conducted this article. You will find 8 Best Toys For Smart Happy Dogs below to select from. Let’s get started!
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Treat Puzzle
If you have pets, you will undoubtedly have to deal with less-than-perfect behavior here and there. So it’s a good idea to keep a fallback for those times when your animal inevitably misbehaves.
More so, toys like the Nina Ottosson Treat Puzzle promise to help reduce instances of bad behavior. It provides your pet with the mental stimulation they need in their lives.
When it comes to the manufacturer, Nina Ottoson’s been making puzzle toys for canines for many years, so she has a thorough understanding of what makes dogs’ brains tick. This puzzle toy features triangular tracks that twist into channels where you can hide treats.
You will also find kibble there to promote dogs who tend to eat more quickly and slow down. It’s recommended that you use particularly pungent (to dogs) kibble.
Likewise, this best toy for smart, happy dogs is durable due to its rubber build. There are plenty of hidden compartments, but none of them can be taken out. It will help you easily monitor your dog while they play with this toy. However, it’s recommended that you keep an eye on them just in case.
As previously said, the toy has compartments to hide treats inside it, so you will have to clean it regularly. Well, it isn’t a problem because the cleaning process is very easy.
The manufacturer also claims that tips and tricks are included in the box to help you get the most out of the product.
Pros:
Best toy for training your dog
A fun way to hide treats
Easy to clean
Robust
Cons:
A bit expensive for a rubber product
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KONG – Extreme Dog Toy
If you’re looking for a toy that will hold up to heavy chewing and provide outstanding enrichment for your dog, look no further than the KONG toy! It’s one of the most popular toys on the market (and for a good reason).
It provides not only enduring mental and physical enrichment but also something to chew in those moments when your dog needs a little something extra to keep him occupied.
Similarly, you can stuff this treat-dispensing puzzle with peanut butter, applesauce, banana, or any other favorite treats. The toy is designed to give your pup something challenging to do. Apparently, it will occupy them for hours, so you can focus on other things.
- Down the road, the best toy for chewing is available in multiple sizes. If you have a large dog, they will love the extra-jumbo size.
- While the little chihuahua down the street might squeal with excitement over the mini 8-in ball.
- Your average-sized Bonnie will be overjoyed at the perfectly proportioned medium 16-in size, and you’ll quickly find that most of your fur babies love chasing the unpredictable bounce of this ball.
The KONG – Extreme Dog Toy is made with extra tough rubber materials, so even big dogs with powerful jaws like good ole’ Rottweilers can’t rip it to shreds. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, so Kong won’t be any problems keeping your pal tidy!
Pros:
Unpredictable fun
Strong
It best Toy for Chewing
Cons:
Not for super aggressive chewers
Nylabone Puppy Chew Toys for Teething Puppies
Looking for the best dog toys for puppies can be a difficult task, so we’re here to help! While you want to make sure there is some level of uniqueness present in your puppy’s toys. One such option is Nylabone’s Puppy Teething Keys Plus Ring, available in two finishes – chicken flavor and tasty bacon.
Likewise, these types of toys are great for introducing your puppy to playing with objects; they come with an understatement – safe chewing!
The idea behind this device is that you put your dog’s favorite food in it, whether dog treats or paste-like peanut butter. You can also do something like chill the Nylabone to make it extra fun for your dog to play with on hot days.
Well, it’s a popular option for puppies. However, there are a number of things to bear in mind before buying.
For instance, it’s intended for canines weighing less than 35 pounds. And you really should abide by this advice, as the last thing you want is your puppy wrecking the chew before it’s had the chance to become fully established.
Second, you can get fed up with having a messy place. If you have a dog and their favorite toy is one of those toys with peanut butter in the middle of it, then there’s potential for tiny things to go everywhere! So, do the math before making a purchase.
Pros:
Multiple sizes
Available in chicken and bacon flavor
Very affordable toys for smart, happy dogs
Cons:
Can be messy
SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Heartbeat Stuffed Toy
SmartPetLove offers a snuggle toy called the Snuggle Puppy, which can help dogs feel secure and calm. The toy is primarily designed to alleviate separation anxiety in puppies. However, it also serves as a useful tool for adult dogs experiencing similar issues or who just want a little extra reassurance when they’re left alone!
In addition to a dog’s resilience to bites and scratch marks, the SmartPetLove Toy also features a robust design to keep it indestructible from serious chompers.
Similarly, if your dog has been known to keep you up all night, the Snuggle Puppy may be the cuddly companion she’s been missing and deserves. It recreates the feeling you need: this imitates a mother’s heartbeat while also retaining the warmth, so it feels like a living, breathing friend.
On the other hand, some dogs might be afraid of the sound of the heart beating, but for many pet owners, this will be a useful sensory feature that allows them to treat their dog to a more personal experience and an opportunity to match together what their furry friend loves.
Pros:
Snuggly design
Keeps your pet cozy
Fun colors
Cons:
Some dogs may get frightened by the heartbeat sound
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KONG Wild Knots Bear Dog Toy
Kong is very well-known for making excellent quality dog toys. They have earned a reputation as the go-to brand when it comes to providing high-quality products.
An entirely new spin on durability and cuteness in one go, the Wild Knots Bear combines a plush exterior with an interior made of rope for the most satisfying chew toy. Likewise, if your dog is a particularly messy eater or one more interested in gnawing on knots than gobbling up entire meals in the fresh air, then this may be the perfect option for them.
It has a very minimal amount of stuffing, so there won’t be too much mess to clean up should your dog manage to get through the exterior. It also comes with a squeaker inside, which should make dogs go mad for it. Alternatively, you can find other cute animal options like a fox, lion, dragon, and flamingo.
The Kong Bear dog toy has a range of sizes to choose from, so you can match it to the size of your puppy or dog. The larger one is great for playing tug or for two dogs to play with each other.
The downside of this toy is that it doesn’t come cheap since Kong toys are typically made out of high-quality materials designed to last for a long time. We still believe it’s worth the price because we think you can’t put a price on quality.
Pros:
A wide range to choose from
Great for heavy chewers
One of the best toys for smart happy dogs
Cons:
A bit pricey
Wickedbone Smart Bone
If you’d like to purchase a toy that can give you even more bang for your buck, take a look at the WickedBone Interactive Smart Pet Toy.
The WickedBone Interactive Smart Pet Toy allows you to control your furry friend’s playtime from your phone. So it doesn’t matter if you’re across town or simply in the next room – you still get to keep an eye on how they’re doing.
More so, the battery has been designed to last 40 minutes when it’s actively engaged but up to four hours when it’s not. It means you will have plenty of quality time with your best friend again. This dog toy can respond to various situations that might occur during pet playtime, such as being chased or touched or even ignored by rolling about.
The body of the WickedBone contains polycarbonate, so it should endure some gnawing. However, you should still be present when your pup is playing with the toy – particularly at first – to supervise them closely. It’s important that if your pooch is a “strong chewer” (aka an aggressive chewer) that you avoid purchasing this toy and opt for a chewier alternative instead.
The toy looks like a fluffy bone; therefore, it can keep your pet entertained for hours. It’s great for dogs with separation anxiety, who can get bored easily by conventional toys.
Aside from this, some dogs may be intimidated by this toy at first because it looks so realistic, but the instructions provide you with tips on helping them become friends with this new friend, including using treats to encourage them to play with it.
Pros:
You can connect it to your phone
Durable
Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
Not for heavy chewing breeds
Pup Claw Dog Toys
Another big hit of 2022 is this two-act parody pack that actually looks like an adult White Claw beverage. Also, they are made from sticky material and are bound to remain a huge iconic toy throughout the upcoming year, with their fun and unique design and ability to squeak.
These toys are 7 inches long, thus great for small, medium, and large dogs. Similarly, if your dog is a bit aggressive with his plush toys, you can rest easy knowing that these toys are super durable. So, chances are they won’t fall apart on you soon. It also makes them suitable as a gift to a fellow pet owner.
Unlike other toys that fall apart in the washer, this set is different because it can be tumble-dried without falling apart. In fact, their durability makes them a good deal at twice the price! They look pretty cool and will brighten up your friends’ day while they’re digging around in the dirt.
Pros:
All-in-one size for all-sized dogs
Pack of two at an affordable price
Unique
Cons:
Not so durable
JW Pet Bouncin’ Bowlin Pin Dog Toy
If you want to buy a toy that will not fade away over time, consider the JW Multipet Bowling Pin Dog Toy. This choice is ideal for active chewers who will exercise their teeth on these toys daily.
The JW Pet Bouncin’ Bowlin ball is shaped like a standard bowling pin to make it easier for dogs to get a grip on it. The outer shell is firm natural rubber, a material known for being durable. More so, the inside is packed with squeakers to keep your dog engaged over the long term without getting bored.
It’s available in three different sizes, including small, medium, and large, so that you can find the right fit for your best friend’s mouth, and each one comes in one of four vibrant colors (green, pink, yellow, and blue), adding visual interest that makes it stand out even more.
We like the fact that it’s made from a strong, durable resin and rubber, which means that it won’t break or crack when a canine rips it apart by pulling on it.
Also, it’s bouncy and flexible, perfect for playing fetch with your pet means that you can throw it around without worrying about damaging its integrity. It also has built-in drainage at the bottom, ensuring that water does not get trapped inside, making clean-up well and easy to do!
Pros:
Durable
Best dog toy for heavy chewers
Made from non-toxic material
Cons:
Too small
How to choose the Best Toys For Smart Happy Dogs:
There are many new gadgets on the market for pets, but how do you know which ones are best for your smart, happy dog?
Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect toy for your pup.
First, think about what your dog loves to do. If your dog loves to play fetch, then a ball or Frisbee is a good choice. If your dog prefers to chew, then a rubber bone or antler might be a better option.
After that, consider your dog’s size and strength. A small toy will not be much fun for a large dog, and a powerful chewer will easily destroy a weak toy.
Lastly, ensure the toy is safe. Dogs can choke on small objects, so select toys with no small parts that could be swallowed.
Conclusion:
As you know, there are many toys on the market for dogs, but not all of them are created equal. The best toys for smart, happy dogs are ones that challenge their intelligence and keep them entertained. Some of the best options include puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games.
In addition to providing stimulation and entertainment, the above-reviewed toys can also help to keep dogs mentally and physically healthy.
Likewise, if you’re looking for an automatic device, then you should hop for Wickedbone Smart Bone. Or, Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Treat Puzzle will be the best option if you’re on the verge of buying budget-friendly but the best toys for smart happy dogs.
