Are you the pet parent of a hyperactive pooch? Then how about a session of tug of war! When you have the type of dog that demands lots of attention and finds excitement in just about everything, then you probably need the best tug toys for dogs. This is a fun game in which you can keep your dog entertained and happy so today we’ll tell you all about the best tug toys for dogs.
Just like little humans, dogs need lots of attention and playtime, when they get bored they might stick their noses where they shouldn’t and start creating chaos around the house. This is where tug toys play a role in keeping Fido’s attention where it should be. These are the type of toys designed for the rough and tumble dog so as you might expect, these offer durable and high-quality materials.
With a wide variety of tug toys around, it might seem a bit confusing to choose among a sea of options. To make a great decision, you also need to keep different factors in mind when choosing the right toys for your beloved pet. Find below our top picks for the best tug toys and feel free to pick your favorite.
Best Tug Toys for Dogs FAQs
Are tug toys good for dogs?
Tug can promote impulse control, build confidence, and strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners. It’s an activity that taps into natural drives, making it a motivational, reinforcing, and high-value training tool.
Is playing tug of war good for dogs?
This is a fun and stimulating game for your pet. Many dogs love to play tug of war; it’s a healthy display of their predatory nature. Tug of war provides great mental and physical exercise for your dog. It is also a wonderful way to reinforce the human-canine bond.
Do tug toys hurt dogs?
Pet owners should always take care not to tug too hard on their dog’s teeth because it can cause injury. Your dog is a puppy. Tug-of-war should be avoided with puppies because their teeth, mouths, and jaws, are still growing and changing. Tugging too much can cause jaw or bite problems.
How to safely play tug of war with your dog?
- Teach a release command: Before you begin playing tug of war with your dog, establish a command to end the game, such as drop it. This will help you stop the game when necessary.
- Pick a spot: Play in a large area without distractions, clutter, or dangerous objects. Outdoors is great, but the beauty of tug of war is that it can be safely played indoors if you have a bit of space. Make sure there is room for you both to move about and that there is nothing in the way should one of you back up.
- Initiate the game: You should always start any game of tug of war to set the tone. You make the rules, and you should be the one to decide when you and your dog play tug of war.
- Take breaks: While playing tug of war, your dog might get excited and begin growling. This is normal, as the game itself is predatory behavior. However, it is important to keep your dog from becoming overly excited or aggressive and take breaks to keep the game from getting out of control.
What is the best tug toy for dogs?
Pick a dog toy that is designed for tugging, and that you won’t use for other games such as fetch. The toy should be durable and flexible. The best tug toys are typically made out of rubber or similar material and have a comfortable handle that keeps your hand away from the dog’s mouth.
What are the different types of tug toys for dogs?
- Handheld tug toys: You grab one end of the tug toy. Your dog grabs the other. It doesn’t matter what style it is, this toy requires your input. Without you, it’s just a chew toy. This means that once you are too pooped to continue, the game has to end, even if your dog doesn’t want it to.
- Tether tug toys: Simply set up this device and your dog can play tug-of-war whenever he wants. Perfect for lonely tuggers that want to play while you are at work. Solo play has its downsides, though. For example, if playtime turns nasty and your dog starts acting up, you won’t be there to caution him.
How to choose the best tug toy for dogs?
- Quality Materials: It is totally worth it to spend the extra two bucks for a tug toy made from premium rope or plastic, rather than those made from cheap, low-quality materials.
- Easy to Grip: If you want your dog to enjoy playing tug of war, you have to select a toy that she can grip easily (and safely).
- A handle for you to hold: If you want to keep up with your Rottie, Great Dane, or mastiff, you’ll certainly need a tug toy with a handle that fits well in your hand.
- Size: Toys that are too small can represent a choking hazard, and large toys may not even fit in the mouths of small dogs, so be sure to choose the proper size.
Best Tug Toys for Dogs
West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Dog Tug Toy
Delight dogs in all stages of life with this dog tug toy that stretches to twice its length and offers fun for gentle chewers.
Play fetch and interact with your canine companion during pet exercise with this lightweight dog play toy that features a unique S-shape design.
Motivate your furry friend to run hard and play hard with this dog tug toy that is lightweight and flings far into the air for canines to catch and chew.
Features:
- Durable
- S-Shaped
- Lightweight
- Pet Exercise
PlayfulSpirit Durable Natural Rubber Ring
Perfect to play tug of war games, the ring’s diameter is 6 inches and width 1 inch which allows your dog to have a good grip while catching it.
Chewing is important for puppies who explore the world through their mouths and also for adult dogs to keep their jaws strong, teeth clean and to relieve anxiety and frustration.
Discover some basic training tips and start creating a happy playful time together! Guaranteed to have hours of exercise and joyful time with your dog whether you play tug of war or teach your pup a fetch.
Features:
- Non-Toxic
- Natural Rubber
- Durable
Dog Bite Tug Toy
Great for young and older dogs, build their prey drive with this bite tug toy. Tug Toys are meant for interactive tugging between you and your dog only.
Your dog is guaranteed to have a great time with this tug toy. It is made with Redline K9’s high-quality jute, so rest assured that it is the safest adhesives & materials available and the strongest.
Dogs can chew for hours on the tug toy, with their attention and energy focused on trying to destroy a tough toy, there will be a decrease in anxiety.
Features:
- High-Quality Jute
- Durable
- Long-Lasting
LOOBANI Outdoor Bungee Tug Toy
The tether toy is a great toy for both small puppies and aggressive chewers of large breeds to play outside. The elastic in it provides slingshot action to entice your dog to chase and play within the yard.
It’s a stress-free way for you to give your dog some exercise like tug-of-war and a game of fetch without tearing your arms up.
The dog bungee tug toy makes your doggy go out and tug and pull and swing from the toy. Power and hours spend playing with them. Pulling and tugging endlessly to make them busy. Perfect to relieve pet’s boredom like the flirt pole.
Features:
- Solo Play
- Height Adjustable
- Outdoor Exercise
Monkey RopeTugz
Tug of war just got a lot more playful. The ZippyPaws Monkey RopeTugz integrates the fun of a squeaky chew toy with a durable, tug-of-war rope.
This toy features the same durable 2/3″ rope used by rock climbers, so you can look forward to hours and hours of play with your best friend.
Each toy includes 1 high-quality round squeaker that grunts when pressed to deliver loud sounds that keep your best friend entertained.
Features:
- Interactive Play
- Small Breeds
- Durable
