When it comes to the best toys for Goldendoodles, there are so many options out there, which is great because it’s always good to have plenty of choices. However, this can also make it challenging to pick out the perfect ones for your pet. In this guide, we will be reviewing the top toy recommendations by Doodle owners.
Table of Contents
- Different Types of Toys
- Toys for Your Goldendoodle: Buyer’s Guide
- Best Toys for Goldendoodles: Reviews
- Goldendoodle Toys: Frequently Asked Questions
Our Top 6 Best Toys for Goldendoodles
In a hurry? Here are our top recommended toys with links to where to purchase them. Have a bit more time? Check out the full reviews below.
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Pick #1:
BetterBone Tough. This eco-friendly and hypoallergenic chew bone is the perfect pick for pups that destroy their chew toys and bones after a few chewing sessions. And you don’t have to worry about it splintering, either!
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Pick #2:
Starmark Treat Dispensing Bob-a-Lot Dog Toy. A fab, fun and engaging chase toy that doubles as a great way of dispensing kibble dinners to prevent dogs from simply gobbling it down.
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Pick #3:
Kong Classic Dog Toy. This super tough toy with its rubber construction and erratic bounce is great for helping uber-active Doodle’s burn off excess energy.
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Pick #4:
West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Tug-o-War Toy. West Paw’s excellent Tug-o-War Toy is strong, flexible and lightweight making it perfect for outdoor throwing and tugging games.
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Pick #5:
Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball. This plastic puzzle ball provides clever pups with hours of enjoyment as they chase it about the house or garden trying to figure out how to get at the treats inside.
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Pick #6:
Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy. A classic for fetch, this durable rubber ball is nicely light and extremely bouncy making it perfectly suited for games in the park or down at the beach.
Goldendoodles are super smart. So, for these dogs, mental stimulation is every bit as important as exercise. Not only does it stop them from getting bored and engaging in unwanted behaviors such as barking, digging, and chewing, it also can help to keep them from piling on the pounds. Given that obesity is a common problem for the country’s canines, this is oh so important.
Most owners recommend having an assortment of toys about the house. That way, your pet always has something to keep them occupied even when you’re away at work.
Different Types of Toys
There’s little doubt that dog toys have come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of a dog bone and a teddy bear. These days dogs have nearly as many play choices as children do. To stop your Goldendoodle getting bored, you might look into getting some of these:
Chew Toys
Perfect for pups who are a fan of a good old chew and who usually zero in on the last thing in the house that you actually want them to chomp down on, naturally. Chew toys are a perfect distraction from your clothes, shoes, and furniture. Goldendoodles can be pretty enthusiastic gnawers, especially as puppies, so it’s good to have a few of these to hand.
From a health perspective, these toys are great for keeping teeth clean and debris-free. They also make useful tools for teething puppies – this generally begins somewhere in the vicinity of four months. A few products have even been specifically designed for this purpose.
Puzzle Toys
With their working dog ancestors, Goldendoodles benefit from toys that can help keep them happily engaged for long periods. If the toys also encourage movement and exercise – more’s the better. This is where puzzle toys come into play.
These self-amusement devices often dispense treats to keep dogs going for even longer than they otherwise might as they try to solve the puzzle to get at the reward. Of course, the downside of this is while they may be exercising, they will still be eating. To get around this, you might consider serving them up their meal-time kibble using one of these instead of additional snacks.
Rope Toys
Specially constructed rope, usually twisted and knotted at both ends, is great as both an active and distraction toy. It gives chewing pups the chance to work their jaws on something a little softer and with a bit more give than bone. It’s also excellent for games of fetch and tug. That’s why it’s a popular all-rounder among owners.
A word of caution, though, on this type of toy. If you do choose to buy one for your dog, take care that it is carefully constructed for dogs and inspect it frequently for wear and tear. Thin strands of rope can be extremely harmful if swallowed.
Fetch toys
Excellent for Doodles as they tend to have a ton of energy; fetch toys can really help your dog get the very best from their time spent outdoors. Moreover, they provide the perfect way for you to spend some quality time with your pooch and develop a close and loving bond with them.
The most well-known of fetch toys is the ball, and these are great for most dogs. However, fetch toys now come in an array of shapes and sizes that make them travel further when thrown, easier for dogs to grip and run with, or perfect for playing games of tug with either their owner or their doggy friends.
Plush toys
Soft toys are great for helping your dog feel comforted when you are away from the house. They will quite often enjoy having these around while they sleep. Plush toys also come in a multitude of shapes and sizes, so finding one that your dog likes shouldn’t be that much of a challenge.
However, for dogs on the chewier end of the scale, you might consider opting for more durable soft toys that don’t contain stuffing. Even though most high-quality options are perfectly safe if your dog did accidentally swallow them, it’s always best to avoid this if you can.
Toys for Your Goldendoodle: Buyer’s Guide
Pup preferences aside, there are a few other things to be on the lookout for when shopping for dog toys:
Design
If you want to get something your dog is really going to love, you need to think about the toy’s effectiveness. How fit for purpose is it? How is it likely to keep your dog interested? Some pups can be incredibly picky with their toys, as they are with their food.
However, just because your dog doesn’t take to a toy straight away doesn’t mean they won’t come to enjoy it when given the opportunity to give it a good sniff and a couple of licks. They may perhaps just need a little time to figure it out, is all.
Quality
Goldendoodles can get a little rough with their toys, chewing on them and shaking them about – especially when they are on the young side. It’s pointless bringing a toy home only to have your dog tear through it the same day.
This is one of the reasons why only dog toys will do. Toys designed for children are not likely to be as durable. Pay close attention to manufacturer recommendations for how well it will hold up to teeth and claws, and never buy something just because it looks good.
Cost
Luckily many options keep the cost of dog toys reasonable. You can pick up some great items at relatively affordable prices.
Just be careful about the quality of the product in question. It’s better to spend a little more upfront than having to keep replacing a toy that breaks or gets damaged in no time at all, or worse, could be unsafe for your dog.
Best Toys for Goldendoodles: Reviews
Best For Aggressive Chewers
If you’re looking for a safe nylabone alternative, then look no further than this BetterBone Tough all-natural chew toy. Finding eco-friendly pet products can be difficult, especially if you’ve got an avid chewer at home. But this 100% nylon-free chew bone fits the bill perfectly, as it’s specially designed for aggressive chewers. In fact, it’s about 5 to 10% harder than regular nylon bones!
What we love about this sustainable chew toy is that it’s unflavored and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for pups that suffer from allergies. It’s also free from microplastics, as the only two ingredients used are PEFC-sustainable forested wood flour and renewable sugarcane oil.
Another noteworthy feature of this eco-friendly chew toy is that it’s splinter resistant, making it that much safer for your pooch to munch on. Instead of splintering, it simply flakes off without harming your pup’s teeth in the process.
Pros
This all-natural and hypoallergenic chew toy is perfect for aggressive chewers, as it won’t splinter or trigger allergies.
Cons
Since it’s unflavored, some pups may not be as interested in it at first.
See Also:
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Best for Food Control
Designed to foster natural hunting and foraging behaviors, Starmark’s Bob-a-Lot Toy is great for keeping your pup mentally stimulated through the day. With customizable ‘levels,’ this handy device can be filled with treats or kibble that your dog will have to work out how to access as the toy wobbles about the room.
Owners are generally happy with this product stating that it is ‘awesome for indoor enrichment.’ Dogs really have to work at getting the food, and the toy is quite heavy, so they can’t just pick it up and shake it about or launch it across the room. However, those with bigger dogs had issues with their pets simply chewing off the lid. In that case, it might need to be an under-supervision-only toy.
Pros
You can fit a fair amount of kibble in this handy toy. It’s perfect for preventing your pet from just bolting their food down.
Cons
While tough enough for general use, this toy doesn’t hold up well to intense jaw work.
Best for Every Dog
Perfect for playing and chewing alike, the Kong Toy is ultra-durable, and the special shape of it makes for an unpredictable bounce that can keep dogs entertained for hours. For less-active pooches who need a little more motivation, owners have the option of stuffing the toy with tasty treats such as kibble, snacks, or even peanut butter.
Find the Best Deal:
Probably the best thing about the Kong Toy is that not only is it constructed in an array of sizes for small through to large dogs, but there are also different types that have been designed explicitly for pups, seniors, and even power chewers. There truly is one to suit every dog. Doodle owners are delighted that this stands up against even the most dedicated chewers.
Pros
This simple toy is simply a ton of fun. It satisfies a Goldendoodle’s desire to both play and chew, keeping them entertained no matter what.
Cons
The toy’s random bounce means that it is best suited to large spaces, far away from any breakables.
Best for Interactive Play
100% recyclable, BPA-and-phthalate-free, non-toxic, and FDA-compliant, West Paw’s Tug-o-War Toy is just as safe and green as it is fun. This unique s-shaped toy is excellent for games of fetch in the yard, park, or even in the water. The bright colors make it easy to spot wherever it lands, and the exclusive Zogoflex material allows the toy to stretch out to twice its original size.
Find the Best Deal:
Reviews on this one are mostly positive, with dog owners commenting that this is a great, long-lasting toy that is easy to throw, carry and care for. It’s probably best suited to older dogs that are past their destructive stage as, although it is durable, some people have found that their bigger dogs were able to chew right through it.
Pros
This is an excellent outdoor toy for ensuring that particularly energetic Goldendoodles get maximum amounts of exercise.
Cons
It is not recommended for younger/chewier dogs.
Best for Clever Dogs
While the smartest of pooches may figure out the other puzzle toys on the list in a jiffy, the IQ Treat Ball offers a tougher challenge. It will really appeal to the Goldendoodle’s Poodle side in particular. You simply pop the snacks inside the ball, and your dog has to try and figure out how to get to them. You can adjust the difficulty level to keep them at it longer and boost their exercise levels.
Owner reviews are mixed, and the main comments seem to revolve around the fact that their dogs simply didn’t get the toy or understand how to access the treats. This is not likely to be an issue for the super clever Goldendoodle, but you might want to wait until they are a little older and with a bit more patience.
Pros
This toy is excellent for encouraging dogs to exercise more without the need for their owner to get involved.
Cons
The clattering of the ball on a tiled floor can get quite irritating. For this reason, it’s best used in a carpeted room or out in the garden.
Best for High-Energy Hounds
No dog toy list would be complete without a ball – it’s a classic for a reason. This extra-thick, rubber, high-bounce toy just keeps on going long after being thrown or launched. It’s even suitable for use in water, and the bright color of the ball makes it tough to lose, which means it’s perfect for fields, forests, lakes, and beaches alike.
Find the Best Deal:
People who have purchased this ball seem extremely happy with it. It holds up against the toughest of teeth, is a good size for most breeds, and has grooves that make it easier for dogs to grip. It’s also much lighter than other balls, which makes it better suited for play about the house.
Pros
You generally can’t go far wrong with a ball, and these ones are nicely made and relatively inexpensive.
Cons
There’s not really anything not to like. You just might want to keep this for playtime only as it can break apart with constant chewing.
Goldendoodle Toys: Frequently Asked Questions
As with people, the product that your pooch favors will depend very much on their specific personality. Goldendoodles are fun-loving, active dogs who live to play, run, swim, and who also enjoy being challenged. The best toys for Goldendoodles on this list have been specifically chosen with this in mind.
This is a question with a myriad of answers that depend on your Doodle’s size and on the toy’s general size and purpose. Suppose a product is available in different sizes. In that case, the website will usually have information about which one you should opt for based on your dog’s weight.
Goldendoodles are generally quite sociable animals, so the very best way to entertain them is to simply spend time with them. Of course, that is not always possible. When you are busy, the best toys for Goldendoodles can help to fill the gap somewhat. Keep in mind, though, that with some toys, you will need to supervise your pet as they use them.
Toys can be used to keep your pooch happy and healthy, too, as long as you pick out the right ones. Keeping their breed and personality in mind while you are shopping can help you do this, as can paying attention to product reviews and recommendations based on real owner experiences.
Based on your experience, what are the best toys for Goldendoodles? Let everyone know by leaving a comment below.
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My doodle loves balls of all kinds, tug ropes and soft frisbees. She also loves puzzle toys and treat balls that dispense treats as she rolls them around.
April 5, 2023 at 4:20 pm