High-energy dogs… if you’ve got one, you’ll definitely know about it! It doesn’t matter how many miles you clock up each day; they will want to go on and on and on. While that might not seem like much of a problem – surely dogs are supposed to be boisterous little beings – it can lead on to behavioral issues, including excessive chewing, barking, and digging. If this is where you’ve found yourself, you’ll be happy to hear there are plenty of toys for high-energy dogs that can really help.
Here we’ll take a look at some of the different kinds of canine toys and what they could do for your pup. We’ll also provide recommendations for products you might consider based on feedback from other owners of hyper hounds. Happy reading 🙂
Table of Contents
- Why Some Dogs Are Just So Hyper
- The Benefits of Toys For High-Energy Dogs
- Different Types Of Dog Toys
- Toys For High Energy Dogs: Buyer’s Guide
- Best Toys For High-Energy Dogs: Reviews
- Toys For High-Energy Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions
Top 5 Toys For High-Energy Dogs As Per The Reviews
If you know your dog well enough to be clear on what kind of toy you’re after and are just here for the product recommendations, well, here they are, along with links to where you can buy them. However, if you’d like to learn more about the various toys available and the pros and cons of each, keep scrolling.
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Pick #1:
Chuckit! Classic Launcher Dog Toy – Durable, lightweight, and with an ergonomic handle for ultimate comfort and control, Chuckit’s Launcher sends balls up to three times further than you could throw without.
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Pick #2:
Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 with Lure Squeaky Dog Toy – Great as a training tool or simply for a little physical or mental stimulation, Squishy Face Studio’s Flirt Pole is a great way to spend the day with your four-legged best friend.
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Pick #3:
KONG Classic Dog Toy – For crazy ball-loving hounds, Kong’s Classic Dog Toy helps promote solo play and relieve boredom with its erratic bounce and hollow center, to be packed full of goodies.
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Pick #4:
Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy – Helping to foster natural hunting and foraging behaviors, Starmark’s Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Toy rolls, bounces, and even floats in water for fun together or alone.
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Pick #5:
Chuckit! Paraflight Flyer Dog Toy – With multilayered construction from soft, sturdy, and bright materials, Chuckit’s Flyer Toy is no ordinary frisbee; it’s gentle on your dog’s mouth and plenty durable to boot.
Why Some Dogs Are Just So Hyper
Some dogs seem to have a limitless supply of energy, whereas others are laid back and happy to chill. You might think it’ll be obvious, based on the breed, whether you’re getting bouncy bud or a sedentary soul – but that isn’t always the case. Like us, dogs are individuals, so what’s true of one isn’t necessarily true of another. That being said, breed does offer important insights.
Most pedigree pups were bred for specific functions. These can be generally split into working or companionship, with most of the larger breeds being former working animals and some (but not all) of the smaller ones being kept primarily as pets. However, larger dogs aren’t always the more high-energy. Many owners of more giant breeds, for instance, will tell you that never a more placid pet will you find, while those with littler pups will give you the rundown on “the zoomies.”
Clues to a dog’s energy levels instead can be found in what the dog was bred to do. Herding breeds like Shepherds and Sheep Dogs tend to be pretty intense. Also, any dogs used as hunting companions, such as Retrievers and Spaniels. These hounds had to be capable of tirelessly running many miles. Terriers, too, can be pretty feisty and incredibly motivated to chase small creatures. Looking after any of these pups can often feel like a full-time job!
As you might expect, age can also affect energy levels. Younger dogs will have a boundless enthusiasm for life that sees them rushing around, jumping up, and begging for endless games of tug or fetch. However, These pups tend to begin to calm down a little from around the age of two as they transition from adolescence into adulthood. That being said, this is not always a given. Some dogs remain high-energy for life – that’s just who they are!
The Benefits of Toys For High-Energy Dogs
While it may warm your heart to see a frisky dog having fun, the issue is that these pups can quickly get bored – then bring on the destruction! If you’re out day-long at work and hoping two short walks a day will be enough to relax your pet, you might be in for a shock. Barking, chewing, and digging are all signs that let you know your pal isn’t getting what they need in terms of physical and mental stimulation.
While stepping up the walking times and distances can always help, it may in itself not be enough. The problem with many high-energy pooches is that they also tend to be pretty canny. This is especially true of the offspring of the super smart Poodle. In which case, you are going to need to do a little more for them than simply take them out. That’s where canine toys can help, and there are numerous kinds.
Puppy toys are designed to meet the unique needs of younger dogs which include snuggling for comfort, self-soothing, and teething. The latter especially is vital because when you don’t provide your new puppy with something suitable to chomp on, they will find their own fun – your finger, shoes, furniture…
Car toys, while not exclusively for the car per se, help reduce anxiety and give your pet something to focus on in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations. Usually, these are chewable – chewing is naturally a self-soothing behavior for dogs as well as being excellent for maintaining their jaw health and dental hygiene.
Exercise toys, as you might expect, can be great for helping burn up some of your Dood’s excess energy, especially on rainy, cold days when you don’t really feel like trekking for miles or standing in the middle of the field while they run all about. Many of these are great for use in your own backyard.
Dog enrichment toys might not seem quite as useful for helping to calm your hyper guy or gal but believe it or not, mental stimulation can be as effective for releasing pent-up energy as physical exercise. Aside from preventing boredom and destruction, of course, such toys help pups keep busy and live a fulfilled happy life.
Different Types Of Dog Toys
So now that you’re clear on why your high-energy Doodle needs toys let’s take a look at some of the different kinds you can choose from. Chances are a mixture of all three will serve you best as they each have their own benefits.
Self-Play Toys
Some dogs are serious chewers and do this to relax as well as keep themselves entertained. While self-play toys may not seem like the best choice for getting your hyper hound running about, they can be great in the evening for helping them to calm down and ease into sleep after a lovely day of walks and games.
Co-Play Toys
Perfect for developing your pooch’s social skills and building your relationship with them, co-play toys, as the name suggests, require you and your dog to play together. Balls, tug toys, and frisbees are all likely candidates for this category. If you’ve got a little time, you can head out together and enjoy the great outdoors boosting your pet’s exercise routine. You know you’ll love it as much as Fido does.
Interactive Toys
For when your pup needs a little extra stimulation but you just have no more time to give them in the day, interactive toys are the way. While you’ll likely have to spend some time at the start teaching your pet how to work the toy (most require them getting at hidden food), once this part is done, they can have tons of fun without you.
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Toys For High Energy Dogs: Buyer’s Guide
Finding the right toys for your dog – especially when you know (or at least hope) they will be used to death- can be tricky. You don’t want to end up with something that will fall apart on day one, or worse, something that could wind up hurting Fido because of poor construction or toxic materials. That’s why it’s essential to pay close attention to certain product specifics before purchase, including:
Function
Naturally, if you’re going to the trouble of picking out toys, you want something that your pup is actually going to be interested in playing with. You can typically get a fair assessment of the popularity of certain items from user reviews. Other than that, you’ll have to depend on what you know about your pet – are they a chewer, chaser, or catcher – and take it from there. Sometimes it might take your pup a little while to get into a new toy. Playing together to give them a little extra motivation often helps.
Durability
Happily, many of today’s canine toys come from well-respected companies you know you can trust. That is certainly the case with products that we recommend. So, you can be confident that they are built to last. That being said, you need to be realistic about your dog’s chewing capabilities and plan accordingly. If you know your pal has monster jaws look for products specifically designed to handle this. It’s also a good idea to always supervise your pet with toys – just to be sure.
Materials
Likewise, if you’re buying from a trusted company, you know the toys will be dog safe. Many of them are constructed in the United States with materials that have been tested to ensure that they are not toxic to animals if swallowed. That being said, it’s good to avoid this scenario wherever possible (which is why keeping an eye on your dog is a good idea). After all, materials may not be toxic, but some could still cause damage if swallowed – sharp corners, tangly bits, and the like.
Size
While some toys are one size fits all, others are more suitable for smaller or larger canines, depending on their specifications. Paying attention to manufacturer notes on the intended recipient is crucial. You don’t want your pup choking on small toy pieces that have become lodged in their throat. On the other side of the scale, a toy that’s too large for your mutt might not be a danger to their breathing, but if they can’t use it as intended, chances are it will simply sit in the corner gathering dust.
Colors
The importance of the color of a dog toy may not be immediately obvious, but outdoor toys need to be pretty visible, especially if you are looking to take them outside the confines of the garden. You want to be sure that they are easy to spot. Any owner who has ever spent far too long searching out a ball in long grass
will tell you that! Aside from that, specific colors: blues, yellows, purples, and greys, are better for dogs. They are seen more clearly and so are more interesting to them.
Best Toys For High-Energy Dogs: Reviews
Best For Park Time: Chuckit! Classic Launcher Dog Toy
What’s to be said about the ball launcher? It’s a classic for a reason. Those of you familiar with the genius that is this simple bendy stick with its comfy handle and ball holder will already know the beauty of using one. For the ball-obsessed (usually Retriever heritage) hound owners, this could literally save their life – or at least stop their arm from falling off! Launch the ball far and wide, and let your pup run for miles while you stay in one spot.
So what makes the ChuckIt! version of this product better than the many others out there? Well, for a start, it’s quite a bit longer, which makes for far more throwing power. It also saves you from having to bend down each time to pick the ball up (not to mention stopping you from getting slobber all over yourself). Most reviewers seem super pleased with their purchase, stating that it helps to tire even the zestiest of dogs with ease.
Pros
- Simple yet effective and easy to grab on the way out the door, the Chuckit! Classic Launcher is a hit with pet parents of all ball-loving hounds.
Cons
- The ball that comes with the launcher doesn’t seem to be all that durable, according to the buyer’s comments, at least, but you should easily be able to substitute in your own.
Best For Together Games: Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2 with Lure Squeaky Dog Toy
The cat owners among you will be familiar with this toy type. However, it might seem a little baffling for those dedicated solely to dogs. You may be wondering just how this will hold your hound’s attention or whether it will withstand all the excitement. However, the “Flirt Pole” is actually an excellent way to get your pup darting about, changing direction, working out their excess energy, and building on their coordination and muscles skills too.
Don’t believe us? Just take a look at those reviews. 90% of buyers would recommend this product to a friend. The reason? Well, it seems to capture dogs’ attention in a way that many other toys simply do not. Likely the most significant part of that is that they get some dedicated time with their most favorite person – so anything else really is just a bonus. Another bonus from your perspective is that the toy is plenty durable and will last.
Pros
- Perfect for physical exercise, social bonding, and even mental stimulation as your dog works to work out where that lure will be heading next.
Cons
- This is obviously a toy that will require you to be there for the game. It’s not a great one for keeping your pooch distracted when you’re too busy to play with them.
Best For Solo Play: KONG Classic Dog Toy
Super popular among the canine crowd, Kong toys in general, and this one specifically, are much in demand. Available in various colors, sizes, and even materials to make the toy tougher or kinder to young mouths as needed, the Kong Classic Toy is a great buy. Again it provides an excellent way for your pup to move about, chasing after the bouncy delight. And that unpredictable bounce means they never know where it will end up.
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The great thing about this toy is that it can be used either for alone or together play. Have fun throwing it about the garden for your Dood to chase after, or stuff it full of treats and let them have at it by themselves. “A must-have for dog owners,” state the reviews. The Kong manages to hold the interest of most dogs really well and even withstand the choppy jaws of super chewers, so you know you won’t be replacing it over and over.
Pros
- A great toy for setting your dog up with when you’re tired of endless ball throwing. With it, your pet can make their own fun, and that fun usually lasts and lasts and lasts.
Cons
- This is definitely a toy for outdoors. That fun bounce may be great for holding your pup’s attention but less so for your ornaments and other breakables.
Best For Mental Stimulation: Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball Tough Dog Toy
A great-looking ball, but also so much more, Starmark’s Treat Dispensing Chew Ball is another popular pick among pet parents as it’s nicely versatile. While excellent for games of fetch, it can also be packed full of kibble to keep your pup busy throughout the day. It can also be used to slow down mealtimes, which can be handing from preventing your like-to-scoff-a-lot hound from choking back their food.
Reviews for this fab product frequently touch upon its quality, durability, flexibility, and super fun bounce. Another big benefit in the eyes of the buyers is that, unlike some other items of this type, their dog has to really work to get the food out. There are even little adjustable “nubs” to customize the ball to the kibble you have. The result is that they are kept busier for longer. Plus, the ball is just good fun to play with and dishwasher safe too!
Pros
- A well-made product that does everything you would want it to that, looks fun, and is fun.
Cons
- You have to be a little careful what kinds of foods you are using with the ball, as mushy kinds are not always so easy to remove.
Best For Really Pushing The Exercise Boat Out: Chuckit! Paraflight Flyer Dog Toy
Last on the list, but actually our favorite for really spending some quality time with our pets, Chuckit’s Paraflight Flyer is a slight variation on the frisbee that so many people have so much fun with down at the local park. Designed with soft yet durable materials, it’s perfect for dogs to jump up and catch without hurting their mouth or any other part of them it comes into contact with. Plus, raised sides make it easier for them to pick up too.
A lightweight item that’s easy to take with you wherever you go, the reviewers like that this frisbee is “so aerodynamic.” Not only does it go really far on each throw, but because it’s soft most pups are happy to jump to get it. That’s tons of effortless (on your part, at least) exercise right there. The bright color combination also makes the disc super easy to spot in case it does get blown off course and end up somewhere unintended.
Pros
- Nicely designed for purpose, the frisbee is soft yet durable, bright, flies well, and is highly portable too.
Cons
- Some reviewers mention that their dog managed to chew through the fabric, so you need to be sure only to use the toy for games of catch and not let your pet keep hold of it for too long.
Toys For High-Energy Dogs: Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of excellent toys out there that can seriously benefit an active dog in different ways. The most obvious are the ones that’ll have them running about burning off that excess energy. These include balls, tug toys, and frisbees, but don’t underestimate the importance of puzzle and even chew toys that have a key role to play too.
Interactive toys are a great new concept for keeping dogs busy when you don’t have the time to spend with them. Many of these kinds of toys use food as a motivator to keep your pet going and going. Often you stuff the center of the toy with a tasty treat – or even just your pal’s regular old kibble, and they have to figure out a way to get at it.
It’s good to provide your pup with a selection of toys that cater to their various needs – chasing, catching, retrieving, chewing, snuggling, etc. In this way, they can get plenty of mental, physical, and social stimulation as they need it. It’s also a good idea to have a few backups of their old favorites in case you need to replace one or more of them in a hurry.
You’re right to be cautious about what toys to leave your pet alone with. Items that are fairly easily chewed up, for instance, should only ever be used under supervision. However, some toys: chew toys or puzzle toys that are designed to be sturdy and durable, with non-toxic materials and smooth edges, can be suitable for alone time play.
Final Thoughts
While definitely not a substitute for regular walks, toys can be another tool in your arsenal to help tire out your hyperactive pal. And the good news is that you have plenty of options to choose from. Picking out a nice selection of soothing chew toys, interactive puzzle toys, cooperative play toys, and soothing snugglers will ensure you have covered all bases in helping your pet to receive the kind of multi-dimensional stimulation they require to keep them happy and healthy. Hopefully, our recommendations on the best toys for high-energy dogs will allow you to find some toys that both you and your pup love.
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