Dogs enjoy having play time with their owners, and we love to interact with them. However, it is impossible to be with your pup all the time. Some dogs are fine with relaxing while they wait for your return, but others need some distraction to pass the time. Distraction with interactive dog toys keeps your dog from chewing on your leather shoes, table legs, and pillows.
Whether your pup enjoys their alone time or needs something to do, interactive toys help keep them mentally and physically active not only when they are on their own but when you need some space to do other things around them. These toys will boost both their mental and physical skills along with their independence.
There are also interactive toys that let your dog engage with you as well for bonding time, but the ones that encourage play on their own are a big help when you can’t be right beside them. A dog who can be engaged both mentally and physically with a companion and on their own will be happier and more content.
The Need for Interactive Dog Toys
Dogs need to be physically and mentally fit. If they don’t have the appropriate stimulation, they can become bored, apathetic, stressed or depressed. When this happens, they can then get destructive and develop problematic behaviors. By offering mental stimulation with interactive toys, your pup will be less fearful, anxious, and stressed. Although the best type of interactive play for a pup is with their owner, interactive toys can help when this isn’t possible.
Good Interactive Dog Toys
Interactive toys aren’t just the type they chew on. You want toys that challenge your dog’s brain and provide mental stimulation and exercise. Dogs are smart and toys that have them problem solve go beyond being simply a distraction. Some toys are great for the dog’s alone time while others are great for your interaction with your dog as well. Both provebeneficial for your pup.
Babble Ball Toys
These toys come in different sizes that are great for all dogs. The toys have different programs that make animals sounds or speak to your dog. They trigger with slight movements and engage your dog quickly. They shut off when not in use and are great to stave off boredom when your dog is alone.
Petbobi Interactive Bounce and Squeak Ball
These interactive dog toys make dog sounds and shakes when activated by a motion sensor. It gets your dog running and playing as they try to figure out the sounds and movements of the ball — easy battery replacement and great fun for your pup when you can’t be around.
INTERACTIVE TOYS THAT NEED SOME SUPPORT
These types of toys need various levels of owner support. Outdoor and indoor interactive toys can mean you need you to put something in the toy or that the toys highlight interaction between you and your dog. All these toys support your pups mental and physical well being.
Puzzle Toys
Trixie Activity Flip Board
This interactive puzzle toy is a fun hide and seek game. It’s a great way to challenge your pup’s intellect as they search for treats. You can increase the difficulty as your dog gets used to it. Owners have to hide the treats, but your dog takes it from there for lots of fun.
Outward Hound Hide Squirrel Puzzle
A fun puzzle that plays hide and seek with your dog.You hide the squeaky squirrels and your pup searches for them. Lots of textures, sounds, and shapes to engage your dog’s intellect as they search. A great distraction if you aren’t in the room.
iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher
This fun outside toy can mimic the game of fetch for your medium, large or giant dog. It’s a toy that challenges your dog mentally as they have to learn to place a ball in the opening for it to begin. Once you have taught that task, the toy will then launch the ball to start a game of fetch that you no longer have to worry about. This interactive toy can shoot the ball up to 40 meters and has a rechargeable battery that can launch at least 300 balls in one game of fetch. Your dog will tire out before the battery does. It will keep them busy when you can’t be part of the game.
TrioGato Outdoor Dog Sprinkler
Dogs love having fun with water, and this toy is a great distraction. This sprinkler toy is one your dog can activate on their own with a touch of their paw. They do not need your assistance. It is a well-built toy and meant for outdoor use. It’s a good and independent way for your dog to interact with a toy and get water, stay cool and have outdoor fun.
Chuckit Tennis Balls
These are some fun, old school toys to play catch with your dog. Different sizes are available depending on which size of dog you have. Great way to go back to the basic interactive toy:the ball.
Hyper Pet Flippy Flopper Frisbee
This outdoor toy is a light, soft, flexible frisbee-like toy that is easy on your dog’s teeth but durable enough to last through all seasons and multiple games of catch. It floats in water and can be thrown anywhere outdoors without damaging items it might come into contact with. It comes in bright colors, so it’s easy to find if a catch is missed. This toy is a fun way to interact with your canine pal by putting a new spin on an old game.
Final Thoughts
Dogs of all sizes and breeds love to be active and engaged. While you can’t always be with your dog, you can certainly make sure they enjoy their time both on their own and with you. Interactive toys bring them distraction, challenge, and enjoyment. They create independence when on their own and enjoy bonding time when they engage with you. Interactive toys give your dog the best of both worlds.
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