5 Best Tug Toys To Keep Your Active Dog Occupied
If you find that your dog has a lot of pent-up energy, even after providing them with long walks and plenty of playtime, you may need to switch things up. Give your dog a fun and engaging way to burn off some steam with a new tug toy or two.
Energetic dogs often need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy. While some get worn out by a daily fetch session, others need extra attention. Tug toys are the perfect option for active pups because they are interactive and provide one-on-one playtime. This is especially important if you are away from home for several hours throughout the day.
From sturdy ropes to heavy-duty rubber rings, there are a variety of tug toys on the market that almost any dog would love. We’ve compiled a list of the best tug toys on Amazon to help you build up your pet’s collection.
Best Tug Toys to Consider
When picking out tug toys for your dog, you should consider their personality and favorite type of toys. Keeping these factors in mind will ensure you choose toys that your dog will love and appreciate. For example, a shy pup may be nervous around an oversized rope toy or one with a built-in squeaker. But outgoing dogs will be more willing to experiment with different tug toys. And they won’t be afraid to play with them all day, especially if you decide to join in.
It is also important to determine whether your dog is or isn’t an aggressive chewer. Not only will buying heavy-duty toys for your pup save you money in the long term. It will also prevent situations where your dog could choke on pieces of fabric or plastic that they rip off their new toy. If you don’t know your dog’s chewing style, we recommend purchasing a couple of toys and keeping an eye on them while they play.
While it may take time and effort to determine your dog’s favorite types of tug toys, it will be worth it when you watch them enjoying playtime. And once you know what they love, you can stock their toybox with endless tugging options.
Mammoth Pet Products Flossy Chews Rope Toy
This rope toy from Mammoth Pet Products is ideal for dogs of all ages. The affordable tug toy is available in multiple lengths, including 20, 25, and 36 inches. And it comes with pretied knots to prevent the rope from fraying and give your pup something to sink their teeth into.
The high-quality rope is non-toxic, so your dog can safely play and chew for hours. It is perfect for solo play or a game of tug of war, offering your pet more stimulation and competition. The hardest part will be tearing your dog away from this entertaining toy when it’s time to sleep.
Pros:
- Bright color options
- Removes plaque and tartar as your dog chews
- Discourages dogs from chewing on furniture
Cons:
- Even the smallest rope may be too heavy for small breeds to carry
ZippyPaws RopeTugz Tug Dog Toy
Part stuffed animal and part rope toy, your dog will immediately fall in love with this tug toy from ZippyPaws. You can pick from multiple plush toy options, including a monkey, sloth, or panda. And the body is covered in a soft, textured fabric that will feel good on your dog’s teeth, especially if they are teething.
The sturdy cord loops on either end let you hang onto the toy while playing with your pup. Or two dogs can play together to test their strength and coordination. Plus, there is a squeaker inside the plush toy to add an extra level of enjoyment and excitement.
Pros:
- Machine washable
- Durable rope won’t fray easily
- The ropes are firmly attached to the stuffed animal to prevent them from sliding out
Cons:
- The stuffed animal isn’t as durable as the rope sections
Pacific Pups Products Dog Toys
If you want to stock up on toys for your active pup, you’ll love this variety pack from Pacific Pups Products. This set includes 11 toys designed with aggressive chewers in mind, so you can expect them all to last. The heavy-duty rope toys are of different shapes and sizes to offer your pup an assortment of play options. And they are all made from high-quality cotton that won’t hurt your pet as they chew and tug.
The adorable giraffe and carrot toys are woven from a sturdy rope and act as dental chews to remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s mouth. And the frisbee doubles as the perfect toy to play tug of war with your furry friend.
Pros:
- Ideal for all breeds
- Vibrant colors
- Tightly woven rope
Cons:
- The cotton rope gets dirty quickly when played with outside
Nerf Dog 3-Ring Rubber Tug Toy
When it comes to this tug toy, you won’t have to worry about your dog ripping it apart, even if they are an aggressive chewer. The toy consists of three interlocking rings made from durable rubber. The lightweight design makes them ideal for dogs of all sizes. And the bright colors will draw them in every time they look at their toy basket.
There are grooves and ridges on each ring that will feel great on your dog’s gums and teeth. And your pup can easily hold the rings between their paws during every chewing session.
Pros:
- Water-resistant material
- It floats in any body of water
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- The tough rubber may be too hard for dogs with small teeth
Chuckit! Ultra Tug Dog Toy
Since this tug toy from Chuckit! doubles as a fetch toy, you’ll truly get your money’s worth. The rubber ball is attached to a short fabric handle, so you can easily hold it while your dog tugs or toss it in the air. When it hits the ground, the ball offers a lot of bounce to keep your pup entertained.
There are three ball sizes to ensure you pick the one that fits most comfortably in your dog’s mouth. And the entire toy is easy to rinse clean to remove dirt and slobber. Plus, the bright orange and blue shades will help your dog spot their toy whenever you play.
Pros:
- Comfortable nylon handle
- It doesn’t have a squeaker
- It requires little effort to throw it for your pet
Cons:
- It doesn’t float
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a tug toy?
Tugging is a natural behavior for all dogs since it allows them to capture and protect their possessions from other animals. Now that most dogs live indoors and don’t have to fend for themselves, tug toys offer a similar experience. Most dogs love biting and pulling on toys to release pent-up energy. And it also strengthens your bond with your dog when you play a tugging game with them.
How do you teach your dog to play tug of war?
If your dog is shy or unsure about their new toy, we have a few tips to give them the confidence they need to play. Hold the tug toy and offer it to your dog, talking to them in a voice that encourages them to approach you. If they grab it, you can gently pull it in your direction to let them know you are ready to play a game. If they don’t grab it, you may need to offer your pup a few treats to let them know this is supposed to be fun. It may take time for them to get a hang of tug of war, but eventually, they’ll offer you and other dogs their tug toys to initiate a game.
Are there any negatives to letting your dog play with a tug toy?
While there aren’t any negatives to playing with tug toys, there are some behaviors that you should watch out for and correct if they arise. For example, if your dog gets too involved in the game and starts growling or moving their teeth closer to your hand, you need to remind them you are in charge. Teaching them to drop the toy on command will bring them back to reality in an instant and keep both of you safe while you play.
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