The Best Smart Dog Toys
Keeping your dog entertained isn't always as easy as it sounds. If your pet gets bored easily or you're looking for a new way to challenge them, smart dog toys could be the answer. These innovative toys are designed to engage your pup longer than the go-to squeaky ball. They help stimulate your dog's curiosity, keeping them coming back for more. With so many dog toys on the market, finding the right one can feel like an uphill task. To help you with your search, we've rounded up some of the best smart toys the internet has to offer.
What to Look For
When shopping for the best smart toys for your pet, we recommend asking yourself the following questions: Does the toy match your dog’s personality? Is it made of durable materials that can stand up to enthusiastic pooches? Is it stimulating enough to keep your dog occupied for long periods? Our favorite was the smart dog toy from Avoar, which is designed to attract pets with its mentally stimulating puzzles. We also really liked the smart dog toy from Petgeek, which is easy to use and will keep your pet distracted when you’re busy. Read on to learn more about our top picks and why we liked them so much.
Avoar Interactive Puzzle Smart Dog Toy
Problem solver
If you have a curious dog who likes to learn new things, let them put their nose and intelligence to use with this smart dog toy from Avoar. It features 16 holes and 11 movable points that encourage your pet to slide the slider to find a tasty treat. This game could help improve your pet’s IQ and teach them healthy eating habits. Plus, it also significantly extends feeding time as your pet hunts for goodies.
Pros:
- Mentally stimulating and entertaining
- Encourages dogs to stay active
- Trains sense of smell
- Sound device to attract attention
- No detachable parts
Cons:
- Tips over easily
Petgeek Electronic Bone Smart Dog Toy
Encourage your pup to move around and keep them entertained with this bone-shaped smart dog toy from Petgeek. This electronic toy puts a twist on the traditional bone, keeping your dog on their toes by moving automatically in surprising ways. The easy-to-use toy only needs to be powered on and placed on the floor to start working its magic.
Pros:
- Holds a charge for long periods
- Detachable parts that are easy to clean
- Non-toxic and safe for chewing
- Multi-textured design reduces tartar build-up and plaque
Cons:
- Expensive
Petdroid Motion Activated Smart Dog Toy
Get your dog moving with this motion-activated bouncing ball from Petdroid. The ball is sure to be a hit with rambunctious dogs who enjoy chasing things. It has two modes, crazy bouncing and rolling mixed with bounces, that will keep your pup entertained for long periods. And it doesn’t end there: it also has flashing lights to help attract your pet’s attention.
Pros:
- Comes with two feather toy attachments
- Rechargeable batteries last up to four hours
- Automatic shut off
- Durable outer shell
Cons:
- Makes a lot of noise on hardwood floors
Trixie Pet Strategy Smart Dog Toy
Help your pup channel their inner Einstein with this strategy toy from Trixie Pet. Your dog’s brain will get a workout as they try to figure out how to open the various compartments contained within this activity clipboard. If they succeed, they’ll be rewarded with a delicious treat. The game has four training levels to keep pets engaged for long periods.
Pros:
- Dogs have to master a level before moving on
- Keeps pets busy and entertained
- Non-slip rubber feet keep the toy in place
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- May be too difficult for some dogs
Lamtwek Feed Game Smart Dog Toy
Search and discover
This snuffle mat from Lamtwek promotes slow eating while helping your dog improve their foraging skills. It looks like a welcome mat you’d see in front of the door, so it blends in nicely with most home decor. The thick carpet makes it easy to hide treats. Plus, it’s made from soft polyester, ensuring your pet’s comfort as they use their nose to sniff around while searching for food.
Pros:
- Suction cups hold the mat in place
- Made from durable, high-quality materials
- Helps train dogs’ sense of smell
- Keeps dogs occupied for long periods
Cons:
- Not enough carpet to hide large treats
Do puzzle toys make your dog smarter?
Preventing boredom, increasing confidence, and stimulating your pup’s brain are just a few of the things puzzle toys do. Whether you buy IQ balls, snuffle mats, or treat dispensers, all of these toys are designed to improve your dog’s cognitive abilities and encourage problem-solving, all while keeping them entertained. While there’s no guarantee these toys will increase your furry friend’s intelligence, they’ll definitely keep them occupied.
What are the best toys for keeping a dog busy?
The best toys for keeping your dog busy depend a lot on their personality and temperament. Using a treat dispenser that slowly feeds a dog, making them figure out how to get their food, is one way to occupy your dog’s time. Hidden puzzles, flip boards, and puzzle toys are also great ways to keep your pup entertained and boredom at bay.
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