15 Best Interactive Dog Toys in 2024 (with Puzzles)

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white terrier playing with his yellow interactive toy

Interactive dog toys can be fur-fect to keep your pooch happy and healthy mentally and physically. In fact, the best interactive dog toys can do much more than that. Some of them can teach your dog to eat slower while others can teach him manners. 

There are those that can entertain your dog while you are gone and some that you get to play with him. 

We looked at a variety of interactive dog toys to find the best ones for your fur baby no matter whether you have a new puppy, a senior dog, a Tiny Teacup Poodle, or a huge Hound. 

After evaluating more than 50 interactive dog toys, I chose the “SKYMEE Owl Robot: Mobile Full HD Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser” as my favorite because It has amazing features to keep your dog busy while you are not home, you can check on him any time of the day (even in the dark), your dog can chase it around to get some exercise, and it keeps him from getting separation anxiety.

But I understand you might have different needs, whether you’re looking for an interactive dog toy to help with training or a puzzle toy. That is why I prepared a shortlist of our favorite interactive dog toys that address different styles & needs. 

Before we dive into the review section below, we’ll explain why interactive dog toys are important for your dog’s growth & mental development and introduce you to the best interactive dog types you can find online.

Finally, we’ll explain what criteria you should use to make the best selection for your needs

So let’s get started.

Why Are Interactive Dog Toys Super Important for Your Dog?

beagle is playing with his red Kong toy

Interactive dog toys are super-impaw-tant for your dog for many reasons and you may be super surprised to see how much your pup will love these cool toys that keep his brain busy and his mind stimulated. 

You do not want your dog to be bored because a bored dog will always find something to do, and it may not be something you want him to do. Here are nine reasons why interactive toys are paw-fect for your pooch.

  • They satisfy his hunting instincts: Dogs are hunters at heart because that is what they were born to do. They did not get a bowl of kibble from anyone when they lived in the wild. When your pup is able to search for something like a squeaky toy hidden in a fluffy brown log, it is similar to how they used to hunt in the wild. 
  • The interactive treat toys teach your dog to slow down his eating: Some dogs tend to eat too fast and this can cause problems with digestion. In fact, in severe cases, it can cause a life-threatening condition called bloat. The treat toys teach your dog to eat one piece at a time so they can savor it and their stomachs can handle it. 
  • They can greatly reduce anxiety or stress: If your dog suffers from anxiety or stress, any kind of play is a good way to keep them from stressing. But interactive toys that keep your pooch busy lets your dog take his mind off of what is stressing him out. And those toys that have him running after balls or sniffing muts will relieve the anxiety through exercise as well. 
  • Many of them are great exercises like the automatic ball launchers: We all need to get some exercise now and then and your dog is no different. Sitting around the house all the time is not healthy for your pup. Those ball launchers that send your dog running through the yard are perfect to keep your fur baby in shape.  
  • Great for those dogs that need to watch their weight: If you have a plump pooch, you may think it is adorable but too much extra plumpness is not healthy. Treat toys are great for teaching your pet to eat slower and exercise toys like ball launchers and tug of war toys will help him work off those extra pounds. 
  • They keep your pup from getting bored: A bored dog is a mischievous dog. When your pooch gets bored, he will find something to keep him busy. It is better for him to have a fun interactive toy to keep him entertained so he does not eat your shoes. 
  • Keeps him mentally stimulated when he needs to be: Just like humans, your dog needs to be mentally stimulated often. They do not like to sit around and do nothing and sometimes a mental job like solving a puzzle or sniffing a “Snuffle Mat”  keeps him mentally stimulated when he needs it. In fact, only 15 minutes of mentally stimulating play is the same as walking three miles.  
  • They Can Help Prevent Dementia in Older Dogs: You have to keep your brain sharp by using it and so does your dog. Help keep your dog sharp by giving him toys that make him think. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys are great for this as well as for joint health and mobility. 
  • They Can Help With Teaching Your Dog New Tricks: Even though they say you cannot teach an old dog new tricks, dog lovers like us know this is not true. Give your pup new toys frequently to keep him challenged and from getting bored with the ones he has already mastered. 

Different Types of Interactive Dog Toys for Different Purposes

Golden Retriever playing with his interactive water toy

There are a wide variety of interactive dog toys that can be entertaining for your pup. Some are good for interactive play between you and your pooch while others are perfect to keep him busy when you are busy too. And the smart electronic toys are paw-fect for those of us who have to leave our fur baby home alone. Here is a rundown of some of the different types of dog toys and what they contribute to you and your best fur-iend’s world. 

Automatic Ball Launchers: Best for Your Fetch-Loving Pup

All launchers are pretty straightforward in that they throw a ball that your dog can catch and bring back. They are made for independent playtime for your dog so you can do something else like read a book or spend time with your spouse. However, some of them are more intricate like those that link to your phone or tablet so you can “play” with them and even adjust the distance and pitch of how the ball is thrown.

Treat Dispensers Toys: Best for Your Hungry Pooch & Fast Eaters

This kind of toy is great for dogs that eat too fast. Put his kibble in a treat-dispensing toy and make him work for his dinner. It is also pawe-some for those pups that do not play with anything unless it has to do with food. He will actually be using his mind while learning how to move the toy to get the treats out.

Smart Electronic Toys: Best for Pups Who Have to Be Alone for Some Time

Although some toys are not safe to leave with your dog, the new technology that has come out in the last decade or so has changed all that. You can program some of them to give treats out at certain intervals while others use a toy that moves on its own that has your pup chasing it all over the room. This works well with cats too. Some let you see and talk to your dog through your phone too, which is perfect for those pups who get lonely.

Puzzle Toys: Best for Hounds and Other Hunters

These toys are a lot of fun for both you and your doggo because you will get a kick out of seeing him go at it. These toys usually have some type of small toys hidden inside them that your dog has to find. They may have a squeaker in them or some kind of treat that he loves. Snuffle mats and other hidey-hole toys have a bunch of places to hide treats for your dog to find.

Tug-Of War Toys: Best for Those Tug Loving Pups

Tug of war is fun to play with your dog or to watch two pups going at it. But what about when you are busy working from home or doing chores and your dog wants to play? Get an individual tension or tug toy. Some of these are tug toys that are attached to a heavyweight or pole that can be used outside. Others use suction cups and can be played with indoors.

9 Rules of Thumb When Buying an Interactive Dog Toy

brown dog is holding up side down his purple interactive toy

Most of the interactive dog toys are not made to be chew toys so you have to be careful to check the durability of the toys you choose. Even if you have a toy that says they can play with it alone, some are not safe to let your dog play with while you are not around so you will have to supervise. 

  • Safety: Before choosing an interactive toy for your dog, check it out thoroughly first. Just as you would with a baby, make sure the toy is thoroughly tested by the manufacturer and it does not hurt to read more reviews like this one. Talk to other dog lovers who may have used the toy as well. 
  • Material: Always make sure the material is non-toxic. Some of the toxic chemicals you may find in dog toys include PVC (polyvinyl chloride), phthalates, BPA (bisphenol A), lead, chromium, formaldehyde, cadmium, and bromine.
  • Durability: No matter what kind of pooch you have, they have strong jaws and whatever type of toy you choose it has to stand up to your pup’s chomp. Some of the most durable materials out there include high-tensile rubber, nylon, and fire hose material. 
  • Your Dog’s Age: Every dog is different, and each age range makes a difference as well. Younger pups may need a gentler toy that is not as difficult to figure out. But you do not want it to be too easy because they will lose interest when the challenge is gone. Older dogs need a softer toy as well because as they age, their teeth are more sensitive.
  • What type of chewer is your dog? There are several different types of chewers when it comes to canines. Some are nice and gentle while others just seem to tear everything to shreds. If your pooch is a gentle nibbler, you do not have to worry as much about a toy being torn up. But those shredders can be pretty destructive, so you need a durable toy.
  • Washability: All dog toys get dirty because they spend half the time in your dog’s mouth and the other half in the dirt or on your floor. Not to mention those treat toys that you put peanut butter or other sticky food inside. It helps to get a toy that is dishwasher or washing machine safe because every toy needs to be sanitized regularly.
  • Entertainment: If you know what your dog likes then it will probably be pretty easy for you to find a toy that will excite him. For example, retrievers and other fetchers love automatic ball throwers and you will love not wearing out your arm throwing the ball. Pay attention to your dog as he sees the new toy and help him understand it. If he still does not play with it after a while, you may need something different.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer a guarantee on their dog toys. It is typically 30 to 90 days. The longer the guarantee, the more confidence the company has in the toy. Not that all toys with a guarantee are good or vice versa, but it helps if you can send it back if you are unhappy as well. 
  • Made in the USA: Whether you think this is important or not, there are some benefits of getting a toy made in the USA. For one thing, there are strict laws that manufacturers have to follow in the United States that other countries do not require. It is better to be safe than sorry.

DIY Interactive Dog Toys

If you just cannot find a toy you are impressed with or you want to try making your own, there are many DIY interactive dog toys you can make

That way, you know exactly what is in it and you do not have to worry about any dangerous materials in the manufacturing process. 

Our 2024 Review For 15 Best Interactive Dog Toys

Miniature Australian Shepherd named Cody is playing with his green toy

After reviewing more than 50 interactive dog toys using our aforementioned criteria, we chose 15 that we think are the best & safest for your dog to play with. We also went ahead and rated them as what we feel are the best in each specific category listed below. 

SKYMEE Owl Robot Camera with Treat Dispenser

  • Material: Plastic
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: No
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Our Top Pick Overall (Dogs Who Stay Alone for Long Periods and Need Exercise)

Do you worry about what your fur baby is doing all day while you are at work? You could hire a dog sitter or just get one of these Owl Robots. You can watch your dog with video, take pictures, talk to him, and even feed and give him treats with the owl. No matter where you are, you can use your phone to entertain your pooch.

The full HD camera has 4x zoom as well as night vision so you can even see your dog in the dark. Talk to him to get his attention and stop him from having separation anxiety. If you are going to be at work all day, you can even feed your dog at mealtime with the treat dispenser. 

In fact, you can make your pooch chase it all over the house by steering it through the app on your phone! The infrared sensor will automatically be triggered to do whatever you set it to do when Fido comes close too. 

What We Like: 

  • Great way to keep tabs on your dog
  • Make sure your pup is not lonely while you are gone
  • You can even use it for security

What Dogs Love about it?

  • Free food and treats
  • He can chase it all over the house
  • Hearing your voice will calm your pup

What We Don’t like:

  • It is expensive
  • Does not support 5G

PetSafe Chilly Penguin Treat Holding Dog Toy 

  • Material: Rubber
  • Floats: Yes
  • Warranty: Yes for up to 45 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Most affordable (Best for Puppies) 

This adorable penguin treat toy is fur-fect for a teething puppy because you can fill it with any lickable treat and freeze it, numbing the gums and easing the pain. But it is also good for any dog. Whether you freeze it or not, your pooch will enjoy getting every last lick out of the penguin’s belly.

It comes in two sizes, the small is for pups up to 30 pounds and the large is good for dogs from 30 to 80 pounds. Although it is relatively durable for puppies and mild chewers, it will not stand up to heavy chewers or shredders. They are not meant to be chew toys as much as they are forgiving treats. 

Being able to fill it and freeze it makes it even better for hot summer days out in the yard. Just grab it out of the freezer and toss it to your pooch and watch him go at it for hours. 

What We Like: 

  • Easy to fill
  • Holds quite a bit
  • Stacks up in the freezer

What Dogs Love about it?

  • The rounded base makes it move around so it is more challenging
  • The coldness can relieve teething pain

What We Don’t like:

  • Not for heavy chewers

PetSafe Manners Minder Treat & Train Remote Reward 

  • Material: Plastic
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes for one year
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: No
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: No
  • Made in the USA: Yes/No
  • Best for:  Training

Training your dog has never been so easy. The PetSafe Manners Minder lets you train your pup to behave and it rewards good behavior. Negative reinforcement is not good for your dog so this positive reinforcement trainer gives you the ability to give your pooch a treat even if you are 100 feet away. 

Keep watch of your dog and if he does what you have asked him to, click the remote and give him a treat. The Manners Minder will give your dog a treat so he knows he did the right thing. And when he knows he is going to get a treat for doing something, he is going to do it again. 

Redirect your fur baby from begging for food, jumping on you, annoying the cat, or whatever else you need to teach him not to do. 

This trainer, Dr. Sophia Yin, veterinarian, and animal behaviorist has won several awards for its book and DVD program that comes with it. You can learn how to teach your dog to continue to follow orders even with distractions with just a few sessions. It even works for cats!

What We Like: 

  • The remote control means you can train your dog while you relax on the couch
  • The dog-proof housing is tough enough to stand up to drops 
  • You can put two different size treat dispenser disks in for versatility
  • Trains your pet through positive reinforcement by giving him a treat if he does something the toy tells him to do

What Dogs Love about it?

  • You get treats for behaving as asked
  • He Practicing positive reinforcement training daily even if the owner is too busy

What We Don’t like:

  • It takes four D batteries that do not last as long as they say
  • Quite expensive for just being a treat dispenser

Furbo Dog Camera: Treat Tossing, Full HD Wifi Pet & Alexa Built-in 

  • Material: Plastic with a bamboo wood top
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes there is a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year warranty for workmanship
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: No
  • Indoor/Ourdoor: Indoor
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Dogs who stay alone longer than 8 hours

Similar to the Robot Owl, the Furbo stops you from having to worry too much about your fur baby being home alone all day. It can hold a bunch of treats or kibble to toss to your pup on command or when you activate the treat tosser through your phone or Alexa.

That’s right, it connects to your Alexa so you can have her keep track of what is going on while you are too busy to get to your phone. All you have to do is plug it in and download the Furbo app, then connect it to your Wi-Fi and you are good to go. You do not need batteries at all. 

This one cannot get your pup running around but it has the microphone, video, and camera options so you and your dog can communicate even when you are gone. It also has a bark alert so you know if something is wrong and the emergency alert will tell you immediately if there is a fire or gas leak so you can get help for your pup all the time. 

What We Like: 

  • No batteries needed
  • Can let me know if there is a fire or other emergency
  • The barking sensor helps keep you alert of what is going on at home

What Dogs Love about it?

  • It tosses treats and food
  • Barking at it will get you attention
  • Hearing your voice makes him feel better

What We Don’t like:

  • You have to have a subscription to get the premium features 
  • The price is pretty high
  • Video quality is not great

Nina Ottosson By Outward Hound – Interactive Puzzle Game Dog Toys  

  • Material: Plastic
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes, for 45 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: No
  • Made in the USA: No
  • Best for: Puzzle Toy

Puzzle toys are always a lot of fun for dogs no matter their age, size, or breed. They all love a challenge and it is hilarious to watch them work so hard at it. The Dog Twister combines puzzle toy fun with treats or kibble for an extra incentive to get your pup to play with it.

The toy is made with plastic but it is free of phthalates, PVCs, and BPAs so you do not have to worry about that. You do, however, need to watch your dog when he plays with this just in case he happens to get it apart or damages it. 

This is an advanced-level toy to keep your smart pooch from getting bored with it after the first few times. Fill the compartments with kibble or treats and push in the white tabs to lock them in. Your fur baby will have to lift the tabs in order and move the tops to get to the food. You can even put soft food inside the compartments for longer-lasting play.

What We Like: 

  • It is good for any size, age, and breed
  • Your pup will not get bored with it right away
  • It holds a full cup of food so you can use it for feeding

What Dogs Love about it?

  • They can dig and scratch to get their food
  • Finding the food is fun

What We Don’t like:

  • It is not dishwasher safe
  • Aggressive pups may be able to break it by banging or chewing on it

Pet Qwerks Blinky Babble Ball Interactive Dog Toy

  • Material: Plastic
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty:Yes for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self-entertaining : Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: No
  • Indoor/Ourdoor: Indoor
  • Made in the USA: No, made in China
  • Best for: Smart Electronic Toy

The Blinky Babble Ball is a cool toy that will keep any dog (or cat) busy for hours. Or until you get sick of hearing it. The ball has 18 different sounds from talking to doorbells and you never know what is going to come out next. Just put in the three batteries that come with it and the ball is ready to go. 

This ball also blinks so your pooch will get both visual and auditory stimulation when he plays with it. The light-up action makes it the fur-fect toy for a dog who has trouble seeing. And it will automatically shut off after he is done playing with it. 

This ball comes in three sizes so it is good for almost any dog. The small one is good for puppies and dogs up to 10 pounds, medium is for pooches from 10 to 25 pounds, and the large is good for dogs over 25 pounds. But if you have a larger dog of over 50, make sure it is not too small for him before you use it. 

What We Like: 

  • It keeps your fur baby busy while you are busy
  • The ball stops Fido from getting into things while you are not watching
  • It helps with separation anxiety

What Dogs Love about it?

  • The different sounds will be sure to attract any dog
  • It can take a beating and keep on going as long as your dog does not chew on it
  • It is fun to chase around the house

What We Don’t like:

  • Cannot handle tough chewing but you can put it in a sock to make it last longer
  • Batteries can get wet if the toy gets wet
  • It makes a lot of noise

Hyper Pet Doggie Tail Interactive Plush Dog Toys 

  • Material: Furry fabric
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: No
  • Indoor/Ourdoor: Indoor
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: entertainment

If your pup loves furry toys, you should try the Hyper Pet Doggie Tail. This thing looks like a furry ball with a tail that sort of resembles a squirrel so hunting dogs will love this toy. But not only does it look like fun, it makes sounds and moves around to keep your pooch entertained as long as you want him to be. 

There is a plastic ball inside the furry cover that holds batteries and has an on/off switch so you do not have to hear it while you sleep or any other time you really do not want to hear it. The security strap and velcro keeps the ball inside the furry cover so you do not have to worry about your fur baby getting it out of there.

However, the toy is not made to be chewed on so you cannot count on this as a toy that will keep him busy while you are gone. If your pup starts to chew on it, you should take it away for a while or he may be able to get to the inner ball. 

What We Like: 

  • There are different replacement skins that you can change for more variety
  • The noise can be turned off
  • It keeps your pup busy  

What Dogs Love about it?

  • All dogs will love the furry coat 
  • The tail gives him something to shake
  • It makes some really fun sounds

What We Don’t like:

  • The batteries will wear out quickly if your pup plays with it often
  • You cannot leave him alone with it too long
  • It will break if it gets thrown around too much

StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy   

  • Material: Rubber and plastic
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: No
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Treat Dispensing Toy

The StarMark Bob-A-Lot is a fun way to keep your pooch busy while also teaching him new skills. Your little buddy will love knocking this toy around until treats come out and you will love watching him. Mental stimulation is also good for your dog to keep him from getting bored or lonely when you cannot be with him. 

As your dog knocks the Bob-A-Lot around, it wobbles and moves erratically, giving your dog the excitement of having to chase it around. He gets exercise while playing and getting rewarded with treats and kibble. 

The toy has dual chambers so you can put kibble in one and treats in the other. If you have a pup that tends to scarf down his food too quickly, this can be a good way to slow him down. Eating too quickly can lead to bloat and other intestinal issues. The large holds up to three cups of food so you can feed him his whole meal that way if you want to. 

What We Like: 

  • It comes in small and large sizes
  • Your dog stays busy and gets fed at the same time
  • The adjustable openings changes the skill level so he does not get bored
  • It is easy to clean

What Dogs Love about it?

  • Chasing the bobbing toy around is fun
  • Getting food and treats is a bonus

What We Don’t like:

  • The price is rather high for what it is
  • It can be damaged if your pooch chews on it

KONG – Classic Dog Toy

  • Material: Natural rubber
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes for up to 60 days
  • Puppies Friendly: No
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Heavy Chewers

Kong has been making excellent dog toys since 1970 and they provide some of the best and most durable toys for dogs. The shape of the Kong toy started because the founder’s dog seemed to like the snowman-shaped rubber car part he found in the yard and apparently all dogs love the rubber snowman shape.

What makes it even better is that you can fill it with peanut butter, squeeze cheese, or whatever treat you want to shove in there. The Kong bounces and never seems to go the same way twice so it satisfies your pup’s need to hunt and chase. 

And this toy is so durable you can fill it with treats and he will stay busy for hours while you are away. No more separation anxiety or boredom. It can also help keep your fur baby from chewing on things he is not supposed to. 

What We Like: 

  • It comes in six sizes
  • Recommended by veterinarians and trainers
  • Good for dental health

What Dogs Love about it?

  • Erratic bouncing is fun to chase
  • Getting the treats out is exciting

What We Don’t like:

  • It does not keep treats inside unless you use some kind of stuffing

Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball – Adjustable Dog Treat Ball  

  • Material: Plastic
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes
  • Puppies Friendly: No
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: No
  • Indoor/Ourdoor: Indoor
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Fast Eaters

Fill this treat ball and add the adjustable barriers to make it easy or difficult, then watch your dog push, paw, and toss it around to get to the treats inside. This is perfect to teach your dog to eat slower to keep him from getting bloat or some other digestive issues.

The ball also keeps your little ball of fur from getting bored, which is good because a bored dog is a dog looking for something to get into. Keep his mind sharp by changing the difficulty often. 

This is not intended as a chew toy or to leave your dog unattended with. You have to watch him as he plays with it because it can break if he plays too ruff. 

What We Like: 

  • Comes in two sizes for medium or large dogs
  • Holds your dog’s attention for a long time
  • Can be adjusted to keep your pup interested

What Dogs Love about it?

  • He can see the treats so he is excited to get into it
  • It is fun to bat it around and chase it

What We Don’t like:

  • It can break and become a choking hazard

PAW5: Wooly Snuffle Mat – Feeding Mat for Dogs 

  • Material: Polyester/cotton fibers and rubber mat on the bottom
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes for 30 days
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: No
  • Made in the USA: No
  • Best for: Feeding Toy

You do not have to worry about what size to get when you buy this because it truly is one size fits all. It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have, whether he is young or old, big or little, all dogs love this snuffle mat. And it blends in with any decor with its modern gray color. 

You will see it as a throw rug but your pooch sees it as a clump of grass to dig around in for food and other goodies. For the fur baby who eats too fast, slow him down by making him look for his food. 

And you can also hide small toys in there for him to find as long as they are not too small. 

The wooly rug is comfortable so your pup can take a snooze on it when he is done foraging for food. It is 12 by 18 inches so it fits anywhere, even in the car for road trips. 

What We Like: 

  • It is machine washable
  • The fabric is made from discarded scraps from the textile companies
  • Slows down your dog’s eating habits

What Dogs Love about it?

  • Finding the food is fun
  • It is comfortable to lay on
  • Instead of practicing sniffing work outdoors, now your dog can practice sniffing work at home. Nose work increases confidence to work independently and increases your dog’s desire to learn

What We Don’t like:

  • It can be torn apart by dogs who are shredders
  • The price point is high
  • Some dogs just pick it up and shake it

iDig Digging Toy by iFetch 

  • Material: Plastic and polyester
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes, 30-day guarantee and one year warranty on manufacturing
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: No
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Digging

If you have a digger, then this toy will make him happy for a while. You get a plastic iDig base with two polyester fabric flaps that you can hide toys and treats in and under. The flaps can be snapped on with just a few snaps at first until your dog figures it out, and then you want to use all the snaps to keep him interested. 

This is not a dog babysitter so you will have to watch him as he plays, which is fun to do anyway. It is also not a chew toy or a bed so you cannot just give it to your pup and walk away. 

The plastic tabs can be chewed off if your dog is really ruff or persistent.

But the iDig is a lot of fun for any breed, any age, and any size dog so you do not have to worry about getting the right size. All dogs will be digging it in no time!

What We Like: 

  • The flaps are machine washable
  • You can make it easy or difficult for your pooch

What Dogs Love about it?

  • Allows your pooch to dig for treats indoors

What We Don’t like:

  • It is very expensive
  • Some dogs can tear it up easily

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle

  • Material: Plushie
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty:  Yes
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: No
  • Bounces: No
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: Playing Hide and Seek

If your dog likes squirrels and other small animals, he will really have a blast with this toy. Really, even if he doesn’t care about squirrels, pups just love getting the plushies out of the trunk no matter what they are. And they squeak so that makes it even more fun. 

The trunk is about 11 inches tall and has two holes for your dog to get the plushies out of. Or he can get the lid off the trunk and dig them out that way. The lid is attached securely with a bungee. However, this is not a chew toy and is not meant for your dog to play alone with. 

As with many toys, it is not built for ruff play or chewing as your fur baby will likely be able to chew through the material fairly quickly if left to do so. And most dogs really want to chew that squeaky out of the plushies so you have to supervise. Toss some treats in there for even more fun.

What We Like: 

  • The whole thing is machine washable
  • You can get replacement plushies
  • It comes in different sizes and styles 

What Dogs Love about it?

  • The plushies squeak
  • It keeps him busy for a while

What We Don’t like:

  • Just about any dog can tear it up

Tumbo Tugger Exercise Dog Toy 

  • Material: Nylon
  • Floats: No
  • Warranty: Yes
  • Puppies Friendly: No
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: Yes
  • Indoor/Ourdoor: Outdoors
  • Made in the USA: Yes/No
  • Best for: Exercise 

Does your dog like to hide his toys in the yard until you find them when you run over them with the lawnmower? Or maybe he just keeps bringing that rope back for you to play tug-of-war over and over again all day long. With this cool contraption, you can let the tree hold your dog’s toy so you don’t have to.

Just toss the loop over a strong tree limb and secure it with an easy design that does not even require tying a knot. The durable bungee cord will hang onto one end of the rope toy so your dog can’t get it off to go hide it or chew on it. That makes it super safe. You can even attach your pup’s favorite toy to it. 

The Tumbo Tugger does not have any metal on it so you do not have to worry about your dog’s teeth or him getting hit in the face with it. All you have to do is hang it at the fur-fect height just out of your pup’s reach so he can grab it and pull but cannot stand there and chew on it. 

What We Like: 

  • The safety features are pawesome
  • You don’t have to search the yard for Fido’s toys
  • All you need is a strong tree limb
  • Gives your dog a lot of exercises

What Dogs Love about it?

  • He can play tug of war all day long
  • The rope is constantly bouncing away so he has to jump and chase it

What We Don’t like:

  • It is not good for small dogs or puppies
  • You cannot use it indoors

iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dog

  • Material: Plastic
  • Floats: No but the balls do
  • Warranty: Yes, 30-day guarantee and one year warranty on manufacturing
  • Puppies Friendly: Yes
  • Self Entertainment: Yes
  • Your Dog Can Play Alone: Yes
  • Bounces: No but the balls do
  • Indoor/Outdoor:  Outdoors 
  • Made in the USA: Yes
  • Best for: automatic ball launcher

All dogs love to play fetch so there is not a dog in the world that would not love to play with the iFetch. This thing is fur-fect because your dog can drop the ball in one hole and it shoots out the other, as many times as he wants. He can play all day without wearing out your arm or your nerves. 

You can even adjust the distance the ball shoots. There are three settings: 10, 20, and 30 feet. This small one is great for smaller dogs because it has smaller tennis balls not made for larger dogs that can choke on them. But they have a bigger iFetch Too with standard-sized tennis balls that is for large dogs so everyone can have some fetching fun. 

This ball launcher has won awards. It won first place in the New Products category at SuperZoo and second place for the same category at the Global Pet Expo. 

What We Like: 

  • There is a hidden compartment on bottom to hold the balls
  • Dogs get the hang of it quickly and seem to love it
  • The large iFetch Too has a rechargeable battery

What Dogs Love about it?

  • They can play fetch all day
  • The balls fly out at random so he gets more excited as he waits

What We Don’t like:

  • The small iFetch takes AAA batteries
  • The balls wear out quickly
  • The price is high

The Final Woof

German Shepherd with a blue frisbee in his mouth

Your pet is your best friend and part of your family so you want him to have the best interactive dog toys to play with that will give him and you the most satisfaction.

Interactive toys keep your pup busy both mentally and physically to keep his mind sharp and his body in good health. Some of these toys are best for puppies, some are for big dogs, and others are for any dog breed, age, or size. 

The clear winner here is the SKYMEE Owl Robot: Mobile Full HD Pet Camera with Treat Dispenser. It has some amazing features to keep your dog busy while you are not home, you can check on him any time of the day (even in the dark), your dog can chase it around to get some exercise, and it keeps him from getting separation anxiety. You can even use it for security because the video is excellent quality.

Photo of author
Patty Oelze is a freelance writer who is also in the process of getting her PhD in Psychology. She has been writing about dogs and other critters for about 10 years and has a plethora of animals at her home including several cats, some chipmunks, a dozen raccoons, two foxes, one coyote, and herds of deer. She and her husband have been living in the Missouri Ozarks for years where she enjoys taking care of wildlife, fishing, photography, boating, and of course, writing.

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