Best Dog Toys For Australian Shepherds
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The Australian Shepherd is not only highly intelligent and trainable, but they also make great guide dogs, exercise companions, and family pets. They have been known to excel at agility and obedience sports, meaning owners must be committed to giving these dogs the time and attention they need through play and training.
As with any dog, undirected energy can turn into destructive behavior like digging and chewing. One of the best ways to keep your Australian Shepherd mentally and physically stimulated is with dog toys. Finding dog toys that can do both is not always easy, as you will see, but we have done the work for you.
Here is a breakdown of the best dog toys for Australian Shepherds and their purpose.
Compare Best Dog Toys For Australian Shepherds
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BEST FOR INTERACTIVE PLAY
6. ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy |
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Dimensions
8 x 4 x 13 inches |
Dimensions
2.3x 9.9x 9.5 inches |
Dimensions
4x 2.75x 2.75 inches |
Dimensions
36x 4.94x 4 inches |
Dimensions
3.055x 4.188x 5.375 inches |
Dimensions
14x 5.5x 5.5 inches |
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Weight
3.79 Pounds |
Weight
6.4 ounces |
Weight
5 lbs - 85+lbs |
Weight
1.68 Pounds |
Weight
5.92 ounces |
Weight
N/A |
|
Lifestage
Adult |
Lifestage
Adult |
Lifestage
Adult |
Lifestage
Puppy, Adult |
Lifestage
Adult |
Lifestage
Adult |
|
Breed Size
Large Breeds |
Breed Size
Medium Breeds |
Breed Size
Large Breeds |
Breed Size
Giant Breeds |
Breed Size
Medium Breeds |
Breed Size
Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds |
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Toy Feature
Exercise |
Toy Feature
Exercise |
Toy Feature
Training |
Toy Feature
Dental |
Toy Feature
Tough Chewer, Bouncy, Exercise |
Toy Feature
Squeaky |
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Material
Cotton+Nylon |
Material
Polyester |
Material
Rubber |
Material
Cotton |
Material
Rubber |
Material
Fleece |
Dog Toy Types
Here are several types of dog toys to consider for your pup’s playtime needs. You may want to buy one of each kind to give him plenty of opportunities to release energy.
- Fetch Toys: Fetch toys are rubber balls, plush balls, discs, sticks, frisbees, and more in this category. Some might bounce, float, glide, or glow in the dark. Some are great for use in the house, in the pool or water, and even in low light. Playing fetch with your dog keeps him moving and can also strengthen your bond.
- Chew Toys: Chew toys are important in preventing behavior problems and discouraging your dog from chewing on inappropriate items. Chewing on certain types of chew toys can keep his teeth clean and his mind occupied. A dog that has chewed for 30 minutes is busy, happy, and more likely to take a nap than chew the furniture.
- Plush Toys: Plush toys are a favorite for dogs, but unfortunately, they are not always safe. Plush toys can still be fun for your dog when supervised to make sure they are not being torn apart. Plush toys are great for puppies to snuggle up with at night before the teething stage.
- Rope and Tug Toys: Rope and tug toys are specifically designed to be yanked back and forth by you and your dog without breaking. These toys come in many shapes and sizes and are designed for gripping with your hands and the dog’s mouth. These toys can also be used for fetching purposes.
- Interactive Toys – Interactive toys were designed to entertain your pup when you are not around and to keep him from being bored and lonely. Some come with compartments to hide treats, puzzles to explore, or hide-and-seek toys within a toy.
Dog Toy Safety
There are many things to consider when choosing a safe toy for your dog. A number of them depend on the size of your dog, activity level, and play preferences. It is also important to consider the environment in which your dog spends his playtime.
While there are no guarantees on how safe a dog toy is, we can offer some guidelines for making safe choices when buying dog toys.
- Size: Buy toys of the appropriate size for your dog. Toys that are too small may be swallowed or become lodged in your dog’s throat.
- Washable: You should be able to put a toy in the dishwasher or washing machine to be periodically cleaned and disinfected.
- Chemicals: Avoid toys treated with fire retardants or stain guards, as they may contain formaldehyde and other chemicals.
- Suction Traps: Avoid balls with single air holes, which can create a deadly suction trap in your pup’s mouth.
- Noise Makers: Beware of toys with bells and squeakers because your dog may chew them out and swallow them.
- Rips and Tears: Dispose of dog toys when they start to break into pieces or are torn.
- Check Labels: Look for labels that indicate dog toys are “phthalate-free” and “BPA-free.
- Avoid Natural Bones: Dogs can break their teeth on rib bones, cow hooves, and pig bones. Dental bones are safer.
The 6 Best Dog Toys For Australian Shepherds Reviewed
1.
AMZpets Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Product Info
- Dimensions: 8 x 4 x 13 inches
- Weight: 3.79 Pounds
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Large Breeds
- Toy Feature: Exercise
- Material: Cotton+Nylon
Pros
- Veterinarian Approved
- 100% Cotton
- Safe to use
Cons
- Not recommended for overly aggressive chewers
- Nondurable
AMZpets Large Dogs Toy Set is a set of 7 indestructible dog toys that will keep your dogs entertained for a while with all the different shapes and sizes for playing fetch, tug of war, or to endlessly gnaw or shake.
The ropes are made from high-quality chew toys and throwing ropes with knots. This is a safe, long-lasting dog toy that is great for games, fetch and play.
The ropes are made from high-quality chew toys and throwing ropes with knots. This is a safe, long-lasting dog toy that is great for games, fetch and play.
2.
Chuckit! Flying Squirrel
Product Info
- Dimensions: 2.3x 9.9x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Medium Breeds
- Toy Feature: Exercise
- Material: Polyester
Pros
- Four glowing paws on corners for night play
- Can be used in water and floats
- Raised sides for easy pick up
Cons
- Some dogs just won’t play with it
- Strong chewers may destroy if given the chance
The Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy not only can fly for a game of fetch, it floats in water, too. It is a great choice for flinging around the pool or lake while your Australian Shepherd gives chase.
The Flying Squirrel has raised sides, which means picking it up off the ground is easy on your pups snout. It features four glow-in-the-dark paws that make night play possible and your toy easy to find.
3.
KONG Classic Dog Toy
Product Info
- Dimensions: 4x 2.75x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 5 lbs - 85+lbs
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Large Breeds
- Toy Feature: Training
- Material: Rubber
Pros
- Ultra durable design
- Reduces boredom, and separation anxiety
- Erratic bouncing for longer play
Cons
- Needs to stuff with treats to keep dogs interested
- Treats fall out easily
KONG is the classic tough and reliable dog toy. The Classic’s unique all-natural red rubber formula is ultra-durable, with an erratic bounce that is ideal for dogs that like to chew, while also fulfilling their need to play. This toy is virtually indestructible making it perfect for mouthy Australian Shepherds.
The classic Kong dog toy can be stuffed with KONG’s Stuff’N Easy Treat, Snacks or Ziggies (sold separately) or any of your dogs favorite rewards like peanut butter, yogurt or kibble.
4.
Mammoth Cottonblend 5 Knot Dog Rope Toy
Product Info
- Dimensions: 36x 4.94x 4 inches
- Weight: 1.68 Pounds
- Lifestage: Puppy, Adult
- Breed Size: Giant Breeds
- Toy Feature: Dental
- Material: Cotton
Pros
- Great for strong chewers
- Comes in different sizes
- Safe chew toy
Cons
- Strings may come loose
- Some dogs are able to destroy
Mammoth rope toys are made from premium materials like 100% premium cotton. This rope toy comes in many shapes for dogs of all sizes but XXL for especially strong chewers and big dogs.
The rope fibers floss your dog’s teeth as he chews and plays. This is a safe, long lasting dog toy that is great for games, fetch and play. The Mammoth is built strong to chew, making it perfect for Australian Shepherds.
5.
Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Dog Toy
Product Info
- Dimensions: 3.055x 4.188x 5.375 inches
- Weight: 5.92 ounces
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Medium Breeds
- Toy Feature: Tough Chewer, Bouncy, Exercise
- Material: Rubber
Pros
- Features and extra-thick rubber core
- Quality material that floats
- Comes in several sizes
Cons
- Chewers may destroy fast if allowed
- Sizes run small
The Chuckit rubber ball is made of high-quality materials and designed for the game of fetch. It is a very bouncy and durable ball for your Australian Shepherd, whether you play fetch on land or in the water.
It is made with an extra-thick rubber core and a bright color for improved visibility reducing the chances of losing your ball. This ball also comes in several sizes to accommodate all sizes of dogs who want to fetch. This can also be used with the Chuckit! Launcher, sold separately.
6.
ZippyPaws Burrow Squeaky Hide and Seek Plush Dog Toy
Product Info
- Dimensions: 14x 5.5x 5.5 inches
- Weight: N/A
- Lifestage: Adult
- Breed Size: Small Breeds, Medium Breeds, Large Breeds, All Breeds
- Toy Feature: Squeaky
- Material: Fleece
Pros
- Toy meerkats make squeaking sounds
- Keeps your dog entertained for hours
- Refillable meerkats available for purchase
Cons
- Not recommended for strong chewers
- Difficult for some dogs to get in den compartment
If your dog enjoys burying his nose into burrows or playing hide and seek, this maybe the toy for him. You are able to hide one, two or all three of the included squeaky meerkats in the den, while this interactive plush toy will challenge your dog as he works to dig them out.
You can purchase the squeaky meerkats on their own if more are needed. This interactive toy is great for Australian Shepherds who need to constantly stimulate their brain. However it may not be the best toy for your pup if he is an aggressive chewer. It is machine washable, making cleaning a breeze.
Final Thoughts
Australian Shepherds learn very quickly and need to be occupied with exercise, playtime, and training to benefit them mentally and physically. Channeling your dog’s energy with toys, games, tasks, or services can curb negative behavior and give him a sense of purpose.
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