The best dog toys to gift this Christmas
11.12.2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
Are you still looking for the perfect gift for a dog? Something to keep them busy and entertained? Then you’re looking in the right place. Here are recommendations from dog trainers.
Nowadays, it’s not just about us humans during the festive season – our four-legged friends also receive gifts. But these are often chosen for their appearance rather than their practicality. The fluffy plush llama may be cute, but doesn’t have much use.
That’s why I asked five dog trainers which toys they recommend. Here are the results:
1. Sniffing lawns and fetch toys
Visually, it’s reminiscent of a mop. But it’s not collecting balls of dust, there’s actually treats hiding in the fringes of the sniffing grass. According to dog trainer Julia Fuchs, foraging promotes mental fitness in dogs of all ages. In addition, sniffing helps to cope with stress and promotes calm behaviour. «The sniffing lawn is ideal if you’re unable to go on long walks – for example if your dog has restricted mobility,» says Julia Fuchs.
The dog trainer recommends a food retrieval toy for active dogs that need to learn to fetch. This can be filled with treats that serve as a reward when it’s brought back. «I prefer a toy with a cord. By pulling it, you can imitate an exciting hunting game that appeals to their natural instincts,» she says.
2. Lick mat
Dog coach Remo Wegmüller, also a fan of sniffing lawns, recommends lick mats. The indentation can be filled with treats such as wet food, liver sausage, cheese or yoghurt. This’ll keep the dog busy for ten to 20 minutes licking out the treats. Plus, it can help reduce stress and anxiety – for example when you’re at the vet’s.
According to Remo Wegmüller, licking not only releases calming, happiness hormones. The stimulated flow of saliva also has a positive effect on digestion. «The important thing is not to just take the mat away, but to swap it for a treat. This prevents the dog from becoming frustrated. Another tip is to put some water down for them after they’ve finished,» says the dog coach.
3. Kong Wobbler
Dog trainer Jill Vonäsch’s all time favourite is the Kong Wobbler. Treats are hidden in the buoy-like toy. It stays still until the dog nudges it with their snout or paw. Then it tumbles, spins and rolls unpredictably across the floor. The dog has to develop a strategy to get the food out of the hole. «This prevents snaring, encourages playfulness and strengthens problem-solving skills. At the same time, dogs learn to endure frustration and to be patient. This will make the time go by faster, for example when they’re home alone,» says Jill Vonäsch.
It’s not just dogs that need to lose weight who can benefit from the toy. Even shy dogs can learn not to be afraid of moving, large or noisy objects.
4. Kong Extreme Dental
KONG also has a sturdy chew toy that dog trainer Marc Welti recommends. The Kong Extreme Dental is designed for tugging games and as a throwing object for retrieving. Similar to the Kong wobbler, it can be filled with treats. Peanut butter or other pastes are suitable for the Kong Extreme Dental. While the dog chews on the rope and the grooves of the centrepiece, the teeth and gums are massaged and cleaned.
5. Coachi Training Dumbbell and Knotted Rope
In Carolina Jaroch’s dog school, they place huge emphasis on retrieving. One toy the dog trainer likes to use for this is the Coachi Training Dumbbell. The reasons: «It’s light and doesn’t tempt you to play around too much. The shape of the bone automatically teaches the dog to carry it in the middle. They can also be rewarded for keeping calm. I particularly like the fact that it floats. This allows the four-legged friends to practise fishing objects out of the water,» says Carolina Jaroch.
She also likes to use a knotted rope with beginner dogs. According to the dog trainer, it’s soft enough and dogs like to play with it. The knots on the sides allow them to be held in the middle, leaving the dog owner room to reach for it with their hand. «It’s a great mix of toy and fetch object.»
Remember!
Remo Wegmüller strongly advises against ball throwers: «High acceleration, sharp turns and sudden braking lead to a high risk of injury. What’s more, the dog only concentrates on the ball and doesn’t look where it’s going.» Apart from that, overexcitement and obsessive focus on the ball could lead to reactivity, lack of concentration and aggressive behaviour. So mind your fingers!
Which dog toys do you recommend? Let us know in the comments!
Header image: Shutterstock/Valentina Covalli
Darina Schweizer
Senior Editor
Darina.Schweizer@digitecgalaxus.chI like anything that has four legs or roots. The books I enjoy let me peer into the abyss of the human psyche. Unlike those wretched mountains that are forever blocking the view – especially of the sea. Lighthouses are a great place for getting some fresh air too, you know?
Pets
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
12 comments
later