Welcome to our chat about your play activities with your special best friend. I have asked this same question, what are the best interactive play toys for dogs myself over the years, having owned and loved different breeds.
Of course, having different breeds of dogs over the years, each dog has a different personality and different playing skills and desires, just like us!
Some of us are sporty, some of us are readers, some of us like group activities, and likewise, our dogs have different responses to life.
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I have bred and shown dogs to their Australian Championship titles and are considered to be in the “Toy Group” of dogs. The toy/small breed I am referring to that I bred is the Maltese. What a classy little dog, with a ton of spunk! My Maltese dogs were full of themselves, “Hey, look at me, aren’t I stunning?”
The small breed of dogs seem to love small squeaky toys that you can toss for them and with encouragement, they will return back to you with the toy. The best way to teach your small breed of dog to return to you with the item, is to show them the toy in your hand, be excited with them, throw the toy a short distance, and when they pounce on it delightedly, encourage them to bring the toy back to you.
The returns to you may take a few goes, this creates more fun though, as they have you interacting with them for a longer period. That’s good news!
You can also start hiding this toy behind you starting them on a game of hide and seek. They will happily search for their toy if you are upbeat and eager to be playing as well. Once they find it behind your back, become more adventurous and hide the toy a short distance from you and encourage your best friend to find it.
You will be amazed at the enjoyment they will get searching for their toy with your encouragement to do so. I really get in on the act by asking them to wait in a chosen spot whilst I hide the toy, and then when I say “go find”, off they go with wagging tails enjoying this game.
Your pet may also like to play ball with you. Choose a ball appropriate for their size and encourage the retrieve with the ball also.
Try your pal with a game of tug, some dogs love to tug, but others are not as enthused. With a tug, I do let them “win” a few times and happily take the toy from you, however, I always end the game by keeping the tug toy, just to let them know this is my game and the end of the tug play is mine to make.
Your buddy is now showing you what are the best interactive toys for dogs as you will notice that they have a certain preference for a particular game or toy with you.
It’s a good idea to also select some puzzle games for your playmate to enjoy. I have found some puzzle teasers are sorted within a very short time, others take longer. This aspect will depend on your dog’s curiosity and perseverance skills as to whether they will just go for it or will need guidance from you.
The great bonus of these games is that you are interacting with your dog on a one-to-one basis, so building a lasting bond that you will both enjoy for many years to come if your mate is a youngster. Dogs just love your company being, by nature, part of a pack. Even if you have an older dog, it is never too late to start playing with them, even if just for short intervals to start with.
This suggestion is not an interactive game, however, it is a good idea to choose a really strong toy that you can fill with food and freeze.
I may choose to sit outside with my dogs and read for instance, and during this quiet time, my dogs love to gnaw at a frozen treat at my side.
I have owned cross-breeds, medium breeds, and larger medium breeds.
At present, I have Australian Kelpies and have played with them the same as with my toy breeds, as they simply love to have your company. My Shelties, which I have previously raised all played the same games as above until I found their particular best game. I fit in with whatever they choose. Their favourite toy or game then becomes my favourite so our time together is rewarding for both.
To summarise, what are the best Interactive Play Toys for Dogs are the ones they find the most fun, be it a squeaker toy, a ball, a tug, or a puzzle game.
Have fun together, that is what it is all about!
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Until next time,
With Love, Success and Inspiration,
Robin Oliver
