Whether your dog loves to fetch, chase, catch, splash, or tug, our dog toys find a way to make every tail wag. From classic flying discs to colorful puzzle toys, each toy celebrates how engaging play strengthens the human-canine bond.
Different Types of Dog Toys
Dog toys can be classified into different types based on their function, material, and design. While some toys are meant for riveting games of tug o’ war, others are made to fly or float — and many of our toys can do more than one thing. For example, our Lunker™ Floating Throw Toy is a fetch, tug, and float toy.
Here’s a quick overview of the different types of dog toys:
- Puzzle toys: Need to keep your pup busy while you’re setting up the tent at basecamp? Bring along a puzzle toy, also referred to as a dog enrichment toy. These toys mentally stimulate your dog and can help prevent boredom. They often involve hiding treats or toys inside the puzzle, encouraging your dog to use their problem-solving skills to get them out.
- Throw/fetch toys: We may also call these "fly toys" — they're designed to be thrown or tossed and retrieved. These are great for bonding with your pup and giving them some good exercise, whether you need a pre-road trip play session or want to show off your dog’s epic catching skills.
- Tug toys: Tug toys are ideal for interactive play and can even help strengthen your dog's jaw muscles. They're typically made of durable materials and are designed to withstand tugging.
- Floating toys: Have a dog who loves the water? These toys are perfect for pups looking to make a splash. They're buoyant and designed to float, making them ideal for fetch games in pools, lakes, or rivers.
- Treat toys: Similar to puzzle toys, treat toys provide a fun and rewarding way to give your dog treats. They often have compartments or holes where you can hide kibble or smear lickable treats like peanut butter, motivating your dog to use their nose and paws to find them. These are great to bring along to any adventure with your dog.
- Rubber toys: Rubber toys are durable and long-lasting, making them a great choice for chewers. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be used for fetch, tug, or chew play.
Choosing a Dog Toy
Now that you understand the types of dog toys, it’s time to choose which ones to add to your pup’s collection. Dogs can be picky about what they play with, so it could take some trial and error to find the perfect toy for your canine companion. The right toy depends on their age and size, how active they are, and what activities they enjoy doing.
- Age and size: Puppies and senior dogs may require different types of toys than adult dogs. Larger dogs may need toys that are more durable.
- Personality: Some dogs are extremely active and need more stimulating toys, while others may prefer to passively paw at a simple plaything.
- Interests: What does your dog like to do? If your pup loves to fetch, you'll want to choose toys that are easy to throw and retrieve. If they enjoy tug-of-war, you'll need a durable rope toy that can withstand pulling.
Here’s a helpful comparison chart when choosing the right Ruffwear toy for your pup.
Find The Right Toy
If you have more questions, our Customer Experience team is here to help. Let us know what you're looking for in a toy, and we can help you narrow down the search. Use the chat box in the lower right corner of this screen, or email bark@ruffwear.com.