Find the Best Cool Dog Toys for Small Dogs: Easy Guide
I’ve got a little Jack Russell Terrier, and finding toys that can withstand his chewing has been a real challenge. Recently, I decided to try out a few different toys, and I’m here to share my experiences.
Trying Out the Goughnut
First up, I grabbed a Goughnut. It’s this tough rubber ring that’s supposed to be super durable. I handed it to my little guy, and he went to town on it. Chewed, bounced, and rolled it all over the place. Honestly, it held up pretty well! He’s a heavy chewer for his size, and this thing actually lasted longer than I expected.
The Skinny Peltz Experience
Next, I bought a set of ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz. These are plush toys with no stuffing, which I thought was a great idea – less mess, right? They’ve got squeakers inside, which he loves. He thrashed them around, squeaked them like crazy, and seemed to have a blast. They’re not as tough as the Goughnut, but they’re great for interactive play.
Balloon Animals
I also tried out some Charming Pet Balloon Squeaky Plush toys. These are shaped like balloon animals and are super cute. He enjoyed squeaking and tossing them around, but they didn’t last very long. He managed to tear them apart pretty quickly. Still, they were fun while they lasted.
Puzzle Feeders
I know puzzle toys are supposed to be great for keeping dogs mentally stimulated, so I got a Kong Classic and a puzzle feeder. I stuffed the Kong with treats, and he spent ages trying to get them out. It definitely kept him busy!
The puzzle feeder was a bit more challenging. It’s designed to make them work for their food, and it took him a while to figure it out. But once he did, he seemed to really enjoy the challenge. It made mealtime a lot more engaging, which is a great way to slow him down!
Chew-Resistant Obstacles
I also tried this other type of puzzle toy that puts a chew-resistant obstacle between the treat and your dog’s teeth. Basically, you insert a bully stick or something similar, and they have to work to get it out. It did prolong the life of the treat and kept him occupied for a good while. But I noticed he got a bit frustrated at times when he couldn’t get to the treat easily.
What I Learned
Through all this, I’ve learned that small dogs can be just as tough on toys as big dogs. It’s all about finding toys that match their play style and chewing habits. Some dogs love to fetch, others love to tug, and some just want to chew.
- The Goughnut is great for tough chewers.
- Skinny Peltz are fun for interactive play but not super durable.
- Balloon animals are cute but easily destroyed.
- Puzzle toys like the Kong and feeders are excellent for mental stimulation.
- Chew-resistant obstacles can extend treat time but might frustrate some dogs.
In the end, it’s been a bit of trial and error, but it’s been fun seeing what my little buddy enjoys. Every dog is different, so what works for mine might not work for yours. But hopefully, sharing my experience gives you some ideas for your own small dog!
