Canines are by nature built for chewing and playing, that’s why most people tend to brand them as destructive. Being a natural behaviour, you can only try to control the damage caused around your home by properly training them. Today, it’s all been made easier with the introduction of toys which shifts the dog’s attention from your furniture to the objects at hand.
Toys are a great companion for dogs, especially those that are often left alone or if they’re in any way trying to adjust to a given condition or environment. The idea of something for everyone applies to dogs as well, so if you have a poodle at home, we have detailed reviews of the best toys for poodles outlined for you, and everything else you need to know about these toys.
Why Should You Invest In Toys For Poodles?
Before we get into the reviews, here are some exciting insights as to why you should be getting your poodle some toys in the first place:
Mental Stimulation
Toys are like the magical yoga or meditation for dogs. They act as a great way to relieve them of stress or anxiety which could damage their mental health. As they chew or exercise, their mind gets productively engaged, making them calm and excited. When done regularly, it grows into a preventative measure, meaning that there will be minimal chances for the dog to feel stressed or anxious.
Dental Health
There’s no natural way to clean your poodle’s teeth than with the help of chewing toys, examples of which I have included for you in the reviews. As they chew, their teeth get smoothened-out and any tartar also gets eliminated in the process. For puppies, this is also a great way to help their dental formula grow stronger. It stretches all the way to the teething stage, where you’ll need chewing toys to help manage the pain that comes with teething.
Saves Your Furniture
One thing that remains constant is that dogs must play and chew. Therefore if you don’t provide an object to direct this energy, they’ll definitely turn to your furniture around the home. The only way to prevent such destructive chewing or scratching is investing in the right tools to keep your little friend engaged. It’s even healthier, considering how unhealthy some items around the home could be, compared to those toys which are designed with their needs in mind.
Best Toy for Poodles Overall
For a neutral toy, you need something usable across all poodle sizes, with minimal training required. This is a first-grade interactive poodle toy which works best across all dog sizes and age. This is one of the key things which makes it top on the list and a great pick for those who are not looking for anything particular. It works in different ways, so the dog can shake, roll or just fetch the ball to keep them entertained.
Its weight and construction make it equally flexible, in that it’s suitable for both indoors and outdoors poodles. Once you’ve invested in a piece or two, you can always carry it to keep your pet active, even on those days that you plan to go out on an adventure and you decide to bring them along. At certain levels, it might not be easy for dogs to properly clutch on stuff like balls, and that’s why Wiggle Wag decided to make your dog’s life easier by designing this product with 6 clutch pockets, so that they can hold and pick it up from any direction, and with much ease.
The name on its own is tied to the sounds emitted when the dog plays with the ball, creating a super-fun experience for your little friend. It releases giggle sounds from the tiny tubes fitted inside the ball, a plus here being that you don’t have to invest in additional batteries in exchange for those sounds.
Instead, it features an internal noise emitter on the inside which constantly entices the dog and keeps on engaging them with every single roll or movement. However, something to note is that the ball features a vinyl construction, and so you should ensure that the dog’s claws are well trimmed to minimize wear and tear. On the other end, this kind of construction is ideal for pets, considering that it’s Phthalate-Free.
Best Toy for Teething Poodles
Mammoth Flossy Chews Color Rope Tug
Away from general toys, if you know your dog so well and established that they’re teething, you definitely need to change your preference. First of all, they get more destructive at this stage, meaning that you have to focus on more sturdy and comfortable options, which can be quite a task to find. Now, that’s where toys like this Mammoth Rope tug come in.
The rope is designed in a tug-shape with colourful, tight and sturdy knots for ease of tossing and holding. It comes in different sizes with up to 26 inches, which in the end covers even the fully-grown poodles. Apart from the length, there’s also a provision for different thicknesses which will be influenced by how aggressive the dog chews. That way, you won’t end up with something either overwhelming for the dog or the latter overpowering the toy.
It’s equally flexible, which is all thanks to the knots it’s designed with. With that, you can opt for playing tug of war with your dog or alternatively have them solo-play. However unusual it may sound, playing tug of war isn’t restricted to humans, having been found to be one of the best ways to have an interactive session with your pup. Its construction is perfect for pulling, tossing or catching, depending on what the dog finds exciting for more interactive sessions.
You don’t have to worry about any toxic substances getting into the dog’s body as they chew because the materials used here are safe and non-toxic. It’s made using premium cotton poly yarns which ensure that the rope is properly intact and in place, guaranteeing durability. Actually other than keeping the poodle engaged, this chew toy takes it a step further and helps cleaning your poodle’s teeth using fibers featured in the tug.
Best Toy for Enthusiastic and Aggressive Poodle Chewers
KONG – Puppy Toy Natural Teething Rubber
As seen, it’s just natural that a teething poodle will resolve to chew anything and everything, but then when the chewing continues, soft toys like the tug rope might not go well with them. This is the reason why most poodle owners tend to question durability of certain toys, because and enthusiastic or aggressive poodle chewer will not spare a regular toy. In such cases, you need something designed to withstand the dogs’ teeth and gums like this Kong Puppy toy.
This product is globally endorsed by renowned trainers and veterans as one of the best durable poodle toys available in the market today. Its formula reveals rubber which is not only durable, but equally gentle to keep the dog safe and interactive as well. With the size, this is a toy you can infuse in any dog-training process, be it crate training, weight management, barking or digging control.
You can also develop a healthy play plan for the dog by using the toy to double-up as a healthy treat dispensing object. By stuffing the toy with your dog’s favourite treat, you’ll also be encouraging them to keep the excise going, a good hack to beginners or owners whose dogs don’t hype to the idea of dog-play.
This Kong Puppy toy isn’t restricted to smaller poodles because of its unpredictable bounce which can excite any dog, literally. This brand understands that just like your baby’s toys, dog toys equally need to be cleaned, that’s why they made your life easier by designing the toy with a dishwasher-safe construction. This provides room for a quick wash, keeping your dog healthy without restricting how, when and where they can have fun.
Like any other chew-toy, you need to get the right size, suitable for your dog. Other than the fact that it can overwhelm the dog’s teeth and gums if it’s bigger in size, this toy can also be a choking hazard for bigger dogs, in case you added the extra small version of it into your cart.
Best Treat Dispensing Toy for Poodles
Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Pet Toy
Still in the spirit of treat-dispensing toys, here is something else you can use for your dog. To a larger extent this product actually works best as a meal or treat dispenser other than a toy. This therefore means that it’s not one of those toys that you should let your dog play with unattended to, because the plastic constriction cannot withstand the dog’s paws and teeth like the rest of the ordinary rubber toys. Its dispensing mechanism is considered to be a great taming tool for dogs which feed hurriedly because with the toy, the food will be released in bits.
It’s also a quick solution to those whose dogs have poor feeding habits, so you can always invest in this and see the magic. For versatility, this product is fitted with adjustable openings both on the top and bottom chambers. This accommodates all kinds of dog food which often come in different forms, shapes and sizes. With such you can keep on adjusting the holes depending on what you’re serving at any particular time.
However, it being a treat dispensing product doesn’t disqualify the fact that it’s still a toy, having in mind that as the dog feeds, they’ll also be exercising, all at the same time. When not dispensing meals, you can sit this tool before your dog, with a guarantee that it will entice the dog to play. This is all thanks to its weighted anti-slip lower area which wobbles when placed on a flat surface.
In terms of size, the larger variety has a bottom chamber which is large enough to accommodate up to 3 cups of dry dog food, which is basically enough to offer a full meal. Now something to note is that for this hack to be effective, it actually requires some bit of training before the dog can actually familiarize themselves with how the toy works.
Best Toy for Lonely Poodles
SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy
If you’re one of those people who spend the better part of the day away from home, just remember that your dog could get lonely. Poodles can also get lonely when there’s nothing to reciprocate the energy that they have by nature, something that can negatively impact on their mental health. No matter what the case is, you can make it up to the dog by investing in toys which will act as a companion whenever you’re preoccupied with some errands around the home, or if you’re planning to be away for some time.
Toys like this from SmartPetLove have their way in helping keep pets calm and interactive, having been designed in the form of a puppy on its own. This therefore means that the dog will always have the impression that they have someone around and not lonely as before. It brings with it a real feel of a pulsing heartbeat, thereby eliminating any chances of the dog feeling that it’s probably not something real.
Awarding your poodle this ‘puppy’ has with it other pros, apart from keeping them occupied. It’s also verified that it helps speed up the crate training process, reduces negative dog behaviors like extreme barking and whining, and with all that you can equally be guaranteed of a peace of mind on your end as you share the space.
In addition to that, it also acts as a great companion whenever your pet is transitioning in terms of the environment, or in the event of uncomfortable thunderstorms or fireworks. For a quick wash, you can comfortably throw this in washing machine on the gentle cycle and just like that, you and the dog will be all set for the next play session.
Best Toy for Both You and Your Poodle
Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Spinning Dog Toy
One of the easiest avenues to interact and create a perfect bond between you and your pup is through getting yourself involved in their plays, and not just monitoring them all the time. As previously mentioned in the article, one of the ways you can do so is by trying some tug of war sessions, so on we move to the next idea: A flying spree.
Chuckit! as a brand is widely known for their unmatched toys which create and sustain the bond between pets and their owners. This product here is a flying dog toy which can be used to play fetch in the park, yard or even at home if you have the space. The construction reveals durable and lightweight features, making it ideal for both pools and lakes having been designed with bigger dogs in mind.
The materials used here are tough and rugged in order to sustain any amounts of chewing and tossing. However, it’s only ideal that you introduce your dog to water plays only after they’re properly trained to minimize accidents or aggression which might be as a result of fright. Actually, this is one of the reasons why the toy comes in sizes suitable for only grown dogs, with the perception that they will be already trained by then.
To prevent the chances of you getting all the work done, this flying squirrel dog toy is curved on the sides, making it easily for your company to retrieve it while you two are playing. Something striking about this piece is how the colours glow in the dark, so you can extend your sessions right into the night.
Best Balls for Poodles
Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball Interactive Dog Toys
It’s right to say that ball-toys make the best mind-engaging dog toys, especially if the ball is designed with sound tracks which can entice and make the dog long for play time. So, if your dog is into ball games and isn’t quite into the wobble wag giggle ball, here’s another option for you.
You can keep boredom away from your dog’s life by bringing home this interactive Pet Qwerks Babble ball. It’s actually an upgraded version of the first ball we reviewed, and this is in terms of sensitivity. It encourages physical exercises which in the end sum up to a healthier poodle, especially while they’re in the growing process. This ball is quite sensitive to whatever goes on around it to an extent that even air released form the dog’s breath can simply set the ball off.
It creates a real-life situation with the pre-set dog related sounds which command the dog to do certain things. The better part is that when calmness is restored, the ball equally turns itself off until the next moment that the dog makes a move. The only challenge here is that the product works with a battery that needs replacement after some time in order to keep the fun going. It features a high-impact ABS construction which makes it durable and friendly to the dog.
Things to Consider Before Buying Toys for Poodles
Dogs are less picky when it comes to toys, meaning that you’ll have a variety of options to pick from. At the same time, not everything will go well with your poodle, and that’s why we have brands which are customised for different poodle needs. Here’s a guideline to help you pick the best toy for poodles:
Size
Anything you bring home should be the dog’s appropriate size. This means that as the dog grows, you equally need to have their toys changed because any smaller toy is a choking hazard. Getting the right size also makes it easy to lift the toy so that the dog doesn’t end up being overwhelmed. With no balance struck in terms of pounds, your dog could lose interest and develop contempt towards the toy, making them even lonelier.
The Dog’s Nature
Ideally, dogs can either be active or less active chewers. We also have those that are gentle and those that are more aggressive. On the shelves, you’ll find both soft and relatively tough toy options. If yours is the type that rips-apart anything and everything, investing in any soft or squeaky toys might not be a good idea because your investment will end up in the trash anyway. So if you find anything sturdy and safe, that’s the way to go.
Know Your Dog
After putting all the safety considerations in place, you still have to know what your dog prefers. This ranges from shapes, colours, texture and all that. The reason why your dog could be getting bored with the toys you stuff them with is that you’re not doing it right. Dogs which are extremely smart deserve more exciting toys like puzzles, and not the regular chewing options. You should also upgrade the toys as their skills grow so that you keep the flow going.
Ease of Cleaning
When playing, these toys get in touch with all kinds of surfaces, getting contaminated along the away. This applies to both indoor and outdoor toys, the focus being in chewing toys which is what entirely find its way into the dog’s mouth. When not properly cleaned, the same becomes a health risk, and you don’t want to get your dog sick, right? Therefore, pick those toys which are easy to clean and dry, so that you keep your dog covered from germs at all times.
Conclusion
Nothing beats interactions between poodles and their owners than through dog games. This is why from our list of the best toy for poodles, the product for the day goes to Wobble Wag Giggle Ball. It’s simple, manageable and doesn’t require any special training for the both of you to master the art. It’s also flexible in terms of when and where you can use it, the same which extends to the sizes considering that there’s something for everyone.
At the same time, dogs get bored quickly, meaning that a single range of toys might not do any good. Therefore, you can hype and spice it up by getting them assorted toys, preferably in different shapes, to save the day. Another important thing to note before we sign off is that there’s some level of supervision or training required with most of these toys, so don’t just buy and leave them with your dog without a proper guide.
