Dogs are known as man’s best friends, and it is a blessing to have them around. As a dog owner, you might always want to be with them. However, that may not be the case if you go to work or travel frequently. Therefore, you might want to engage them with something when you are not around.
Toys are one of the familiar sources of entertainment for your furry friend. Also, some best interactive dog toys will boost their mental health. In addition, these toys can keep your furry friends physically fit and minimize the risk of destroying your belongings.
Moreover, you might have heard of events when pets swallowed stuff like plastics or any other chemicals while playing. Also, sharp objects can cause severe injuries to your dog. In addition, dog toys are designed while considering factors that can harm your pet in any way. You need to be careful while choosing a dog’s chew toy as they are designed according to the dog’s size.
Interactive dog toys have a higher engagement span time than regular toys. Regular toys can only engage your dogs for about an hour. At the same time, interactive dog toys can engage them for a few hours at a minimum. The main reason behind engagement is the need for participation. They stimulate your pets via puzzles, treats, sounds, lights, and more.
However, there are tons of interactive dog toys on the market, but not all of them will be the best for your dog. In this article, we have handpicked the best interactive dog toys. So you can go through them, check their features, and choose the one that best suits your dog’s actions.
So, without any delays, let’s get started!
Top 4 Brands For Interactive Dog Toys
- Patchwork Pet: Overall Best Brand For Interactive Dog Toys, Editor’s Pick
- Laika Pets: Top Brand For Toys For Dogs
- Cherrybrook: Most Popular Brand For Toys For Pets With Largest Toy Collection
- Bark Potty: Most Recommended Brand For Products For Pets
#1. Patchwork Pet: Overall Best Brand For Interactive Dog Toys, Editor’s Pick
Patchwork Pet is a family-run toy business. The owners are dog lovers. They aim to produce high-quality, functional, and affordable dog toys. They have over a hundred products in their online shops. However, with a large number of toys, they are cheap. The most expensive toy they feature is just $23. Also, your dogs can play fetch with the chew toy.
You can find the different categories of dog toys on their website. There are collections like new and trendy, most popular, and summer collections. In addition, you can also find cat toys on the website. Also, the toys are colorful and attractive looking.
Brand Highlights
Toys Variety: There are tons of different toys. As mentioned earlier, you can choose from over a hundred toys. There are dog toys for festivals like Christmas, Halloween, Fiesta, and many more. Similarly, you can find seasonal toys like spring and summer toys. Also, there are some funny dog toys to keep your dog occupied.
Affiliate Programs: They have an affiliate program. You can earn a 10% commission on every qualifying sale. In addition, you and your family or friends can get up to 10% discounts on their orders. You can apply for the affiliate program and will get an email within 24 to 48 hours.
Pet Pastel Caterpillar: It’s the brand’s most popular and in-demand interactive toy. This adorable-looking toy is large enough for your dogs to cuddle or snuggle. Also, it has an exterior made of soft, durable material. In addition, this interactive dog toy comes in two sizes, 20 inches and 35 inches. Furthermore, you can get a collection of squeakers, grunters, and rattlers to keep your dog entertained.
Blog Section: They have a dedicated blog section on their website. You can find various articles on dog accessories, treats, and other tricks and tips about dog care. Also, there is information about dog-friendly destinations where you can spend a vacation with your pet. In addition, they recommend dog products like costumes and treats based on festivals and holidays.
Refund Policy: There is a 30 days refund policy on all of the toys you order. However, the toys must not be used by a dog and should be returned with the original packaging. The good thing about this policy is there is no restocking fee. Therefore, you wouldn’t have to worry about the money.
Pros
- 20% off on your first order
- Large array of payment options
- Free shipping over $35 of orders
- Option to become a wholesaler
- 30 days of return policy
- Affordable toys
- Affiliate program
- No restocking fee for returns
Cons
- Do not ship outside of the US
=> Click here to visit the official website of Patchwork Pet
#2. Laika Pets: Top Brand For Toys For Dogs
Laika Pets is named after the first dog to go to space. They have five years of long experience in manufacturing pet products. Also, the products they feature are manufactured considering high safety, high quality, and high-cost performance. They offer a range of products like dog collars, pet chewing balls, grooming brushes, etc.
You can apply for a refund with the purchase receipt or order slip. In addition, you can cancel your order without any extra charges if they haven’t begun the shipping.
Moreover, they have an excellent exchange policy. You can exchange or replace a product Within 30 days of purchase. The requested product will be shipped as soon as they receive the original product. Furthermore, they’ll refund you the difference if the exchange goods cost less than the original purchase. However, all the shipping charges in any of the processes are non-refundable.
You can become an ambassador of the company by providing high-quality photos and videos of your pets using their products. In addition, you can promote their products on social media and active engagement. Following that, you’ll have to fill out a form on their website and wait for the response.
Brand Highlights
Bundle Deals: They offer attractive bundle deals on their pet products. You can save up by purchasing these bundle deals. You can now purchase a Laika dog grooming set, outdoor walk gear, and outdoor play gear. The Laika dog outdoor play gear consists of a retractable dog leash, five chew balls, and 24 compostable poop bags. Furthermore, you can play an interactive fetch game with your dog using this bundle.
Ambassador: Ambassadors are partners to boost and support their business. They, themselves, are pet owners and love their products. Also, they occasionally receive free products, discounts, and early access. Furthermore, you will get a 10% lifetime discount and 15% commission on all your generated sales after being an ambassador. You can also become the host for their giveaways or get featured on their website.
Custom Dog Collar: You can get a personalized dog collar to make them unique from others. Also, the collars are made from leather, soft leather, and waterproof PVC. They are available in different colors with the addition of nameplates.
Refund and Exchange Policy: The company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its products. However, the products must be in the same condition as delivered with the original packaging.
Shipping: The company ships and delivers your order within two to three business days within the US. Also, you will get free delivery on orders over $39. However, below $39, they will charge you $5.99 for each delivery.
Likewise, the company ships and delivers your order within three to six business days if you order from the United Kingdom. Also, you will get free delivery on orders over $69. However, below $69, you’ll have to pay a $5.49 standard charge for each delivery.
Pros
- Discount coupon codes
- Free delivery over $39 in the US
- 30 days money-back guarantee
- 30 days product exchange policy
- Become an ambassador and earn a commission
- No tax fees on delivery
Cons
- Special order items are non-refundable
=> Click here to visit the official website of Laika Pets
#3. Cherrybrook: Most Popular Brand For Toys For Pets With Largest Toy Collection
Cherrybrook was started about 50 years ago as a small business that supplied grooming products at dog shows. They are currently one of the oldest and most reputed premium dog product suppliers in the United States. Product News awarded Cherrybrook the 2017-2018 Rescue Partner and Community Involvement Retailer of the Year. This award is given to a company with outstanding dedication to the pet community and a sustainable business model.
Also, they have one of the largest online stores with plenty of toys. In addition, they feature toys from reputable brands like Kong, Fluff and Tuff, Jolly Pets, ZippyPaws, and many more.
They have retail stores in six different locations. You can browse the store in person if you are near one of the stores. However, the retail stores have been rebranded as CB Pet Market. The stores are available in Bedminster, Clinton, Garwood, Livingston, Washington, and Martinsville. They remain open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 7 PM. Except for Martinsville, all other stores remain open on weekends, Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
In addition, you can choose the type of product among bones, balls, or other creatures. Furthermore, you have over ten color options and toy sizes for all dog breeds and dog sizes.
Brand Highlights
Company Reputation: Cherrybrook is one of the oldest and most reputed dog brands in the United States. They started as a dog grooming supplier business about 50 years ago. Furthermore, it started as an eCommerce store in 2005. In addition, they specialize in pet nutrition made from natural and organic supplements. Also, they have been hosting rescue missions and donating to pet causes.
Cherrybrook Mobile Store: It is a traveling store that attends dog shows throughout the USA. The store consists of dog supplies and a knowledgeable staff team in the dog shows. In addition, you can order online and pick up your supplies from the mobile store. Also, you can check out their website to know where the mobile store is currently.
Huge Array of Toys: You can find all sorts of toys in sizes and price ranges. Also, you can sort them based on free shipping, color, dog breeds, or toy types. In addition, the online store offers products from popular brands like Michael Park, Kong, Benebone, Fluff and Tuff, etc.
Webinars: Cherrybrook conducts webinars regularly to educate pet owners. These webinars are free, including all the educational resources. Furthermore, they offer curated content from pet food partners and nutrition experts. Also, the webinars are focused on new topics with the objective of interactive presentations and on-demand programs. Moreover, you can register for the upcoming webinar via their official website.
Wholesale: You can apply for a wholesale program if you are an existing dog product seller. However, there are some qualifications for the program. For example, the minimum purchase order must be more than $1,000, which must be paid in advance. In addition, the whole seller is responsible for all the shipping costs and required business verification.
Pros
- Reputed company
- Coupon discounts on sale items
- Earn 8% commission on affiliate sales
- 30 days return policy
- Free webinars and presentations
- Excellent customer reviews
- Informative blog section
- Newsletter
- Maintenance and repair service for pet products
Cons
- No delivery during holidays and weekends
=> Click here to visit the official website of Cherrybrook
#4. Bark Potty: Most Recommended Brand For Products For Pets
Bark Potty is a pet product-producing brand that focuses on dog products like pee pads, mats, toys, treat dispensers, and many more. Also, they are recognized by the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) for integrating sustainability into their business models. In addition, their collaboration with the PSC supplies tools, educational resources, and support for socially impacting events.
They have a wide array of toys, including balls, chews, ropes, etc. Also, they are affordable in a price range starting from $4. These toys are available in a subscription model for one, three, and six months. You will get a 5% discount on the subscription model.
Brand Highlights
Subscription Model: They offer a subscription model for all their dog products. Also, you can save a good amount of money by subscribing to Bark Potty’s products. The products will be delivered to our doorsteps once in one, three, or six months. Furthermore, you can save from 5% and above using the subscription model.
Affiliate Partner: You can be an affiliate partner for the brand and earn a 10% commission on every new subscriber. Also, you will get information about upcoming sales so that you can promote them. However, you must have a website to become an affiliate partner.
The first thing you need to do is create a ShareASale account. After that, you must fill out a form, and your website will be reviewed. Once approved, you can start promoting Bark Potty’s products.
Shipping: Bark Potty ships all the orders Free within the continental US. However, shipping fees apply to places in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Hawaii. Also, if you’re ordering from countries outside of the US continent, customers are responsible for all the import tax and duties.
Customer Review: There are positive reviews about the products where customers are happy to use them. Also, many customers have praised they were successful in training their pets. In addition, customers highly refer Barky Potty’s products to new and struggling pet owners.
Environment Friendly: Bark Potty has partnered with One Tree to reduce deforestation’s effects by planting trees worldwide. In addition, 1% of the total sales goes for reforestation. Also, their products are sustainable and environment-friendly.
Pros
- Easy to train products
- Free shipping within the US
- Affiliate partnership available
- Top 20 Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC) company
- Pee pads are made from natural and recyclable material
- Option to become a retailer
- Environmentally friendly
- 1% of the sales goes into planting trees
Cons
- No refund policy
=> Click here to visit the official website of Bark Potty
How We Made the List Of Best Interactive Toys For Dogs?
We considered many things before making this list of toys. Also, choosing the wrong you can risk your pets’ health and cost you a lot in treatment. However, all toys are different and come with various features. For example, some toys will provide treats after playing for a specific time.
In addition, investing in interactive dog toys is a good choice for your pet in the long run. An interactive dog toy lasts longer compared to others. Also, this can boost your pup’s animal instincts during their growth.
What We Looked For When Choosing The Best Interactive Dog Toys
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Safety
Considering your dog’s safety should be your priority. The toys should not harm them in any way. For example, they should not have sharp edges that can cause bruises. Also, the building material must remain intact so they don’t chip easily, as swallowing chips can cause your dogs to choke.
Therefore, we made a list of toys that follow safety standards. Also, they are widely used by many pet owners without any safety complaints. These toys are designed concerning all the safety factors.
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Features
A good interactive dog toy must have a lot of features. Dogs usually get bored doing the same thing after a particular time. For example, a toy that can bounce, make sounds, squishy, etc., at the same time, is excellent for your dog. They can keep them engaged for an extended period. This list contains toys with multiple features so you can get more out of the investment.
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Durability
A durable toy can get the full value of dog owners’ money. You’ll find your dog playing with a toy more often if a toy is durable. Also, once your dog gets used to the toy, they’ll remember it more as it is a part of the dog’s animal instincts. Therefore, we’ve included the durable toys in this list that keep your dogs interested.
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Size and Texture
Make sure to buy the toys according to your dog’s size. A tiny dog toy for your large dog breed can be dangerous. There are chances of them swallowing it or breaking it with ease. Also, buying a large toy can not be much helpful for your small dog’s breed. They might not be able to carry it easily or play with it. There are toy sizes for small dogs, medium-sized dogs, and large dogs.
Moreover, texture also is another factor. Soft and squishy toys and sensitive and gentle dogs are best for pups. In contrast, active dogs with strong jaws need toys having hard textures. Therefore, we have included toys that come in all sizes and textures.
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Material
We also looked into the building material of the interactive toys while making this list. If your dog accidentally ingests any piece of the toy, it might harm them.
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Cleaning
Dogs can make the toys dirty easily, so you might want to clean them often. These interactive toys must be easily cleaned with water or soap. Therefore, we have selected the toys you can clean with general household materials. Also, some of the toys are dishwasher friendly.
Important Factors To Consider When Choosing The Brand To Buy Interactive Dog Toys From
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Dog’s Temperament
You might want to know your dog’s attitude while choosing an interactive toy. Unfortunately, many dog owners fail to recognize their dog’s temperament. It mainly depends upon the dog breeds and the environment they live in. For example, if your dog is a hyperactive chewer, you might want to choose a tough, interactive dog toy. On the other hand, a soft cuddly toy is perfect for gentle dogs.
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Safety
This is an essential factor you must consider while browsing for an interactive toy. For starters, you should choose a toy just the right size for your dog. Make sure your dog can’t swallow it easily. Choose small toys for small dogs and bigger ones for large dogs. Also, you can consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure about the interactive toys. In addition, choose rope toys that remain intact to keep your dog entertained and safe.
Moreover, look out for filling materials for the interactive toys. You might want to choose interactive dog toys without any dangerous fillings. However, you can look for the filling material in the toy label. For example, the Kong wobbler toy is one of the safest toys with a treat dispenser, and you can fill it with your dog’s favorite treats.
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Age
You need to consider your dog’s age while buying an interactive toy. Puppies younger than a month will still have their baby teeth. So, you should only let them play with soft and squishy toys. As they grow older, they will start to chew anything accessible. Chew toys are ideal for dogs from four months to a year.
Once your dog matures with strong jaws, it can play with hard toys. Also, big dogs can easily play with balls and ropes. Some best interactive dog toy featuring dog puzzle helps during brain development. However, when your dog ages, you might want to switch to soft toys to keep your dog interested.
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Dog’s Strength
It is necessary to look out for your dog’s strength when choosing interactive dog toys is necessary. For example, big dogs with strong jaws can easily break down soft toys. We recommend selecting tough toys that can handle your dog’s bite. In addition, you can research dog toys designed for your dog breeds.
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Adjustability
Not all dogs are the same. It might take some time to figure out interacting with the dog toy. A dog puzzle toy with a single difficulty cannot fit all dogs. Also, the intelligence of dogs increases with age. If your dog can’t figure out the toy, it might lose interest and stop playing with it. Therefore, we highly advise you to look for toys with adjustable difficulty levels.
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Company Reputation
As the products are involved with your dog and its health, you might not want to risk it. A bad product can harm your dog and risk severe health hazards. Also, we highly recommend buying toys from a company with a good history and customer reviews. There are many health and safety standards that toy manufacturers need to follow while producing pet toys.
A quick internet search can help you know if there are any past toy-related incidents. However, you might not depend on the reviews on the company’s website, as they might be biased. Instead, you can get honest customer reviews on the platforms like Reddit, Trustpilot, or any other pet forums from real customers.
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Dog’s Size
Always consider your dog’s size while buying an interactive dog toy. You should not give big dogs toys that are easily swallowable or chip easily. Therefore, avoid buying toys that entirely fit in your dog’s mouth. On the contrary, you might not want to purchase oversized toys for your pet. A big interactive toy is challenging for small dogs to play with comfort.
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Toy Durability
Always go for a durable dog toy. You might not want to buy a dog toy every couple of weeks, hurting your finances. Also, you can inspect the toy’s construction and build quality. For example, toys made from good quality rubber are more durable than plastic.
In addition, you can look for the toy’s review on the internet for quality verification. Furthermore, durable toys can help you train your dog’s chewing behaviors. In short, buying a durable toy is a win-win situation for both you and the dog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Interactive Toys For Pets
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What should I do if my dog gets bored?
Bored dogs are pretty common if they don’t get attention or any sort of mental stimulation. You might want to keep your dog busy using toys, dog biscuits, or hidden treats. In addition, you can play fetch using a simple plastic ball to keep your dog occupied. Finally, purchasing an interactive toy with indoor and outdoor use can keep your dog interested in physical activities.
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Which toy should I give to my dog with sensitive gums?
If your dog has sensitive gums, give it a chew toy. They are very soft and will not harm our dog’s gums like other hard toys. Also, dogs love to cuddle and sleep with soft toys. In addition, gentle dogs and pups are more likely to play with them than other toys.
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Can I train my dog using an interactive dog toy?
Interactive dog toys are perfect for training your dogs. A right interactive dog toy can boost their mental stimulation and attention. In addition, interactive puzzle toys boost a dog’s IQ. Furthermore, there are treat dispensing toys to help them focus.
Also, a fetch toy is an excellent choice to start its training. You can engage dogs by making them fetch, improving their health and strength.
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Are interactive toys more expensive than regular toys?
Not all interactive toys are expensive. The price depends on their features, like indoor or outdoor use, treat dispenser, hide and seek toys, brain-stimulating toys, plush toys, etc. Toys having many features can cost you a little bit. However, many interactive dog toys are affordable and easily available.
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How do I get my dogs used to the interactive toy?
Most dogs get excited about the new toys and start playing with them immediately. However, sometimes they might hesitate to do so. So you can first show them that it is a fun toy by playing yourself. Also, you can show the features like if the toy dispenses treats. Then, after getting the dog’s attention, it’ll start playing with it.
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Is treat ball good for dogs?
Treat dispensing toys are a good option for your pet. The treat ball is a multi-purpose and great interactive dog toy that enhances your dog’s brain and playtime. In addition, a treat ball provides physical and mental exercise to keep your dog happy and healthy.
There are different types of treat balls available on the market. You can stuff your pet’s favorite treat inside the treat ball and keep them busy while rewarding them for their good behavior. Also, some treat ball is infused with natural mint oil that aims to keep your dog’s breath fresh while they chew them. Therefore, getting a treat ball for your dog is a good idea.
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Should I let my dog play with toys all the time?
If your dog plays with the same toy, consider it the dog’s favorite toy. Whenever a dog bonds with a toy, it’ll try to keep the toy as close as possible. However, as a pet owner, you must ensure the toy’s cleanliness to avoid any health hazards. Also, keep a close eye so your dog isn’t eating off any part of the toy. As long as the toy isn’t dangerous, you can let your dog play with the toy all the time.
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What type of dog toys can harm a dog’s dental health?
Many dog toys found in pet stores are harmful to your dog’s dental health. Those toys can wear their teeth down or, worse, can break your dog’s teeth. For example, hard bones can damage their teeth if they have cavities. Also, ring-shaped bones can easily be stuck between your dog’s teeth, or their crushed part remains in their teeth’ corner.
Moreover, you might play fetch with your dog with an old tennis ball. However, using a tennis ball is unsafe, as it’s made of synthetic plastics. Moreover, if you ever rub a tennis ball on your skin, it will strip it. Likewise, it can damage your dog’s tooth enamel. Other toys like sticks, nylon chew, ice, etc., can damage your dog’s teeth.
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What are interactive dog toys made out of?
There are a variety of materials used while making the toys. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the most common material used to make toys. In addition, PVC can be easily molded into different shapes, and there are various color options. However, manufacturers need to add phthalates to soften the material as PVC is a hard material.
Bouncy and squishy toys are made using rubber. Therefore, you must avoid buying toys made from synthetic rubbers, as they are dangerous. In addition, toys made from natural rubber are 100 % safe, free from harmful chemicals, and highly durable. Similarly, soft toys are made from various fabrics like cotton, plush, or terrycloth.
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What is a plush dog toy, and are they better than a chew toy?
They are soft and cuddly dog toys that resemble animals in most cases. They are mainly used for indoor playing but can also be used for fetching in a garden. Also, they are used by many dogs to cuddle while sleeping. Hyper pet doggie tail is a famous interactive toy.
Even though chew toys make dogs active and engaged, they rarely carry them all the time as they do with plush toys. Therefore, from a usability perspective, they are better than chew toys.
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What are some of the best dog puzzle toys?
Puzzle dog toys can keep your dogs engaged for hours and help them refresh their brain. Qwizl puzzle toy is one of the best puzzle toys available on the market. You can put the treat of your choice in this dog puzzle toy. Also, the puzzle dog toy comes in different attractive colors. In addition, there are other puzzle toys you can choose from to get your dog’s interest.
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How often should I clean the toys?
It’s not compulsory to clean your pet’s toys every day. However, it’s a good idea to check their status regularly. Depending on how often your dog uses it, once a week is good time to clean the toys. A dirty toy can make your dog sick as it can get contaminated with dirt and bacteria. Also, checking for any damages or missing pieces is a good idea. In addition, most of the toys are machine friendly and can be washed in a washing machine or a dishwasher.
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Is electronic dog toy safe?
An electronic dog toy gets your dog’s attention through flashy lights and sounds. Also, these dog puzzle toys can be a great mental exercise for them. Unlike plush toys, they do not resemble any animal or creature, making them mysterious to dogs. Further, you can control some modern interactive toys with the help of a smartphone. So, if your dog has curious characteristics, they are the right interactive dog toys.
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What is a pet fitness robot?
Pet fitness robots are state-of-the-art interactive toys that take care of pets when you are not around. The robot tracks the dog’s activities and interacts with them, like giving rewards via the treat dispenser. Also, they came with various play modes to keep your dog entertained.
In addition, these robots have a futuristic design and easily connect to the internet. You can control most of the robot’s features via an application on the smartphone. Moreover, some robots can follow your pets for interactions.
Conclusion: Best Interactive Toys For Dogs In 2022
There is no second question that you need to give your dogs toys to play with. They are vital in the development process of your pets. Also, interactive dog toys help to boost their growth, keeping them active and engaged for an extended period. In addition, dog toys encourage chewing, burrowing, and scratching.
There are plenty of interactive dog toys you can buy with multiple options. You can select them based on colors and type. Furthermore, chews for jaw exercise, puzzles for dog’s IQ, ropes for strength, plush for fetching, and many more. Also, it’s good to have more than one toy for backup if your dog loses or destroys one.
Furthermore, it’s essential to consider factors like materials, size, and safety. A well-designed toy can prevent your dogs from choking, having dental problems, and other issues. Also, the toys with puzzles and treat dispensers help you train your pets and boost their IQ levels.
We have reached the end of the article. We hope to have cleared all your queries about interactive dog toys. Also, the buying guide we have prepared will help you find the best interactive dog toys. So, without any doubt, go for the toy that makes your dogs happy and active.
