Puzzle toys are some of the best dog toys for labradoodles, with their endless intelligence and thirst for fun. Whether your pet prefers a chew toy, tug toy, fetch toy, plush toy or squeaky toy, this list covers the best toys for labradoodles — puppies and adult dogs alike.
The best labradoodle toys are as fun as they are mentally stimulating — and we explain the benefits of interactive play and why physical and mental stimulation are so important. Continue reading for a list of the eight best puzzle toys for labradoodle puppy or grown-up dog.
1. Kong Classic Dog Toy
Many dog owners agree that the classic Kong toy is the best labradoodle toy for beginners. Made of a safety-promoting whole single piece, this treat-dispensing toy is practically indestructible. Start with dry kibble, and once they’ve worked out how to get it all out, move on to harder items like peanut butter or frozen treats. If you’re looking for a durable toy, anything by Kong is a good bet for even the most aggressive chewers.
2. Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball
Load up the Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball with your dog’s favorite treats and watch them have fun with this chewing toy for hours. Another great toy for young puppies, there are no hazards and it can keep a beginner dog entertained for hours. It’s affordable, fun and one of the easiest-to-use puzzle chew toys on the list.
3. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
If you’ve got a food-obsessed doodle, you may prefer to avoid tasty treats. Thankfully, squeaky toys are available. Labradoodles are bright dogs and are stimulated by more than just dog food. We’d say the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel is the best squeaky toy on the list, and it’s just as adorable to your dog as it is to us. It’s soft and gentle for teething puppies, and dogs love tearing all the squirrels from their trunk. If your dog loves noisy toys, this is perfect for them and comes in four sizes to suit any labradoodle.
4. Our Pets IQ Treat Ball
The Our Pets IQ Treat dispenser is one of those interactive dog toys that has built-in difficulty levels, so you can adjust it as your pet learns and improves. It’s a safe toy that’s great for young dogs and can keep a pup entertained endlessly with its varying difficulty levels. Plus, it comes apart for easy cleaning and is ideal if your dog’s personality is food-motivated. If you’re not around to play fetch, this dog ball is the next best thing.
5. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy
This unique toy for labradoodles is ideal for large dogs that enjoy showing off how smart they are. If you’re looking for a way to reduce destructive behavior, the Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy is the perfect dog toy. Not only do you hide treats, but your doodle has to learn to slide the flippers and will eventually learn the set of steps it needs to take to empty the dispenser. It’s not one of the most durable toys, being made from plastic and wood, but it’s safe to use under supervision.
6. Ethical Pet Seek-a-Treat Flip ‘N Slide
Labradoodles are one of the cleverest dog breeds, so something more complicated is likely to become their favorite toy. This one uses color coding to activate instinctive behavior, and your pet will need to use its muzzle, paws and tongue to get all the treats.
7. Frisco Hide and Seek Plush Volcano Puzzle Dog Toy
The Frisco Hide and Seek Plush Volcano Puzzle Dog Toy is one of the best labradoodle puppy toys for puppy teeth. Not all dogs should use treat toys, and adorable squeaky dinosaurs instead of food make it the perfect toy for dogs that are better off not using food as motivation.
8. SCENEREAL Squeaky Tennis Balls
If you’re still using tennis balls as labradoodle toys, it’s time to upgrade to a squeaky tennis ball! These come in packs of 12, so no matter how quickly your dog chews through them, you’ll have a replacement close at hand.
Don’t Get Your Doodle a Rope Toy!
Rope toys are made up of tiny fibers that can harm your dog. Opt for alternative tug toys for labradoodles instead of traditional rope to keep them safe.
Are Plush Toys and Fetch Toys Appropriate Dog Toys for Doodles?
Plushies and fetch toys are some of the best toys for doodles — provided you supervise them and teach them the difference between these types of toys and chew toys. Most fetch and plush toys were made to engage your pet, bond with them and give them something to call their own. A chew toy must be made from a safe, durable material like natural rubber instead of fabric or potentially hazardous materials.
Benefits of a Puzzle Toy for Labradoodles
Intelligent dogs, anxious dogs, puppies and pets that are home alone can benefit most from interactive toys. Let’s look at some other benefits:
- Many doodles eat too quickly, and treat-dispensing toys can help you slow down the process so your pet can digest its food healthily.
- They provide mental stimulation to your pet.
- Puzzle toys encourage your dog to be physically active.
Why Mental and Physical Stimulation Are So Important for Labradoodle Puppies
We know puzzle treat toys are great for physically and mentally stimulating your doodle, but why is this so important? Below are some reasons:
- Prevent boredom
- Encourage joy
- Reduce hyperactivity
- Lessen the risk of cognitive decline in later life
- Maintain healthy muscle mass and reduce obesity risk
- Reduce aggressive behavior
- Stress relief
- Excellent training for puppies and adult doodles alike
- Opportunity for bonding and positive reinforcement
Adorable Labradoodle Dogs for Sale
If you’d like to bring a smart, loving labradoodle into your home, check out the available puppies at Pride and Prejudoodles today.
