Golden Retrievers are heavy chewers, so toys need to be durable. Otherwise, your pup may turn to other items for a bite and could have choking or blockage emergencies.
Chew Toy
Chew toys are hollow inside so that owners can fill them with treats or food items. The dog must then work to get the treats out of the toy, which keeps them occupied and mentally stimulated for hours on end. It comes in different sizes, so you can find one to suit your Golden Retriever puppies size or chewing level. Unique toys are also available to address issues like teething or aging gums and teeth. Try an extreme chew toy for puppies prone to destructive chewing. This toy is designed specifically for power chewers and features a more complicated rubber formula that stands up better to powerful jaws. In addition, the outside of this toy has ridges that help clean teeth and massage gums while chewing.
Hide-A-Squirrel
If your Golden Retriever loves to play with squirrels and chase them on walks, they will adore this Hide-A-Squirrel toy. This durable plush toy is made with crinkle paper and two squeakers, which encourages interactive play and mental stimulation for your puppy. It helps them develop skills that their doggy ancestors used to survive in the wild, such as concentration and problem-solving. This is a great toy to keep your dog occupied when you’re away from home and doesn’t require any batteries or special equipment. Just make sure you supervise them to ensure they don’t demolish it or try to chew it apart into choking hazards. If your dog doesn’t show interest in the toy immediately, try adding a little peanut butter or their favorite treat inside and play with them to show them how to use it. Some dogs also like to shake it like a rattle and even carry the cute squeaky squirrels around in their mouths, which is adorable! It also floats in water so you can take it to the lake.
Tug-Of-War Toy
In addition to satisfying a puppy’s natural chewing instincts, tug toys are great for bonding and providing mental stimulation for your pet. They also help to reduce stress, build confidence, and improve communication with your dog. This toy is a durable, nylon-wound, red rubberized tug that’s an excellent option for puppies and adult dogs. It’s thick enough to withstand gnawing but still flexible, providing plenty of “give” for a firm grip. It is manageable, so it won’t easily get ripped or pulled apart, and it features strategically placed ridges that help to clean teeth and gums for better dental hygiene. This toy is a perfect choice for a chewer, as it’s made of the same materials that rock climbers use in their gear. It’s also available in multiple lengths, making it suitable for small and large dogs. This toy combines the benefits of a plush toy and a tug toy, and it even has a round squeaker inside to add to the fun. However, it’s not as durable as other tug toys and isn’t recommended for aggressive chewers.
Rope Toy
Rope toys are great for playing tug-of-war with your Golden Retriever. They can help channel their energy into play instead of destructive chewing or hyperactive behavior such as howling, pacing, or barking. Look for rope toys made from durable materials like nylon, cotton, jute, or fleece, which will be more resistant to chewing and more gentle on teeth and gums than other toys. If you have a particularly aggressive chewer or puppy, consider getting a rope toy that is specifically designed for dog dental health and has mint-scented floss and baking soda integrated into the strands of the toy, which will help to freshen their breath and clean their teeth while they chew. It would be best always to supervise your dog when using rope toys as they could easily break off bits of the toy and swallow them, leading to internal problems for your Golden Retriever. Another good option is a planet ball which will float, bounce, and is more gentle on the teeth and gums than a regular tennis ball. They also work well for those dogs who love to fetch and can be thrown much farther than you can throw your arm alone, allowing for a good game of fetch with your Golden Retriever that will tire them out without overworking their muscles or arms.
Puzzle Toy
Dog puzzle toys offer the benefit of mentally activating pets, which can help them focus and reduce their stress levels. They are handy for dogs who may be bored or exhibit destructive behaviors when left alone. Using a puzzle toy can also help pets slow their eating process, which helps them digest food better. This is particularly helpful for overweight dogs, as a food puzzle can help them shed pounds or maintain a healthy weight by making them eat more slowly. Advanced puzzle toy allows dogs to work for their treats by foraging through nine treat compartments that can be pulled out, pushed, and slid back into place. The toy is also great for training a dog to use its nose and paws, and it’s made of sturdy composite material that won’t break down or splinter if chewed on. It’s a good idea to remember that while puzzle toys can benefit many pets, not all dogs will play with them. If your pet does not enjoy using a particular toy, try a different one until you find the right fit.
