Terriers are known for their boundless energy, intelligence, and strong prey drive. These spirited little dogs need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If you’re a Terrier owner, you likely understand how essential it is to provide them with toys that cater to their unique needs. Whether for chewing, fetching, or problem-solving, the right toys can keep your Terrier entertained for hours, preventing unwanted behaviors like digging, barking, or destructive chewing. In this article, we’ll explore the best toys to keep your Terrier entertained and include DIY toy ideas, games, and quick tips for safe toy creation. | Here are the key points from the post:
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Why Toys Are Important for Terriers
Toys play a crucial role in a Terrier’s life for several reasons:
- Mental Stimulation: Terriers are intelligent dogs that thrive on problem-solving activities. Toys that challenge their minds, such as puzzle toys, help keep them engaged.
- Physical Exercise: Terriers have high energy levels and need to burn off excess energy to avoid boredom and frustration. Toys that encourage running, jumping, or tugging are great for their physical health.
- Preventing Destructive Behavior: Bored Terriers may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or digging. Toys that satisfy their instincts to chew and hunt can redirect these behaviors in a positive way.
- Bonding with Owners: Interactive toys provide an excellent opportunity for bonding. Whether it’s a game of fetch or tug-of-war, these toys can help strengthen your relationship with your dog.
Types of Toys for Terriers
Terriers have a wide range of preferences when it comes to toys. Some love chasing balls, while others prefer chewing or solving puzzles. Here’s a breakdown of the best types of toys for Terriers:
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Chew Toys
Terriers are notorious for their love of chewing. Providing durable chew toys satisfies this instinct and helps maintain dental hygiene. Chew toys can also prevent your Terrier from gnawing on furniture or shoes.
Best Chew Toys for Terriers:
- KONG Classic: A durable rubber toy that can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter to keep your Terrier occupied for hours. The unpredictable bounce adds an extra layer of fun.
- Benebone Wishbone: Shaped like a wishbone, this durable nylon toy is flavored with real bacon, making it irresistible to most Terriers.
- Nylabone Power Chew Textured Ring: Ideal for aggressive chewers, this tough, long-lasting option’s textured surface also promotes dental health.
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Interactive Puzzle Toys
Terriers are smart dogs that love to solve puzzles. Interactive toys provide mental stimulation, keeping your dog engaged and preventing boredom.
Best Puzzle Toys for Terriers:
- Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel: This plush toy has multiple squeaky squirrels hidden inside a tree trunk, making it a fun puzzle for your Terrier to solve.
- Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Puzzle: This puzzle requires your dog to spin layers to uncover treats, challenging their problem-solving skills.
- KONG Wobbler: A treat-dispensing toy that wobbles unpredictably, perfect for mealtime or solo play sessions.
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Tug Toys
A game of tug-of-war can be an excellent way to burn off some of your Terrier’s energy. These toys must be durable, as Terriers can be quite strong for their size.
Best Tug Toys for Terriers:
- Mammoth Flossy Chews Cottonblend Rope Toy: A classic, durable rope toy designed for tug games. Flossing your dog’s teeth also promotes dental health.
- Goughnuts TuG Toy: Made from virtually indestructible rubber, this toy is perfect for dogs with strong jaws.
- West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Tug Toy: A flexible and durable toy that stretches during play and bounces back to its original shape.
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Fetch Toys
Many Terriers love to chase, making fetch toys an ideal choice for keeping them active and entertained.
Best Fetch Toys for Terriers:
- Chuckit! Ultra Ball: A durable, bouncy ball that is tough enough for aggressive chewers and perfect for fetching.
- KONG Flyer: A soft, flexible rubber flying disc that’s gentle on your dog’s mouth and great for extended outdoor play.
- JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy: This ball’s lattice design makes it easy to pick up, chew, and carry. It’s soft enough to chew on but durable for many play sessions.
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Plush Toys
While not all Terriers do well with plush toys, some enjoy soft toys for cuddling or carrying around. Look for durable plush toys that can withstand some rough play.
Best Plush Toys for Terriers:
- ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz: These stuffing-free plush toys are safer for dogs that tend to rip toys apart. The squeakers add excitement to your Terrier.
- goDog Dragon with Chew Guard Technology: This plush toy is reinforced with chew-resistant fabric, making it more durable than the average stuffed toy.
- Fluff & Tuff Walter Wabbit: A tough yet soft plush rabbit designed to withstand moderate chewing.
Choosing the Right Toys for Your Terrier
When selecting toys for your Terrier, consider these key factors:
- Durability: Terriers are strong chewers, so opt for toys made from rubber, nylon, or tough fabric.
- Size: Choose appropriately sized toys to avoid choking hazards or discomfort during play.
- Engagement Level: Terriers are intelligent, so choose toys that challenge their minds, like puzzle toys or treat dispensers.
- Safety: Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear and avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed.
Quick Tips: Do’s and Don’ts When Making DIY Toys for Dogs
Here are some quick tips for making safe and fun DIY toys for your Terrier:
Do’s:
- Use durable materials: Opt for non-toxic, dog-safe fabrics like cotton and felt.
- Ensure safety: Check for sharp edges or small parts that could be hazardous.
- Tailor toys to preferences: If your dog loves to chew, focus on sturdy, chewable materials.
- Recycle old items: Repurpose old socks, towels, or T-shirts to make DIY toys.
- Regularly inspect toys: Ensure the toys are still in good condition and safe to use.
Don’ts:
- Don’t use toxic materials: Avoid using items with chemicals or unsafe dyes.
- Don’t make toys with small parts: Buttons or beads can be choking hazards.
- Don’t forget to clean toys: Regularly wash or replace toys to prevent bacterial growth.
- Don’t use easily destructible materials: Avoid items that could be easily torn apart and ingested.
- Don’t ignore size: Ensure that the toy is appropriately sized to prevent choking or discomfort.
DIY Toys for Terriers
You can easily make engaging toys for your Terrier using household items. Here’s a list of DIY toy ideas that are both fun and simple to create:
DIY Toy Name | Materials Needed | Description/Instructions | Ideal For |
T-Shirt Rope Toy | Old T-shirt, scissors | Cut the T-shirt into strips, braid them, and tie knots at both ends. | Tug-of-war, Chewing |
Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser | Tennis ball, sharp knife, dog treats | Cut a small slit into a tennis ball and stuff it with treats. | Problem-solving, Treat Dispensing |
Plastic Bottle Cruncher | Empty plastic bottle, old sock | Place an empty bottle in a sock and tie the end. The bottle creates a satisfying crunch. | Chewing, Solo Play |
DIY Puzzle Box | Cardboard box, small toys, or treats | Hide treats inside a box and let your Terrier figure out how to open it. | Mental Stimulation, Problem Solving |
Sock Ball | Old sock, tennis ball | Place a tennis ball inside a sock and knot the end. | Fetch, Chewing |
Frozen Towel Chew | Old towel, water | Soak the towel in water, twist, and freeze. It provides relief for teething puppies. | Teething, Chewing |
Paper Towel Roll Puzzle | Empty paper towel roll, dog treats | Hide small treats in a paper towel roll and fold the ends. | Treat Dispensing, Problem Solving |
Sock Tug Toy | Old socks | Braid several old socks together, tie knots at each end and let your dog tug on it. | Tug-of-war, Interactive Play |
DIY Snuffle Mat | Felt strips, non-slip mats, or towel | Tie felt strips to a mat and hide treats for your dog to sniff out. | Foraging, Mental Stimulation |
DIY Agility Course | Household objects (chairs, broomsticks, etc.) | Use items like chairs for jumps and broomsticks for hurdles to create an agility course. | Agility Training, Exercise |
Top Toys and Games to Keep Your Terrier Active and Happy
If you’re looking for toys or games that will keep your Terrier physically and mentally active, here are some top picks:
Toy/Game Name | Type of Activity | Benefits | Ideal For |
KONG Classic | Chew/Treat-Dispensing | Provides mental stimulation, relieves anxiety | Chewers, Solo Play |
Chuckit! Ultra Ball | Fetch | Promotes physical exercise, bonding with the owner | High-energy dogs, Outdoor Play |
Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy | Puzzle | Mental stimulation builds problem-solving skills | Intelligent Dogs, Indoor Play |
Frisbee | Fetch/Aerobic Exercise | Improves agility, provides a cardiovascular workout | Active dogs, Outdoor Play |
Tug Rope Toy | Tug-of-War/Interactive Play | Builds strength, reinforces training commands | Strong chewers, Interactive Play |
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel | Puzzle/Interactive Play | Encourages hunting instincts, mental stimulation | Dogs that enjoy searching games |
Agility Course | Agility Training/Exercise | Boosts physical fitness, improves coordination | High-energy, Agile Dogs |
Snuffle Mat | Foraging/Treat-Dispensing | Mental stimulation encourages natural foraging | Curious dogs, Treat-seeking breeds |
Automatic Ball Launcher | Fetch/Interactive Play | Promotes physical activity, endless fetch games | Fetch-lovers, Solo Play |
Dog Puzzle Feeder | Puzzle/Mealtime Enrichment | Slows down eating, offers mental engagement | Food-motivated dogs, Mealtime |
Top 10 Must-Have Toys to Keep Your Terrier Happy, Engaged, and Active
1. Chuckit! Ultra Ball
This durable rubber ball is perfect for fetching. Its high bounce and tough design make it a favorite for active dogs like Terriers.
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2. KONG Classic Dog Toy
A classic durable chew toy, the KONG can be stuffed with treats, offering mental stimulation and keeping your dog entertained for hours.
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3. Benebone Wishbone Chew Toy
Made from durable nylon with real bacon flavor, this toy is great for aggressive chewers and satisfies their chewing instincts.
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4. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puzzle Toys
These interactive puzzle toys are perfect for smart dogs like Terriers, challenging them with problem-solving tasks to get hidden treats.
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5. goDog Dragon with Chew Guard Technology
A soft yet tough plush toy that’s reinforced with chew-resistant fabric, making it ideal for dogs that love to cuddle but also chew.
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6. West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Tug Toy
This durable, flexible tug toy stretches during play, making it perfect for interactive tug-of-war games with your Terrier.
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7. KONG Flyer
A soft, durable flying disc, ideal for outdoor fetch sessions. It’s gentle on your dog’s mouth but tough enough to withstand chewing.
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8. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
A plush puzzle toy that stimulates your dog’s hunting instincts by having them pull squeaky squirrels out of a soft tree trunk.
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9. Nylabone DuraChew Textured Ring
This durable chew toy is designed for aggressive chewers, helping to clean teeth and reduce tartar buildup while satisfying your dog’s chewing urges.
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10. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Plush Toy
These stuffing-free plush toys are perfect for dogs that love to shake and pull apart their toys, while minimizing mess with no stuffing inside.
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Final Thoughts on Keeping Your Terrier Entertained
Terriers are vibrant, intelligent dogs that thrive on mental and physical challenges. Offering a diverse selection of toys, DIY activities, and games tailored to their needs will keep your Terrier engaged, content, and in good health. Frequently switching out toys and introducing new challenges will sustain their interest and help prevent boredom. With the right mix of chew toys, puzzles, tug toys, and interactive games, your Terrier will enjoy hours of fun while staying mentally sharp and physically fit!