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: 

  • Importance of Toys: Toys provide mental stimulation and physical exercise, prevent destructive behavior, and help bond with owners. 
  • Types of Toys: The page highlights chew, puzzle, and interactive toys as ideal for Terriers. 
  • DIY Toy Ideas: Suggestions for creating safe, homemade toys for Terriers. 
  • Quick Tips: Tips for ensuring toy safety and maximizing engagement. 

 

Why Toys Are Important for Terriers 

Toys play a crucial role in a Terrier’s life for several reasons: 

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: 

  1. 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: 

  1. 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: 

  1. 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: 

  1. Fetch Toys

Many Terriers love to chase, making fetch toys an ideal choice for keeping them active and entertained. 

Best Fetch Toys for Terriers: 

  1. 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: 

Choosing the Right Toys for Your Terrier 

When selecting toys for your Terrier, consider these key factors: 

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: 

Don’ts: 

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. 

 

               Buy NOW on Amazon.com 

 

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. 

 

               Buy NOW on Amazon.com 

 

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. 

 

               Buy NOW on Amazon.com 

 

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. 

 

               Buy NOW on Amazon.com 

 

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. 

 

               Buy NOW on Amazon.com 

 

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. 

 

               Buy NOW on Amazon.com 

 

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! 

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