Best Toys to Keep Australian Shepherds Busy
A dog toy for Australian shepherds will help exercise your dog’s muscles.
Some other toys have the capability of challenging your dog’s cognitive function.
Moreover, other dog toys for Australian shepherds keep your dog excited and help clean its teeth.
When looking for the best dog toys for Australian shepherds, it’s paramount you consider your dog’s attributes. Is he a destructive dog? Get a tougher toy. Is he a bigger dog? Get a bigger toy. And so on.
With that said, in this blog, we have listed out our top 10 best toys for Australian shepherds.
Type Of Dog Toys For Australian Shepherds
There are various types of toys you can find in the market that will keep your Aussie happy, engaged and relaxed. These toys come in various sizes, models, and prices.
Fetch Toys
An Australian shepherd will benefit from playing with a fetch toy. This toy can either be a rubber ball or a flying disc.
Your dog will enjoy chasing such a fetch toy and grabbing it high in the air.
Tug Toy
Does your Australian shepherd love to pull everything he grabs with his muzzle? Then a tug toy may suit him. Most tug toys consist of tough nylon material which can be pulled back and forth by the dog.
Plush Toy
A plush toy is an interactive toy that will help keep your dog engaged when you are away. Since a plush toy has soft material, it may not be suitable for your heavy chewer Australian shepherd dog.
Chew Toy
An Australian shepherd who enjoys chewing will need tough toys that will stand the battering of their teeth. And a proper toy that will keep your dog away from the furniture is a chew toy.
This toy comprises tough material that is difficult to break compared to a plush toy.
Puzzle Toy
Do you want to test the intelligence level of your dog? Then you can try a puzzle toy. Most puzzle toys have hidden treats that your dog has to try to work out through a series of actions.
You will also find these puzzle toys come with various levels of difficulty.
In a hurry? Here is a list showing our top ten dog toys for Australian shepherds.
| Toy Name | Type of Toy |
|---|---|
| LOBEVE Dog Toys For Puppies | Variety pack |
| Hswaye dog chew toys | Chew toy |
| LOOBANI Outdoor Bungee Hanging Toy | Chew rope toy |
| Zippy Paws- Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy | Squeaking plush toy |
| ZINEQI Dog Puzzle Toys | Puzzle Toy |
| Outward Hound Triple Jack Interactive 3 Squeaky Dog Toy | Puzzle toy |
| Mewajump Dog Puzzle | Chew toy |
| ES Dog Soccer Ball Dog Toy | Ball toy |
| Monster K9 Dog Toys | Fetch toy |
| goDog Gators Squeaker Dog Toy | Plush toy |
The Australian Shepherd Personality
The Australian shepherd is a medium size dog often regarded as the cowboy’s herding dog of choice.
This dog is hardworking, always eager to get a job.
Moreover, the Australian shepherd is intelligent, smart, loyal, and loving.
This dog has a high working drive and is always eager to please its master- if not herding cattle, this dog would rather herd children in the house – of which it does this through nipping their ankles.
Australian Shepherd Exercise Needs
The Australian shepherd is an energetic dog requiring plenty of exercise.
Utmost, this is a dog that should be exercised daily for a minimum of 30 minutes.
A sedentary pet owner may not find it interesting living with the Australian shepherd.
It’s a dog that will like living in a home; it can run around the yard, play fetch with its owner or hide and seek.
If not involved in any physical activity, the Aussie shepherd may turn out to be a destructive dog, hard to handle.
That’s said, if you live in an apartment, he may not be the best dog for you.
This dog will find it fun when playing around a big fenced yard.
LOBEVE Dog Toys For Puppies
A great pack that will thrill your pup. This LOBEVE Dog Toy for Puppies has accessories like dog ropes, training toys, and squeaking toys to keep boredom away.
The rope toy is a great training toy effective indoors and outdoors. Besides keeping your pup busy, this rope will help clean its teeth.
The squeaky IQ treat ball challenges your dog’s way of thinking. All you need is to stuff it with some of its favorite treats and watch your dog try to retrieve them.
The other toy is the flying disk, which is perfect for playing fetch with your dog. All this ensures your dog is well exercised.
Afterward, the puzzle toy, which can be filled with snacks, will help sharpen your Australian shepherd’s mind.
Besides being the best toy for Australian shepherds, this puzzle toy can also act as a slow feeder, slowing down your dog who likes eating his dinner fast.
Moreover, this toy fits Aussie shepherd puppies between 2- 6 months. Since it consists of soft material. So keep it away from your senior or adult Australian shepherd or destructive dog if you want it to last long.
Overall, the material used to make the toys here is natural, tasteless, and non-toxic.
Pros
- Has puzzle toys for mental stimulation
- Contains various toys to keep your dog busy
- Made of non-toxic materials
Cons
- Some pet parents complain that some toys here are way big for their puppies
Hswaye dog chew toys
Australian shepherd who can’t stop chewing everything around needs a tough toy that is unbreakable. And one such kind of toy is this Hswaye Dog Chew Toy.
This Australian shepherd chew toy has a unique dumbbell design with environment-friendly rubber.
This dog chew toy for Australian shepherds is sturdy and tough enough to withstand your dog’s powerful bite force.
Moreover, the strength of this toy has been subjected to a professional testing machine, which proves that this toy can withstand 550 pounds of pull.
The hollow end on this toy for Australian shepherds allows you to put treats or snacks, making all play sessions fun for your dog.
This dog chew is 7.8 inches long, and according to the manufacturer, it’s suitable for a dog 30-70 pounds-perfect size for playful Aussie shepherds.
This rubber is also non-toxic and bile resistant, so be at ease in case your dog seems to chew it
If you have been looking for a cute designed chew toy that will help calm your dog when away, it’s time you think of looking for this toy.
Pros
- Help reduce chewing and loneliness
- Made of non-toxic rubber
- One can stuff treats inside the hollow end
- Suitable for dogs 30-70 pounds
Cons
- Smells bad
LOOBANI Outdoor Bungee Hanging Toy
The LOOBANI Outdoor Bungee Hanging Toy is an outdoor dog toy for Australian shepherds that will keep your dog engaged in supervision. This tether toy is quite expandable from 16 ft to 19 ft.
This toy utilizes a bungee cord to create a force your dog can tug against, making it more entertaining.
You can use this tether toy on a tree trunk for your dog to play with it. Alternatively, you can hang it on a branch of a tree. To make it more challenging, you can adjust the height of this toy.
The inner cord on this toy for Australian shepherds is protected from breakage by utilizing an outer covering that limits the extent to which this toy can be stretched.
Moreover, the outer covering is weatherproof.
Consequently, the material used here is tough and durable, enough to withstand your Australian shepherd’s tugging.
The strong stitching keeps this tug toy strong and durable.
Moreover, there are no metallic attachments that can injure while he’s pulling it.
Pros
Flexible dog toy
Made of tough material
Requires o supervision
Cons
Expensive
Zippy Paws- Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy
Zippy paws– skinny Peltz no stuffing squeaky plush dog toy is a plush toy for Australian shepherd puppies. This toy has 3 fun characters: the fox, raccoon, and a squirrel, keeping your pet calm when you are away.
Each toy has 3 quality speakers that produce a unique sound to entertain and grab your Australian shepherd’s attention.
Moreover, each toy is 18 inches long and has that unique design that your dog will find irresistible not to interact with.
While with this toy, your puppy, who always becomes anxious when you are away, will now feel at ease.
Worth noting, this toy cannot be stuffed. Thus, you are sure all play sessions that your dog has will not be messy.
Lastly, the Zippy Paws- Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog toy is well stitched and quite tough able to resist your Aussie’s wrestling.
Pros
- A plush toy for non-destructive Australian shepherd
- No stuffing needed
- With a unique design
- Has speakers that keep pets engaged
Cons
- Not for destructive Australian shepherds
ZINEQI Dog Puzzle Toys
Could you be looking for an interactive toy that will challenge your Australian shepherd to the limit? Then here is a toy that should be topping your list, the ZINEQI Dog Puzzle Toys.
This dog toy for Australian shepherds has 8 treats blocks and 14 holes that are here to challenge your dog’s way of solving issues.
Your task here is to hide the treats inside the holes and watch your dog try his best trying to retrieve them out.
This improves your dog’s ease of solving tasks and still strengthens your Australian shepherd’s sense of smell.
Besides being one of the best toys for Australian shepherds, this toy can also be a suitable slow feeder for dogs who consume food quickly. Unlike before, your dog will find it hard to consume his food hurriedly.
Besides that, this toy is made of heavy-duty PP material that will take time to wear out.
Moreover, the non-slip pads keep this toy mobile as your dog plays with it. Lastly, this pet toy, which doubles up as a slow feeder, is easy to wash and resistant to corrosion.
Pros
- An interactive toy to calm your dog
- It can be used as a slow feeder
- Mad of tough pp material
- Perfect for mental stimulation
Cons
- Some pet parents say that this toy is quite flimsy.
ZINEQI Dog Puzzle Toys
Could you be looking for an interactive toy that will challenge your Australian shepherd to the limit? Then here is a toy that should be topping your list, the ZINEQI Dog Puzzle Toys.
This dog toy for Australian shepherds has 8 treats blocks and 14 holes that are here to challenge your dog’s way of solving issues.
Your task here is to hide the treats inside the holes and watch your dog try his best trying to retrieve them out.
This improves your dog’s ease of solving tasks and still strengthens your Australian shepherd’s sense of smell.
Besides being one of the best toys for Australian shepherds, this toy can also be a suitable slow feeder for dogs who consume food quickly. Unlike before, your dog will find it hard to consume his food hurriedly.
Besides that, this toy is made of heavy-duty PP material that will take time to wear out.
Moreover, the non-slip pads keep this toy mobile as your dog plays with it. Lastly, this pet toy, which doubles up as a slow feeder, is easy to wash and resistant to corrosion.
Pros
- An interactive toy to calm your dog
- It can be used as a slow feeder
- Mad of tough pp material
- Perfect for mental stimulation
Cons
- Some pet parents say that this toy is quite flimsy.
Outward Hound Triple Jack Interactive 3 Squeaky Dog Toy
Keep your dog engaged when you are away by getting this interactive toy for Australian shepherds.
This dog toy for Australian shepherds has 2 removable balls that keep your dog engaged- this is a great way to challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills.
With the 18 passages on the outer cage, your dog has to work his brains to the limit as he tries to retrieve them out.
The more it becomes challenging, the more your dog’s intelligence will be put to the test.
Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, this is a toy that will keep your Australian shepherd active, blowing away any chances of him becoming bored.
The balls here are brightly colored so that your dog can interact with them even when it’s dark.
The balls and the outer protective cage are durable, ensuring they last long without replacement.
Pros
- Indoor and outdoor toy
- Best for adult Australian shepherds
Cons
- Not that durable- according to most pet parents
Mewajump Dog Puzzle
Keep your dog engaged when you are away by getting this interactive toy for Australian shepherds.
This dog toy for Australian shepherds has 2 removable balls that keep your dog engaged- this is a great way to challenge your dog’s problem-solving skills.
With the 18 passages on the outer cage, your dog has to work his brains to the limit as he tries to retrieve them out.
The more it becomes challenging, the more your dog’s intelligence will be put to the test.
Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, this is a toy that will keep your Australian shepherd active, blowing away any chances of him becoming bored.
The balls here are brightly colored so that your dog can interact with them even when it’s dark.
The balls and the outer protective cage are durable, ensuring they last long without replacement.
Pros
- Indoor and outdoor toy
- Best for adult Australian shepherds
Cons
- Not that durable- according to most pet parents
ES Dog Soccer Ball Dog Toy
If you want to harness your dog’s chasing skills, then you can get this dog soccer ball toy. This ball can be a suitable toy for your dog, who likes chasing anything rolling on the ground. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, this is a must-have toy important in keeping your Australian shepherd busy.
First, this toy is made of high-grade natural rubber, which is tough and not toxic if your dog ingests it.
The nylon tags here are made of nylon and polyester fiber. With these tags, you can easily lift this toy without touching the dog droll.
Moreover, this ball is washable and takes a few minutes to dry up.
As per this brand’s specification, this toy is suitable for Australian shepherds weighing between 5-25 pounds.
The buoyant nature of this ball means now you can toss the ball in a puncture-proof dog pool, keeping your dog active as he enjoys cooling his paws inside.
After purchasing this dog ball, you get an inflation pump, which will help you inflate it quickly when it’s game time.
With the unique design and nylon material, this is the best toy you can get for your active Australian shepherd dog
Pros
- Made of durable material
- With a lightweight design
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not for destructive dog
Monster K9 Dog Toys
Get the Monster K9 Dog Toys, and your Australian shepherd dog who loves Frisbee will be more than happy.
So what is unique about this toy for Australian shepherd dogs?
This flying disc is made of unique industrial sturdy rubber that is hard to tear.
Moreover, this disk is puncture-resistant, thus less likely to be harmed when your dog bites it.
The natural rubber compound here is 100% safe and non-toxic- thus will not cause harm if your dog ingests it.
The surface here is super polished and light enough for enhanced flight.
If you are unhappy with this toy, the company promises that you can return it and get your money back or get a onetime replacement.
Pros
- Made of tough material
- Puncture-proof toy
- Perfect for playing the game of fetch
Cons
- Not suitable for a dog with weak or sensitive teeth.
goDog Gators Squeaker Dog Toy
Another plush toy that joins this list of the best toys for Australian shepherds is this Godog Gators Squeaker Dog Toy.
Per your preference, you can get a small or large toy- this is a factor determined by your dog’s size.
This toy comes in two colors- you can pick the blue or pink toy.
Besides that, this toy features a fun textured, bubble plush body, and its body is under stuffed- giving your dog that funny, floppy feeling that he loves.
The squeaker inside adds more excitement, intriguing your dog now and then.
This toy is made of chew guard technology, which adds a super tough and heavy-duty lining to this soft plush toy.
Pros
- Comes in two sizes
- This toy features a squeaker inside
- Made with chew guard technology
Cons
- Some pet parents still find this toy being flimsy.
What To Look in The Best Toy For Australian Shepherds
When purchasing a toy for Australian shepherds, what are the key details that you should consider? Let’s dive in and have a look.
Your Dog Playing Behavior
If you have an Australian shepherd who plays roughly, shredding into pieces anything around, then you don’t need a plush toy.
A toy set for destructive dogs is needed for such a dog. Get one made of tough materials that your Aussie will find hard to break down.
On the other side, if you have a cool in destructive dog, you can get a toy made of soft materials.
Your Dog’s Size
The size of your Australian shepherd is another determining factor when you go looking for the best toy for Australian shepherds.
If you have a large Australian shepherd, then get a big toy.
Don’t get a small toy, as he may be tempted to swallow the whole of it. And it’s true for a small Aussie- get a small toy for your Australian shepherd puppy. A big toy may be challenging to interact with.
Material
What material makes this toy? Is this material sturdy enough to stand your dogs battering?
A good material should be puncture-proof rot resistant.
Also, consider whether the material here is toxic or not.
Don’t let your Aussie chew or play with toys made of toxic materials. It can be hazardous.
Easy To Wash
If you have a toy that will get muddy, then it should be washable. Don’t get a toy that is quick to get soiled but hard to clean up.
Australian Shepherd Toys Tips For Every Australian Shepherd Owner
- Always ensure your dog is closely supervised when playing with his toys.
This is a crucial point; you need to keep a close eye whenever your dog puts any of this toy inside his mouth. Some have tiny parts that can be easy to swallow.
And if swallowed, they may choke your Australian shepherd.
Also, when you are around, you will be able to analyze how your dog plays with his toys.
If the toy gets torn quickly, you might have a destructive dog- or perhaps this toy consists of inferior materials.
It’s also during this close supervision you will learn which toy best suits your dog
- Remove all toys after your dog has finished playing with them
Always remove all your dog’s toys after he has finished playing with them.
This ensures your dog doesn’t get bored a lot. Moreover, this ensures the toys don’t accumulate dirt or germs.
- Clean the toys after the dog finishes with them – a proper routine you can adopt is cleaning the toys after your dog is done with them. This is one of the ways that enhances their longevity.
- Change your dog’s toys routinely
If your dog stays with one toy for a long time, he may get bored. The best way to clear off such boredom is to ensure you change things up every 2-4 weeks.
- First, train your dog to use the toy
In some instances, you may need to train your dog to use a certain toy. Some puzzle toys can be intricate on your dog on how to start using it – thus, training will be vital.
Benefits Of Toys To Australian Shepherds
Time To Enhance The Bond
Getting and playing with your dog with these toys is an important way to enhance the bond you share.
With that, the relationship between you and your dog will get stronger daily.
Breaks Boredom
A toy will help keep your dog busy more so when he’s locked up inside a crate.
As you know, bored dogs are more likely to become destructive, which is not recommendable.
A good way to cut the chances of having a destructive dog is by you purchasing a good toy.
Calms Your Nervous Dog
A nervous dog needs some consolation, not more torture.
And one way to do so is to get a toy to calm him.
You can get your Aussie a squeaking toy or treat-dispensing toy that will calm those shaky nerves.
Sharpen Your Dog’s Intelligence
Australian shepherd dogs are intelligent.
Thus, they need instance where their cognitive function is put to the test. And one of the ways you can do so is by getting a puzzle toy.
A puzzle toy is one training tool that can help test your dog’s intelligence.
With such a toy, your dog has to undergo various obstacles to attain something at the end.
Mostly, it’s usually a hidden treat.
With this toy, his skills are tested to the limit
Clean Your Dog Teeth
Some toys not only keep your dog busy but also help remove tartar buildup. They also help eliminate any awful smell.
A Form Of Exercise
Toys help expel any excess energy that he doesn’t need
What Toys Are Best For Australian Shepherds?
When it to come to the best toys for Australian shepherds, none is superior to the other.
You will find what’s suitable for your dog may not suit your neighbor’s dog.
The main thing is that this toy keeps your dog entertained and calm.
This toy should also fulfill its maiden purpose of keeping your dog busy without causing any harm afterward.
If your dog seems bored after you have bought that a certain toy, then it might not be the greatest choice for him.
How Do I Keep My Australian Shepherd Entertained?
There are various ways to keep your Australian shepherd entertained.
One is to get an interactive toy. For example, get a treat-dispensing toy.
With that, your dog will know he has to accomplish something for him to get a reward.
Get a squeaking sound if sounds entertain your dog.
A squeaking toy will help your recently adopted dog or that dog who is just from the theater.
You can take your Australian shepherd for swimming sessions – if your dog likes swimming, then one of the ways to keep him entertained is by taking him to a swimming pool
Take your dog for a walk
Some dogs like the breeze of air outside the yard.
They are entertained when they go for a hike or forest trail, more than anything else.
If that sounds like your dog, grab a leash or harness and start walking him out.
How Do You Tire An Aussie Puppy?
Do you have a puppy, and you wonder how to tire him out? Then here is how to do it.
Take your dog for a 20-30 minute walk.
Play a game with your dog- play hide and seek, tug of war, or Frisbee.
Final Thoughts
Australian shepherds need to exercise and have fun daily. And one way to do so is by getting a dog toy.
A dog toy for Australian shepherds will help keep your dog calm when he is nervous or active when he is bored.
As always, make sure you get a toy that fits your dog’s personality and size.
Another thing, supervision is always mandatory. Your Australian shepherd should not interact with any toy unsupervised.
So have you ever bought your Australian shepherd any of the analyzed toys here? Or which toy do you find suitable for your Australian shepherd?
