Table of Contents
Nature of Labrador Games and Their Types
Welcome to our Best Toys for Labrador Retriever Review. Labrador Retrievers have become one of the favorite breeds for different lines of canine work, making them an indispensable one in the dog world. But this versatile and friendly dog makes an excellent companion off-duty too, considered as a perfect family dog due to wonderful personality, gentle disposition, devotion, and people-oriented attitude. However historically Labradors were kept as fishermen’s helpers by hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish from the chilly North Atlantic. And nowdays their energy and peculiarities demand your time and effort on such activities such as dog sports, tracking, agility, running, and so much more. But what if you have a busy schedule? Lots of interactive games and toys that they will surely enjoy spending time will be the answer.
Doggie Christmas Gifts
On Land Games
Both puppy and adult Labradors have boundless energy and tons of stamina, as these dogs will always prefer outside, to stretch their legs, and run around until they drain all those energies. Exercise is a top priority when it comes to this highly active breed. Otherwise they may get obese or even aggressive. Allow your Lab to let loose with an excellent early morning and afternoon walk, and tons of interactive toys, dummies for hunting, and a ball for fetch.
On Water Games
One thing is for sure, Labradors love water. If you live beachside, lakeside spending a lot of time boating or are an avid swimmer, Labradors will be a perfect company for you. They are intelligent dogs, and often motivated by instinct. Although they’re domesticated, the hunting instinct could always be in their nature, so provide toys such dummies that can be used as a substitute for their prey. Nowadays, many toys do not sink in water and are easy to use for these hunting games on water or on a simple day swim.
8 TOP Rated Interactive Dog Toys for Labrador — Overview & Rating
Author’s Choice | KONG Wet Wubba Dog Toy
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|---|---|---|
People’s Choice  | Chuckit! Ultra Ball
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Premium Choice  | Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Toy – Plush Hide and Seek Activity for Dogs
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Best Knotted Rope  | KONG Wild Knots Bear Dog Toy, Colors Vary
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Best for Water Games  | ChuckIt! Amphibious Bumper Floating Fetch Toy
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Best Chew Toy  | Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy
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Best Dummy  | SportDOG Brand Plastic Dummy
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Best for Labrador Puppies  | KONG Puppy Toy
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Best Outdoor Dog Toys for Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers were bred for physically demanding jobs, making them a high energy dog that needs at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. Without it, they can lead their pent-up energy in destructive ways, such as barking and chewing. Following natural instincts Labrador feels best spending time outdoors. Therefore all types of toys involving your pup into outdoor games should be in our everyday range. Balls, Frisbees, Ropes etc are suitable for this purpose.
People’s Choice
Chuckit! Ultra Ball
- Material: Rubber with textured surface
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: M
Kong Squeezz Dumbbell Dog Toy
- Material: Flexible Rubber
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: M, L, XL
West Paw Zogoflex Durable Dog Frisbee
- Material: Hard Plastic
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, L
COLLAR Professional Dog Training Equipment Puller Plus
- Material: Special Non-Toxic Compound
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, M, L, XXL
Best Interactive and Treat Dispensing Toys
Most dogs are easily motivated by food and dog puzzles, so it’s always great to have interactive and treat-dispensing toys to keep your Labrador’s mind busy by challenging them to seek out a drool-worthy treat.
KONG Classic Dog Toy - Durable Natural Rubber - Fun to Chew, Chase and Fetch
- Natural Rubber
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: S, L
Trixie Move-2-Win Puzzle Feeder
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: One size
Hamkaw Dog Ball Launcher, Food Reward Machine
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: One Size
Best Chew Toys for Labrador
Dental care is also important for dogs. But not every dog likes to have its mouth brushed with a toothbrush. Chewing toys, on the other hand, helps the dog with his dental care playfully. Chewing is natural for dogs, it also helps to cope with stress, deals with separation anxiety and makes dogs busy. This is a healthy way to keep your home free from destruction and to make your Labrador happy.
Benebone Real Flavor Wishbone Dog Chew Toy
- Material: Nylon & Real food ingredients (bacon, chicken, peanuts)
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
KONG Goodie Bone Dog Toy
- Natural Rubber
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: S, M, L
Nylabone Dura Chew Axis Bone
- Material: Durable nylon
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone Chew Toy for Dogs
- Material: Rubber nubs and nylon bristles
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
Best Plush Toys for Labrador
Toys are essential to your Labrador well-being. They help to fight boredom when you have to leave them at home or provide comfort when they’re feeling nervous and stressed. It will also help to avoid developing certain behavior problems that we will not want in the long run. Having plush toys will be the perfect solution. Some of them squeak keeping the dog entertained and instinctively satisfied.
Premium Choice
Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Toy – Plush Hide and Seek Activity for Dogs
- Material: Fabric Plush
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: S, L, XL
wangstar Pet Mallard Duck Dog Toy
- Material: Plush
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, M
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Dog Toy - Fox, Raccoon, and Squirrel
- Material: Plush
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, L
KONG Cozies Dog Squeaky Toy, 10 different animals
- Material: Plush, with minimal filling and extra kayer
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: S, M
Best Dummies for Hunting Training for Labrador
All Labrador Retrievers are inherent with the potential to be great hunting dogs. The energy, enthusiasm and desire are already there. Patience and persistent training is the missing link. In choosing a dummy for your Labrador pay attention to design, as its purpose is to encourage proper hold on an actual duck and “shake the living crap out of it”. So it must be durable and withstand young dog teeth. But don’t forget about texture that promotes soft bites. If you intend to stimulate your Labrador hunting instinct and develop his skills, see our selection of top-rated dummies, which may be very handy for such training.
Dog Bone Bumper Training Dummy
- Material: Rugged Heavy-Duty Firehose
- Functionality: Hunting Training
- Sizes: S, M, L
Avery ATB EZ-Bird Training Dummy
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Hunting Training
- Sizes: One Size
SportDog Brand Plastic Dummy
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Hunting Training
- Sizes: One Size
Avery 2 HexaBumper Dog Training Dummy
- Material: Plastic
- Functionality: Hunting Training
- Sizes: One Size
Best Toys for Labrador Puppies
Puppies explore the world through their noses and primarily through their mouths, so they’ll chew anything they can sink their teeth into. It’s essential to provide them with toys that indulge their teething instinct. And you are definitely likely to spare your shoes and socks from destruction. Having a puppy is a lot like having a toddler, especially when your hunting dog is also a house pet. Labradors can make excellent companions, but due to their hunting heritage, they have a lot of energy and high prey drive. Novice owners and city dwellers should beware, as this dog needs consistent training and plenty of activity. That said, if you’re prepared to meet their needs, you’ll be rewarded by a devoted and affectionate fur buddy in your family.
Nylabone Puppy Starter
- Material: Nylon
- Functionality: Soothing
- Sizes: One Size
KONG Puppy Toy
- Material: Soft Rubber
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L
KONG Puppy Teething Stick Dog Toy
- Material: Soft Rubber
- Functionality: Soothing
- Sizes: S, M, L
KONG Puppy Binkie
- Material: Rubber
- Functionality: Awareness
- Sizes: S
Best Toys for Labrador for Swimming and Water Games
Dogs have been loyal companions of humans not only on dry land, but also in the seven seas for many millennia. Labrador Retrievers love swimming and being in the water for hours as they adore water and get real pleasure from all water activities, healthily developing their muscles. It’s just a good thing to provide them special toys suitable for water, such as toys made waterproof, which do not sink and non-toxic, perfect for retrieving from water and playing water games.
Author’s Choice
KONG Wet Wubba Dog Toy
- Material: Neoprene Fabric
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: L, XL. Colors: green, orange, yellow
KONG Aqua Toy
- Material: Rubber, Foam Core
- Functionality: Weight Reduction
- Sizes: M, L
Chuckit! HydroSqueeze Bumper Dog Toy
- Material: Durable Rubber
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: M, L
Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper Floating Fetch Toy
- Material: Lightweight Memory Foam
- Functionality: Coordination
- Sizes: S, M, L
The best solution if you have a river or a lake nearby. But of course not everybody have that luck. For such cases there is a variety of dog swimming pools, stationary or portable.
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Buyer’s Guide
Benefits of Playing with Labradors Using Toys
For dogs and other pets, toys are not something luxury, but a necessity. Labradors are an adorable combo of high energy and intelligence. As a result, they desire constant attention and activity for stimulation like exercise and play as they are bred for hunting. As a result, these dogs require significant physical and mental exercise to keep them healthy and happy, as well as to lead their energy in non-destructive way.
Don’t worry, though – toys are a great way to burn off that energy and give Labradors the quality time they crave. The dog toys are made to adapt the character and needs of your dog. It should be exciting and diverse to answer the inherent traits they possess.
Important Features to Look For in Dog Toys for Labrador
Not every dog is the same, just like every dog’s needs for a toy. It is essential to know the purpose of the toy and figure out the best characteristic it must possess, among other things. It is about the right material, safety, versatility , and size to be able to answer the needs of your Labrador Retriever.
This part of our review and guide is intended to cover all the important characteristics of dog toys that any Labrador owner you should be aware of.
Material and Durability
Pet shops shelves and online shops are filled with products for dogs: toys of all colors, shapes, and materials for dogs and breeds of all ages. Navigating this jungle and picking good, suitable toys appropriate to your dog’s age and stage of development is, as a result, not always easy as the owner and plays an important role in selecting toys. Here are a few general criteria to take into consideration will help you when choosing the right toys
Durability of the material is important not only for an adult but also with Labrador puppies who will chew anything they can sink their teeth into, so it’s essential to provide them with toys that indulge their urge in teething, but not too rigid to break their growing teeth. They also should be sturdy not to disintegrate during play. Even if we are sometimes led to feel that toys must be continuously replaced and renewed, durability and functionality are important properties for toys. Especially today, as we think of a good experience for our dogs. Toys are no exception to the concept of ‘less is more’ if they are exceptionally high-quality and of the kind that your Labrador can enjoy for a long time.
There are often toxic materials and ingredients that do more harm to the dog than fun, like paints, softeners, and bleaching agents, as it can be harmful to ingest that may lead to poisoning or tragic death. It is not without reason that these additives are now even banned in children’s toys and must be as well as to our pets. Amid growing concerns about the presence of chemicals in our pet’s toy, as of today, there are still no standards for lead or other toxins in pet toys. So let’s always be proactive in monitoring what goes in your Labrador’s mouth. Natural materials like natural rubber, for example, are proven to be very good and not dangerous for your dogs health. Toys that do not contain any harmful or toxic substances are the best. After all, the toy inevitably comes into contact with your pet’s mouth.
Plush dog toys are often not only too unstable but also dangerous. The things that are usually most attractive to dogs are often the very things that are the most dangerous. Avoid or alter any toys that aren’t “dog-proof” by removing ribbons, strings, eyes, or other parts that could be chewed off and ingested and may cause stomach and intestinal obstructions or injuries in the gastrointestinal tract. Discard toys when they start to break into pieces or are torn. Check labels on stuffed toys to see that they are labeled as safe for children under three years of age and don’t contain any dangerous fillings. Remember that soft toys are not indestructible, but some are sturdier than others. Soft toys should be machine washable. Always use such toys under supervision.
Toys with textile coatings are also not recommended. It should not be coated or treated with flavorings that can cause digestive upset or damaged teeth.
With synthetic materials. Always consider the materials used and where they are made. It is very very important as pet toy industry has become scrutinized for the materials used and the toxicity of chemicals in some toy products may happen. However synthetic materials are not really advised but still available in some shops so just be careful on checking every label on every toy to avoid harmful substances.
Then there are toys made of wood. Does your dog love to chew tree branches? Or particularly destructive interest on your wooden fence and furniture? Then a wooden dog toy might be the perfect toy for your dog. These are very popular, and in general, wood is a natural material. But always pay attention to the size. It shouldn’t be too large and not too small, it should be splinter-free, smoothed, free of surface coloring and given under supervision.
Best choice for alternatives to materials are natural rubber and natural latex. It has natural textures and scent that your dog will surely enjoy. The soft and natural rubber is comfortable on your puppy’s teeth and easy to clean, unlike many other toys that harbor bacteria over time.These toys are often more expensive, but the health and well-being of the pet should be every owner’s priority.
Safe Design and Fittings
- Avoid toys with parts that are poorly sewn and poorly glued together. They may come loose during the play, and swallowed by a dog. This may cause stomach and intestinal obstructions or injuries in the gastrointestinal tract. Material, processing, and compatibility go hand in hand here.
- Treat dispensing toys must be suitable for various snacks and easy to clean. These wonderful tools and toys can help you with a long list of dog-training too; it provides mental stimulation and diverts unwanted behavior.
- Interactive toys for your smart dogs should provide constant stimulation, especially when it comes to their mental and cognitive development. It’s even more important if your dog spends long hours on its own while you’re at work, a durable and good fastening option like a non-slip surface is a must.
- Ropes and tugs are ways to share the fun with a dog that allows you to stimulate your Labradors instincts. This rope toy is made from a cotton/poly blend and is perfect for everyday play, at home, or the park. Knots add the fun variety of dogs love, and the easy-to-grip loops make it ideal for everyday play. However, this toy is not recommended for heavy chewers. Discontinue use if the toy is damaged.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of the toy always depends on the size of your dog. If the toy is too big and heavy, the dog may not be able to carry it properly and often not use it effectively. If the toy is too small it can be dangerously broken and can be swallowed.
Cleaning
Dishwasher safe and easy to wash materials and forms are the considered best characteristics of a perfect toy not only for outdoor toys but also for treat dispensing toys.
FAQ
What Games Should I Play with My Labrador?
Labradors are active dogs that require a high level of physical activity; therefore, it's just perfect to have a game that involves their hunting heritage like tracking, fetching and retrieving games, and some other water fowling games are considered the best choices.
Can I Teach My Labrador to Retrieve Toys?
Retrieving instincts are innate to retrieving dogs like the Labrador, yet early exposure and proper training will give you A-Results whether in a hunting field or to an early morning retrieve game at the park. If you intend to hunt with your Labrador, choose the best dummies to help you with hunting training.
Do I Need an Interactive Dog Toy for Labrador?
Interactive toys are a good alternative with throwing and chewing toys. Labrador will need to use both its mental and cognitive skills development when playing an interactive dog toy to get its most awaited delicious treat making it more satisfying and rewarding that will surely develop not only his skills but also the precious bond with you.
Do I Need to Buy Special Toys for Water?
Labradors adore swimming and water games. A water toy should be lightweight, floats, visible on the water surface from a distance and easy to grasp in water. Not many toys correspond with these features. So we suggest buying special toys for water games.
Summary
Our winners in the dog toy review for Labradors are all safe and of good quality. Whether they’re for a puppy or an adult dog, all dogs need to chew and play. Puppies chew when they’re teething or to explore the new world. They continue through adulthood to keep their chewing muscles healthy, their teeth clean, and their brain engaged. Also, these toys maintain your dog’s mental and physical health. So it’s best to invest wisely and provide them with plenty of safe and appropriate things to play with and chew on.
And remember – we are here to help you with your choice. So do not hesitate to ask any questions. We will answer them.
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