The Best Outside Dog Toys For Your Pup’s Endless Entertainment

If dogs could speak, they’d tell you that running around your backyard or a park is their favorite pastime. Playing with outside dog toys is great fun and exercise for them, offering a certain sense of freedom that doesn’t exist indoors. And while a collar and leash set have their purposes in certain circumstances, there are also those times when it might be appropriate to get rid of them and allow for some free play. Besides, outdoor activities are also an excellent opportunity for your pet’s mental stimulation, as they provide all kinds of sights, sounds, and smells that animals find fascinating.

While it may seem enough to open the door and let your dogs run around your backyard, it’s actually a good idea to be well-prepared to entertain them. Otherwise, they might be tempted to use your flower beds and garden furniture as props. More importantly, active participation in your dog’s play session in the fresh air encourages social skills and deepens your bond. We’ve gathered five of the best outside dog toys currently available on Amazon to save you the trouble of spending endless hours searching for the perfect ones. Scroll down and take your pick – or two.

Best Outside Dog Toys to Consider

The amount of workout your doggo will need varies depending on their size, age, breed, and even fitness level. Likewise, the type of toys you’ll want to provide them with is correlated with the same factors. The idea is to provide plenty of fun things to toss, pull on, chew, jump through, or even splash around while they enjoy their playtime.

Toy material and construction are crucial factors to consider. You’ll want something durable and hardy that can withstand lots of chewing and won’t break easily as soon as your pooch bites into it. If you’ll be spending time around or in water, the toy should be made of quick-dry materials and have the ability to float. Lightweight toys are the best option if you’ll be spending a lot of time walking in the park or a forest, as you don’t want to drag something too heavy along. Squeaky toys will provide extra fun sounds for your pooch to explore. The toys should also be easily visible in the grass, mud, dirt, or water. And, of course, don’t forget to think about pet-safe materials, such as heavy-duty cotton, rubber, and polypropylene.

The amount of space available for your best friend’s outdoor play should also be factored in. If the area allows for it, consider large-scale toys like tether balls, fetch machines, or even agility courses. On the other hand, if your space is limited or you’re heading to a local park, you’ll probably want to stick with more basic toys like balls, ropes, and discs that are portable and don’t require large set-up areas.

Ensure that your dog’s toys are interactive, as this type of play matters in developing “https://dogtime.com/reviews/best-dog-treats-for-training/”>dog treats to reinforce their training.

ChuckIt! Classic Ball Launcher Dog Toy

Let’s start with the basics. A good game of fetch never gets old for doggos, so as far as outside dog toys go, a classic tennis ball is always a great choice. However, constant throwing might leave you with a sore shoulder, and you might not even be able to throw the ball far enough with your hand.

This 26-inch long ladle-like ball launcher is compatible with any medium size Chuckit! ball, as well as standard tennis balls. It can rescue you from all the above-mentioned problems, and we promise it will soon become your new best friend. Well, second best, right after your dog, of course. You’ll be able to throw farther and faster. High-energy dogs will surely enjoy this little trick, especially the hunting breeds that are always excited about fetch games.

A great plus for you is that the launcher allows for more comfortable pick-up, as you won’t have to bend over constantly. Also, the ladle is cupped end securely grasps muddy, slimy balls, so your hands stay clean no matter how messy playtime gets.

Pros:

• 26 inches long
• Throw farther and faster
• Compatible with standard tennis balls
• Allows for interactive playtime
• No more bending over
• No need to touch the slimy ball
• Sturdy and easy to use

Cons:

• The included ball isn’t the best quality and might not last long, so bring a backup one
• The ball-grabbing ability of the launcher cup might reduce over time

AFP Automatic Dog Ball Launcher Toy

If you want to seriously level up the fetch game and allow yourself some rest time, consider getting an automatic ball launcher. This machine is one of the most convenient outside dog toys because it can keep your furry friend busy and entertained even after you get tired of throwing the ball. It’s worth noting that this one is designed especially for small to medium dogs.

All you have to do is adjust the distance settings to throw the ball 10, 20, or 30 feet and then drop in a mini ball. After a while, your beloved canine will learn how to drop it himself, which helps to stimulate his mind and allows for entirely independent play.

The package includes three standard tennis balls and an AC adapter. The machine can also work with six C batteries, but these are not included. Although it’s quite pricey, this automatic launcher can really save the day when you’re busy but your puppy needs that energetic playtime.

Pros:

• Adjustable distance settings
• Great for energetic dogs
• You can rest while they play
• Includes three standard tennis balls
• AC adapter included
• Ideal for small and medium-sized dogs
• Long battery life

Cons:

• It’s expensive
• Sometimes when there is more than one ball in the loader, it will toss out the balls in quick succession
• The balls are too small for large dogs

ChuckIt! Paraflight Flyer Dog Frisbee Toy

For dogs who love to jump and run longer distances, frisbees are always an excellent outside dog toy choice. They’re also ideal if you need something lightweight and portable to bring along when you leave your backyard and take your pup to a park or a beach.

The regular plastic options can be tough on teeth and might not fly that well, but this 10-inch frisbee is made of a multilayer nylon interior with soft rubber edges that will be gentle for your best puppy’s gums and teeth. The nylon goes through the air easily, and we love that this toy also floats in water, so it’s great for all kinds of outdoor environments, including pools, beaches, and lakes. The colors are bright, making the frisbee easy to spot.

Pros:

• Multilayer nylon interior with soft rubber edges
• Gentle to your dog’s gums and teeth
• Floats on water
• Aerodynamic and lightweight
• Great for a variety of outdoor environments
• Allows for lots of energetic play
• Affordable

Cons:

• The stitching might not last very long
• It doesn’t perform that well in windy weather
• Won’t survive long if your dog is an avid chewer

Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole with Lure Dog Toy

Apart from purely physical activities, your pooch also needs mental stimulation from his outside dog toys. This flirt pole is perfect for that because it requires your pup to frequently change direction and think quickly while you tease him with the lure.

This pole is 36 inches long and can be used for dogs of any size. It comes with durable polyester webbing and a pre-attached lure. A bungee cord is used to prevent whiplash when the lure is caught, and you can easily change lures without the use of fasteners that can injure your dog’s mouth. This awesome flirt pole makes a highly interactive toy for both you and your pup, as well as an amazing training tool.

Pros:

• Durable polyester webbing
• Pre-attached lure
• Can be used with dogs of any size
• Works great as a training tool
• Provides mental exercise for your dog
• Fun and interactive
• Lightweight and durable

Cons:

• Some dogs might not be interested in it
• The rope is stretchy, so if the dog pulls on it, it’ll snap right back toward you
• If your dog is obsessed with chewing, the toy might not last very long

XiaZ Dog Agility Equipment Dog Outdoor Toys

If you think agility courses are just for dog competitions and shows, think again. Highly active breeds that live to run around all long day can benefit significantly from access to these types of outside dog toys. Plus, it’s a fun learning activity that helps with problem-solving and mental stimulation.

Providing that your backyard is spacious enough, consider investing in this agility training kit that includes plenty of fun elements, such as a polyester fabric square pause box, puppy tunnel with ground stakes, adjustable dog agility jump hurdle with pole connectors, tire jump, weave poles, and agility equipment carrying bags. Everything is made of safe and non-toxic ABS material, and it’s easy to set it all up in your backyard or even take it to a park. This highly interactive agility set will do wonders for the bond you’re building with your darling pup.

Pros:

• Includes lots of fun agility training elements
• Great physical and mental stimulation
• Ideal for training obedience, speed, and dexterity
• Fun and energetic
• Safe ABS material
• Easy setup
• Carrying bags included

Cons:

• Instructions could be clearer
• Some of the hoop clips may not have enough tension to hold the hoops
• Large and heavy dogs may break some of the elements if they fall or run into them

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safety standards for dog toys?

You should opt for non-toxic materials and toys that don’t have parts your dog could easily bite off and accidentally swallow. If you have any damaged toys lying around, throw them away to avoid having your furry friend break bits off and swallow them. When purchasing toys, make sure that they’re the right size for your dog and can’t be swallowed whole. To be safe, pick the toys that your pup can carry without having to hold the entire object in their mouth. Squashy things, such as rubber rings, balls, or discs, are an ideal option but do ensure that they are puncture-proof from sharp canine teeth. Nowadays, you can even opt for dental dog toys that take care of your pet’s oral health.

Should outside dog toys be left out all the time?

It’s a good idea to leave a few toys easily accessible in your backyard so that your dog can be entertained even if you’re not around to give them your full attention. If your pup has a favorite comfort toy, that’s the one that should be left out at all times. More complex toys that require interaction or human supervision should be put away and taken out only when it’s time to play. That will also help your pup learn how to recognise when it’s time for interactive play, and you’ll see them getting excited as soon as the toy comes out of the storage.

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