Best Toys for Labradoodles – Reviews & Buying Guide
February 17, 2022 2022-02-21 5:38As an Amazon affiliate we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we have tested and are using on our own dogs!
Whether you’re getting a Labradoodle puppy or you want to liven up your adult Labradoodle’s entertainment options, toys are essential to your dog’s happiness. There are hundreds of options on the market today, but we’ve narrowed the search for you.Â
We’ve tried and tested the best toys based on your Labradoodle’s age, size, activity level, and chewing ability. We will also showcase our favorite budget-friendly and durable toys for all Labradoodles. Let’s get started!
Our Best Choice Labradoodle Toy
The Kong Classic Toy is available in three sizes so you can choose the right one for your dog. This multifunctional toy comes in as our top pick for multiple reasons. Made of durable rubber, this serves as a hardy chew toy to keep your dog entertained.
Use it to play fetch with your dog, too! The unique design and shape of the Kong give it an unpredictable bounce pattern which encourages more exercise as your Labradoodle chases after it. Fill the Kong with dry kibble, plain yogurt, or peanut butter to keep your dog busy as they work to get their reward.
Best of all, the Kong is easy to clean by hand or it can be tossed in the dishwasher. This simple, classic toy is versatile and provides hours of mental and physical enrichment.
Table of Contents
Mini-Reviews
Looking for something a bit more specific? Check out our reviews below for some specialized choices.
Best Toy For Labradoodle Puppies
This Petstages Soothing Puppy Cuddle Pal is perfect for new puppies who are experiencing a little anxiety adjusting to their new homes. This cuddle pal includes a microwaveable buckwheat pouch so your pup can snuggle up to it for warmth and safety. While this provides a calming feeling for puppies, it can be used on cats, as well.
For added convenience, this toy is machine washable in case it becomes the victim of a puppy accident. As your pup grows and no longer requires the warming pouch, this cuddle pal can continue to be a favorite toy.
Best For Very Active Pups
This adorable pack of Toozey Puppy Toys features seven toys that will provide hours of entertainment for your energetic pup. There are six styles to choose from that are all filled with fun. Rope toys are included for interactive play. Soft, plush, squeaky toys can be used to play fetch.
The durable material covering the toys is fun for puppies to chew, providing relief for those that are teething. Redirect biting puppies to these toys so they can start learning proper bite behavior.
Best For Tugging
With over 15 styles to choose from, this Charming Pet Tug Toy features tug-activated squeakers and crinkle sounds to keep your dog engaged. These toys are designed for you to play with your dog. Tug of war games are made easy with the durable handles. This toy is also soft enough for fetch and catch, too.
Canvas linings and double-stitched seams give this toy the strength it needs to stand up to Labradoodle teeth. Best of all, when this toy gets gross, you can toss it in the dishwasher or washing machine for easy cleaning.
While this toy is made to be durable, heavy chewers may still be able to destroy this fairly quickly.
Best Puzzle Toy For Labradoodles
With four levels to choose from, the Outward Hound Dog Treat Puzzle will keep your pup busy. Once you place treats in the hidden compartments, dogs will need to complete three steps to uncover them.
This toy is ideal for dogs that get nervous during fireworks, thunderstorms, or other anxiety-filled moments. It provides a healthy distraction by keeping your dog’s mind engaged. It also works well for dogs with separation anxiety, keeping them occupied when you’re not home.
For Fetching Fun
If your Labradoodle loves to chase a ball, the ChuckIt! Ball Launcher will up their fetching game. Not only does this toy enable you to throw the ball farther and faster, but it also lets you pick up the ball without using your hands or bending over. This toy is ideal for use in large backyards or enclosed dog parks or beaches. The ball floats so water-loving Labradoodles can easily locate it.
Best Toy For Senior Labradoodles
Our Favorite Squeaky Toy
This cute Sedioso Squeaky Toy is made of soft, woven cotton with legs that are perfect for chewing and tugging. While most dogs make it their primary mission to seek out and remove the squeaker, this toy outlasts others when it comes to durability. Aggressive chewers may still be able to remove the squeaker, but some dogs have had it for months before that happens.
Best Battery-Operated Toy
This Hyper Pet Doggie Tail encourages play by wobbling, wiggling, vibrating, and barking. The erratic movements keep dogs entertained and exercising. It entices dogs to run and chase, increasing their activity. This keeps bored dogs happy.
This toy operates on three AAA batteries which are included so that you can start the activity right away. After a while without use, the toy automatically shuts off to preserve the battery life.
Very active dogs that are heavy chewers may be able to destroy this toy quickly.
Best Treat-Dispensing Toy For Labradoodles
The StarMark Bob-A-Lot Dog Toy is a weighted treat dispenser that will keep your dog busy! They’ll have to work to get their reward as the toy rocks back and forth. The large chamber inside can hold a full meal of dry kibble, making this ideal for dogs that eat too quickly. This forces them to slow down by making them work for their food.
Fill this with treats to keep your dog entertained and occupied. You can adjust the opening size to increase the level of difficulty. This is a fun way to provide mental stimulation for your dog that gives them an instant reward.
Best Rope
This extra-large rope toy is perfect for Labradoodles that like to chew and pull. Tug of war games can last longer with this durable toy that is nearly indestructible. And if your pup does manage to destroy it? The company will give you a replacement or a refund.
The material can hold up against active chewers. This rope can be used by multiple dogs at once for pulling, playing, and chasing.
A Buyer’s Guide to the Best Labradoodle Toys
Labradoodles are very active dogs that want to play, explore, and exercise. Since these dogs are not couch potatoes, they need ways to burn off their energy and stay mentally and physically stimulated.
Labradoodles need enrichment every day or they can turn to undesirable behaviors. They are slow to mature and usually only calm down a bit at around 3 years of age.
The Importance of Toys
Labradoodles like to chew, chase, run, swim, and play. If they don’t get enough exercise each day, they can become destructive in the home. Chewing furniture, shoes, kids’ toys, and books are common occurrences for bored Labradoodles that don’t have toys or adequate playtime. Barking all day long also can occur … and it won’t be fun!
To avoid these unwanted behaviors, make sure that your dog has plenty of walks, chances to run, and toys to play with. When their chewing instinct kicks in, having their own things to chew on will save your household items.
What Are the Best Toys for Labradoodles?
- Chew Toys
Labradoodles are strong chewers and need toys that can satisfy their chewing instincts. Chew toys should be durable enough to last and not break apart instantly. If your Labradoodle is a heavy chewer, always supervise them when they are playing with toys.
Chewing apart small pieces of toys and ingesting them put your dog at risk for choking and intestinal blockages. Always make sure the toy your dog is chewing is one that is suitable for them
- Puzzle Toys
Labradoodles are intelligent and enjoy toys that keep them mentally engaged. These toys don’t provide much exercise for dogs, but they keep their minds stimulated. Puzzle toys can keep dogs from getting bored. They also offer rewards for correctly solving the puzzle, further motivating your dog to work for them.Â
- Fetch Toys
Labradoodles love having plenty of toys around to play fetch with because they are highly active dogs. Throwing a ball or plush toy will give them a way to get the exercise they need and have fun doing it.Â
You may even notice your Labradoodle bringing you toys to throw for them. The more toys they have to chase, the more you can be sure your dog is getting the activity that they need.
- Tug Toys
Tug toys allow Labradoodles to get exercise, safely release some pent-up energy, and bond with their owners. After all, the tug toy needs to be used with another person in order to work properly.Â
Since these toys require interaction, playtime can also be socialization time. They will need you, another person, or another dog in order to play.Â
- Plush Toys
Plush toys are best for dogs that aren’t super destructive. They can provide a feeling of comfort to anxious dogs and have a calming effect on puppies. They are fun to snuggle with and can be used as pillows.Â
Some dogs use plush toys like children use security blankets. If your Labradoodle is intent on destroying the plush toy instantly, they’d do better with more durable toys.Â
What to Look For in Toys for Labradoodles
Quality
Toys that won’t be destroyed instantly are the best choices for Labradoodles. Rubber, nylon, canvas, and latex are good choices. Plush toys with reinforced seams are ideal. If the toys are going to be used outdoors, notice how they can get cleaned. Some toys can be hand washed or put in the washing machine.Â
Design
Not every Labradoodle will like every toy. Some dogs love puzzle toys while others lose interest in them quickly. It can take some trial and error to find toys that your individual dog will enjoy.Â
Noise
If you get a noisy, battery-operated toy or one with a loud squeaker, consider when you’ll let your pup play with this toy. If they want to constantly squeeze the toys to hear the squeaker, this may not be the best option when you’re in a Zoom meeting down the hall.Â
If your dog loves noisy toys, be sure to offer them when playtime is allowed without restriction.Â
The Bottom Line
We love the KONG Classic Toy for Labradoodles because it can be used in many different ways, is made of durable material, and provides hours of entertainment.Â
Choosing a toy for your Labradoodle can be tricky because not all dogs like the same things. Some dogs are also more destructive than others.Â
Toys are important for Labradoodles because they provide mental and physical stimulation, decrease boredom, and help your pup have fun. This only happens if the toys are right for your specific dog. If you give your dog a toy and they never play with it, you can safely assume they aren’t interested in it and try another kind.Â
Always supervise your dog when they are playing with toys that they can easily destroy to avoid accidental injury from swallowed pieces and parts.Â
By choosing the correct toys that engage your dog’s senses, you will have a healthy, happy, well-rounded dog that doesn’t turn to destructive behaviors for entertainment.
Author: Jessica Rossetti
Jessica lives in Chicago with her husband, Dominic, and their rescued cat, Toast. She has lived with dogs for over 30 years and spends her days writing, caring for various animals, and enjoying her backyard that has become an oasis for wild creatures.
Her passion for animals began at a young age when she would bring home the lost dog or cat. As she got older, she went on to bring home an injured bird or raccoon. This love and desire to help all creatures led to her work as an adult with various animal rescues, where she saved the lives of many domestic and wild animals while learning the necessary skills to care for them.
Owning and operating a professional pet care service in Chicago for the past twelve years, Jessica cares for dogs in her home while writing full-time.
