Australian Shepherds are full of energy! They love exercise and puzzles, making them such a perfect pair. Toys bring tons of fun, keeping them busy and out of trouble. But picking the right ones is key; not every toy is fit for them. Opt for safe, age-appropriate, and strong options.
When it comes to choosing the best toys for Australian Shepherds, there are a few critical factors to consider. First and foremost, you want to choose toys that are durable and can withstand your dog’s strong jaws and high energy levels. Look for toys made from tough materials like rubber, nylon, or Kevlar.
Another essential factor to consider is the type of toy. Australian Shepherds are known for their herding instincts, so toys that mimic this behavior can be especially appealing to them. Toys that can be used for interactive play, such as fetch or tug-of-war, are also great choices.
Finally, it’s crucial to consider the size and age of your Australian Shepherd when choosing toys. Puppies and smaller dogs will need smaller toys that are easier to handle, while larger dogs will require larger toys that can withstand their strength.
We spent hours researching and testing various toys to identify the best toys for Australian Shepherds. In the following sections, we will share our top picks and provide a detailed review of each one.
Best Toys for Australian Shepherds
- Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy
- QDAN Dog Toys Soccer Ball with Straps
- Akongy Large Soccer Ball for Dogs with Tabs
As dog lovers, we understand the importance of finding the perfect toy for our furry friends. Australian Shepherds are intelligent and active dogs that require toys that can keep up with their energy levels. After researching and testing various toys, we have compiled a list of the best toys for Australian Shepherds. These toys are not only durable but also provide mental and physical stimulation to keep your Aussie happy and healthy. Check out our top picks below.
1. Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy
If you’re looking for a durable and fun toy for your Australian Shepherd, then the Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Push-N-Play is made of hard plastic, which makes it tough enough for even the most energetic dogs.
- Designed for constant motion, this ball is perfect for dogs that love chasing, pushing, and herding.
- It floats on water, which makes it a great toy for outdoor playtime.
Cons
- The Push-N-Play is quite loud when dropped on the floor or when it’s rolling.
- Some customers have reported that their dogs were unable to pick up the ball due to its size and weight.
- The ball has a hole that needs to be plugged with hard epoxy to avoid damage.
We’ve been using the Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy for a while now, and we’re really impressed with its durability. Our Australian Shepherd loves to chase and push this ball around, and it’s been able to withstand his energetic playstyle.
One of the things we love about this ball is that it floats, which makes it a great toy for water play. We’ve taken it to the beach and to the lake, and our dog has had a blast chasing it around in the water.
However, it’s important to note that the ball is quite loud when dropped on the floor or when it’s rolling, which may be a downside for some pet owners. Additionally, some customers have reported that their dogs were unable to pick up the ball due to its size and weight.
Overall, we think the Jolly Pets Push-n-Play Ball Dog Toy is a great choice for Australian Shepherds and other energetic dogs. It’s durable, fun, and versatile, and we highly recommend it.
2. QDAN Dog Toys Soccer Ball with Straps
We highly recommend the QDAN Dog Toys Soccer Ball with Straps for Australian Shepherds who love to play and need a durable toy that can withstand their energy and enthusiasm.
Pros
- The ball is made of premium PU material that is durable and soft, complying with the same standards as children’s toys.
- The nylon tabs sewn evenly into the seams create an erratic bounce that dogs love to chase and make it easier for them to fetch, toss, tug, and retrieve the ball.
- The ball is lightweight and buoyant, making it perfect for water play in the pool, lake, or beach.
Cons
- The ball is suitable for 20-40lbs dogs, and heavy dog pets need to choose the large size, which fits 30-90lbs.
- The ball is limited to interactive play and is not a chew toy.
- The ball can be punctured if used by aggressive chewers.
The QDAN Dog Toys Soccer Ball with Straps is a great interactive dog toy that can keep Australian Shepherds entertained, active, and engaged. The design of the rope on the surface makes it easier for dogs to pick up and fetch, while the hexagon texture on the outside and the long rope at the top make it easy for humans to grip and toss. The ball comes deflated, but there is a needlepoint adapter and a pump included, making it easy to inflate. The ball is 6 inches in diameter, perfect for small and medium breeds.
In our experience, this ball is durable and can withstand the rough play of Australian Shepherds. The ball’s paws are printed evenly on the surface to attract dogs’ attention, and the longer strap for people to hold onto the ball makes it a great interactive toy to train your dogs. We love that the company has a professional team to solve any dog ball problems for you, and their after-sales email is available for any inquiries or issues.
Overall, the QDAN Dog Toys Soccer Ball with Straps is a great investment for Australian Shepherd owners who want a durable, interactive toy that can keep their dogs entertained and active.
3. Akongy Large Soccer Ball for Dogs with Tabs
If you are looking for a durable and fun toy for your Australian Shepherd, the Akongy Large Soccer Ball with Tabs is a great choice.
Pros
- The built-in tabs make it easy for dogs to pick up and retrieve the ball.
- It is convenient to bring anywhere for a game of fetch or tug of war.
- The dual-layer construction can withstand bites and is suitable for medium or large dogs.
Cons
- Some customers reported that the straps break after a few uses.
- It may not be suitable for aggressive chewers.
- The ball comes deflated and requires inflation before use.
We recently purchased this toy for our Australian Shepherd, and it quickly became one of his favorites. The built-in tabs make it easy for him to pick up and retrieve the ball, and the cute dog design adds to the fun. We love that it is durable enough to withstand his bites and that we can take it with us on outdoor adventures.
However, we did notice that the straps may break after a few uses, so it may not be the best choice for dogs who are aggressive chewers. Additionally, the ball comes deflated, and it requires inflation before use, which may be a hassle for some pet owners.
Overall, we highly recommend the Akongy Large Soccer Ball with Tabs for Australian Shepherds and other medium or large breeds. It is a great way to bond with your furry friend and keep them entertained for hours.
4. ESYLIF Dog Chew Toys for Teething, Boredom, Toothbrush, 20 Pack Puppy Toys with Rope Toys, Treat Balls and Squeaky Toys for Small Medium Breeds
If you’re looking for a comprehensive dog toy pack that will keep your Australian Shepherd entertained and healthy, the ESYLIF Dog Chew Toys set is an excellent choice. With 20 toys included, this pack meets the different needs of your puppy’s daily life while helping them get rid of boredom and stay active.
Pros
- The pack includes a wide range of toys that cater to different needs, including rope toys, rubber toys for toothbrushes, training toys, plush squeaky dog toys, and a dog toy basket for storage.
- Made from organic cotton and non-toxic materials, the chew toys are safe for your puppy to use and will help maintain their oral health.
- The interactive dog toys are perfect for training and building a stronger bond with your furry friend.
Cons
- The toys are not suitable for aggressive chewers, and it’s recommended to supervise play and replace broken toys promptly.
- The Frisbee toy may not be as durable as the other toys in the pack.
- The balls and ropes may be too small for larger breeds.
The ESYLIF Dog Chew Toys set is an excellent investment for any Australian Shepherd owner looking to provide their furry friend with a comprehensive toy pack that will keep them entertained and healthy. With a variety of toys that cater to different needs, your puppy will never get bored.
The chew toys are made from organic cotton and non-toxic materials, making them safe for your puppy to use. The different types of toys included in the pack will help maintain your puppy’s oral health and promote tooth cleaning.
The interactive dog toys are perfect for training and building a stronger bond with your furry friend. The various rope toys can be highly interactive and used for picking and tossing games, while the bells and clickers are effective tools for teaching your puppy good habits.
The Squeaky Plush Donkey Soothing Toy is a great companion for your puppy, helping them escape loneliness while they sleep, play, or when their owners are out. The other plush squeaky dog toys and rubber plush toys making sound will engage your dog’s interest and satisfy their hunting instinct, keeping their mind and body busy and active.
The high-quality storage basket for these rich dog supplies will help you organize your storage and keep your home tidy. At the same time, it can help your puppy develop a good habit of returning toys after playing. Additional dog poop disposal tools are attached for convenient puppy outings.
Overall, the ESYLIF Dog Chew Toys set is a great investment for any Australian Shepherd owner looking to keep their furry friend entertained and healthy. Just remember to supervise play and replace broken toys promptly.
5. Race&Herd Herding Ball for Dogs Blue Heelers, Horse Ball & Ball Cover – 25″ Ball Large with Air Pump | for Play Hurding Ball | Hearding Ball Toys for Horses Stall 25″ Blue Ball with Cover & Pump Blue
If you’re looking for a herding ball toy for your Australian Shepherd, the Race&Herd Herding Ball is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The ball is made of durable material and is designed to withstand rough play.
- Comes with a cover that makes it easy to grip and carry around.
- It’s a fun and interactive toy that can help your dog stay active and engaged.
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues with the seams and zipper.
- The ball may not stay inflated for long periods of time.
- It can take a while to inflate the ball properly.
We recently purchased the Race&Herd Herding Ball for our Australian Shepherd and have been pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoys playing with it. The ball is made of durable material that can withstand rough play and is designed to be used as a herding toy for dogs.
One of the best things about this toy is the cover that comes with it. The cover makes it easy for your dog to grip and carry around the ball, which can make playtime even more fun and interactive. Our dog loves to chase after the ball and try to herd it around the yard.
However, we did notice that the ball can be difficult to inflate properly. It took us a while to get it fully inflated, and even then, it didn’t stay inflated for very long. Some customers have also reported issues with the seams and zipper, so it’s important to keep an eye on the ball to make sure it doesn’t start to come apart.
Overall, we would recommend the Race&Herd Herding Ball for any dog that loves to play and stay active. It’s a fun and interactive toy that can provide hours of entertainment for both you and your furry friend.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying toys for your Australian Shepherd, there are a few key features to look for to ensure you are getting the best product for your furry friend. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the perfect toy:
Durability
Australian Shepherds are known for their high energy and love of play, so it’s important to choose toys that can withstand their rough and tumble play style. Look for toys made from durable materials such as rubber or nylon, and avoid toys that are easily destroyed or torn apart.
Size
The size of the toy is also an important factor to consider. Australian Shepherds are medium-sized dogs, so it’s best to choose toys that are appropriately sized for their mouth and body. Toys that are too small can pose a choking hazard, while toys that are too large may be difficult for your dog to play with.
Interactive Features
Toys that offer interactive features such as squeakers or puzzles can provide mental stimulation for your Australian Shepherd and help prevent boredom. Look for toys that offer a variety of textures and sounds to keep your dog engaged.
Variety
Just like humans, dogs can get bored with the same toys day in and day out. It’s important to provide your Australian Shepherd with a variety of toys to keep them entertained and engaged. Consider rotating toys every few weeks to keep things interesting.
By considering these factors, you can find the perfect toy for your Australian Shepherd that will provide hours of entertainment and mental stimulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of toys are best for keeping an Australian Shepherd mentally stimulated?
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and energetic dogs that require mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. Toys that challenge their minds and provide a physical outlet for their energy are ideal. Puzzle toys, interactive toys, and fetch toys are all great options for keeping an Australian Shepherd mentally stimulated.
How can I ensure my Australian Shepherd puppy stays engaged with their toys?
Puppies have short attention spans, so it’s important to rotate their toys frequently to keep them engaged. Introduce new toys regularly, and remove toys that they have lost interest in. Playing with your puppy and their toys together is also a great way to keep them engaged and bond with them.
What are some recommended interactive toys for Australian Shepherds?
Interactive toys that require problem-solving and physical activity are great for Australian Shepherds. Toys like treat-dispensing balls, tug toys, and puzzle toys are all excellent options. Interactive toys that allow for socialization and bonding with their owners, such as frisbees and fetch toys, are also great choices.
Which toys are known to be favorites among Australian Shepherds for herding practice?
Australian Shepherds are known for their herding instincts, so toys that mimic herding activities are popular among them. Toys like frisbees, balls, and agility equipment are great for practicing herding skills. Rope toys and tug toys are also popular among Australian Shepherds for their herding instincts.
Are there specific puzzle toys that are well-suited for an Australian Shepherd’s intelligence?
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, so puzzle toys that challenge their minds are ideal. Toys like puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive games are all great options for keeping an Australian Shepherd mentally stimulated. Look for puzzle toys that have adjustable difficulty levels to keep them engaged and challenged.
How can I keep my Australian Shepherd entertained with toys when I’m not at home?
When you’re not at home, it’s important to provide your Australian Shepherd with toys that can keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, and interactive toys are all great options. You can also leave them with a chew toy or a Kong filled with peanut butter to keep them occupied. It’s important to supervise your dog when they’re playing with toys to ensure their safety.
