The 6 Best Tug Toys for Dogs

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One of the best things you can do for your relationship with your dog is play together! There are tons of different games you can play with your dog, but tug is definitely a classic.

Tug is a great game to play for physical enrichment for both you and your dog because it requires a lot of effort, especially if you and your dog really get into it. I think I actually get more exercise than my dog does when we play tug!

Tug is also great for mental enrichment. Humans and dogs are social creatures who co-evolved so social outlets are great mental enrichment for our pups and for us.

Tug is my dog’s favorite game. Needless to say, we have tried a lot of tug toys. I hope this list of the best tug toys for dogs helps you find your dog’s new favorite tug toy!

Criteria for Selecting Tug Toys

I don’t have a ratings system or anything, but I do play a lot of tug with my Golden Retriever, so we have tried a lot of different tug toys. When I am playing with a tug toy, these are the things I am concerned about:

Durability: Durable toys are more expensive, but they end up being more affordable in the long run. My Golden Retriever is very strong and destructive, so I prefer tugging with durable “indestructible” dog toys.
Safety: Not all toys are made equal! I only buy from brands I trust to make sure there’s no toxic materials in the toys. I also consider the size of the toy and whether my dog and I will both be able to get a good grip on a toy.
Play style compatibility: There are different styles of tug! My dog’s favorite style is intense, growly, and rambunctious, but sometimes I am in the mood for a chiller game. Different shapes and materials of toys can give you a very different game.

Our Favorite Tug Toys

And so, without further ado, I present to you the ultimate list of the best tug toys for dogs!

**Puller Ring**

The Puller Ring is one of my favorite toys! These rings are super durable and allow my dog to get a really good grip on them. We yank and tug and I even swing her around a bit with them. I think everyone needs a set of Puller Rings for their dog!

**Bite Bumper**

For intense dogs I really like the bumpers made from canvas, jute, fire hose material, etc. These toys are used in bite sports, so you know they are durable. This one is made of jute and has great reviews. These ones are made of fire hose, so they are even more durable!

**Stuffingless Plushies**

I’m ok with my dogs ripping up cheap toys sometimes, but definitely not every toy. The plushies without stuffing end up lasting so much longer. They aren’t strong enough to play a really intense game of tug with, but they are great for solo chewing and double as a great tug toy for less intense tuggers!

**Kong Jumbler Ball**

I love the Kong Jumbler for how versatile it is. It can be a great squeaky toy, fetch ball, or tug toy! This is also really durable, even with an intense dog who loves tug.

**Rope Tug Toys**

Rope tug toys are great for all sizes of dog, and they are my personal favorite for small dogs. The small ones are easy for you and your dog to get a grip on and they are better for a less intense game.

**Ball on a Rope**

You could easily make one of these, but if you would rather just buy one and save yourself the trouble, I recommend the Chuckit! Ultra Tug. With a ball on a rope, you can easily switch between fetch and tug!

Does your dog like playing tug? What’s their favorite toy to tug with?

Frequently Asked Questions About Tug Toys for Dogs

Do dogs actually enjoy tug of war?

Heck yeah! I mean dogs are individuals, so some won’t like it or won’t care about it as much. But generally dogs enjoy it! My Golden Retriever can’t get enough of it.

Are rope tug toys safe?

This is an individual choice. I don’t use them with my Golden Retriever because she is a chewer and so she will eat pieces of rope. String from the rope can become tangled in a dog’s intestines, so rope toys probably aren’t the best choice for dogs that like to chew and shred. As long as you supervise your pup with rope toys, I see no problem. Act according to your own comfort level!

Should dogs have access to toys all the time?

It depends on your priorities with your dog. If you want a drivey dog, you can make the toys “special” by only having them out when you are actively playing and engaging with your dog. If you are less concerned about engagement, then access to some toys all the time is fine. For added enrichment and to give your dog variety, try rotating through your dog’s toys so they have new options each week!

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