Does your dog get bored quickly, destructive when not stimulated, or anxious when you’re not at home? As much as we’d love to be able to give our dogs all the attention, physical exercise, and mental stimulation they need, we can’t always be on hand to play with them. But I’ve found some clever and unique dog stimulation toys that can bust boredom, offer rewards, and alleviate anxiety. See my top picks for the best interactive dog toys to give you and your pup peace of mind.
| Puzzle | Responsive | Smart |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Outward Hound | Potaroma | Cheerble |
| View on Chewy | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
Note: Please inspect your dogs’ toys regularly (regardless of whether they are dog mental stimulation toys) to ensure they’re in working condition and safe for play. Your dog should not ingest stuffing, plastic, or other harmful materials. Read the toy’s packaging to identify any precautions. Some of these toys require supervision when used, too.
15 Best Interactive Toys For Dogs
Treat-dispenser puzzles offer pups mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored. They come in varying degrees of difficulty, from beginners to experts. There are many interactive dog toys, ranging from inexpensive treat-dispensing puzzles to toys that move and make noise and even high-tech smart devices. I’ve researched dozens of interactive dog toys and give you my top picks.
Best Puzzle Dog Toy: Nina Ottosson By Outward Hound Review
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
With this fun interactive puzzle, your dog has to figure out that they need to remove, flip, and slide the plastic bricks to get to the rewards. With three different problem-solving challenges in one puzzle, this toy provides a lot of mental stimulation for your pup. This is an intermediate option, so most dogs can learn how to work this treat dispenser. Many of us at Canine Journal bought this puzzle, and our dogs love it. The only downside to this dog puzzle toy is that some impatient dogs discovered that many treats fall out if they flip it over. Overcome this by wedging it in place or strap it to an elevated surface like a stool or small table.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 3-in-1 puzzle game | Some dogs learned to flip the puzzle |
| Made with BPA-free plastic | |
| Easy to clean | |
| Low price |
Our Experience With Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle
My dog, Tiny, loves toys but gets bored easily with the usuals. But this puzzle is a huge hit. He’s very treat-motivated, so he has so much fun trying to get to the treats. Even after he figured it out, he still enjoys the “game.” I love Outward Hound’s puzzles because they have even more challenging ones you can rotate with your pup. And they’re really affordable for a high-quality product.
– Sally Jones, Writer & Editor For Canine Journal
Price
If you think this option sounds like a good match for your pup, check out our guide on the best brain games for dogs.
Best Responsive Dog Toy: Floppy Fish Dog Toy Review
The interactive Floppy Fish Dog Toy has become a fad among dog and cat owners. Like a fish out of water, its realistic flopping and flipping motion can keep your pup entertained for a long time. It automatically adjusts its flopping speed by sensing the motion around it and will slow down and stop moving when left alone. It also has a good battery life and is rechargeable with the included USB cord. You can choose from seven different fish species, and the manufacturer offers a one-month satisfaction guarantee. Although it kept our dog entertained for a while, despite the claims, we did not find this a good match for a power-chewing dog.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Interactive toy that responds to your dog | It does not hold up against power chewers |
| Battery is long-lasting | |
| It comes with a USB charger | |
| Seven fish species are available | |
| It comes with a 1-month warranty |
Our First-Hand Experience With Floppy Fish
When we first saw the Floppy Fish, we knew that our pup Barley had to have it! He is very smart and thus in constant need of mental stimulation to keep him out of trouble. This did the trick – perplexing and entertaining him for quite some time. I would recommend this for owners of small dogs that do not enjoy power chewing and destroying their toys (like Barley did). Ha!
– Michelle Schenker, Pet Insurance Expert & Co-Founder Of Canine Journal
Watch Barley play with the Floppy Fish in this hilarious video (along with commentary by his parents).
Price
- Starts from $12.98
Best Interactive Smart Dog Toy: Wickedbone Smart Bone Review
You can use Cheerble’s Wickedbone Smart Bone as a remote-controlled dog toy using the virtual joystick in the mobile app or set it to interactive auto-play mode. It has nine different play modes and can automatically adjust how it reacts based on your dog’s interactions (chasing, teasing, avoiding, etc.). The rechargeable battery charges in one hour and lasts four hours in interactive mode. You can remove the end tires to wash or replace them. The downsides to this toy are that it likely won’t hold up with aggressive chewers and is too large for small dogs. Also, I saw several customer reviews that the app crashes often.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Interactive remote control toy | Not for aggressive chewers |
| The app allows you to control it | Too big for smaller dogs |
| Fast-charging & long-lasting | Some reviews mention the app isn’t reliable |
| The end tires are replaceable | |
| Easy to clean |
Our First-Hand Experience With Wickedbone
We had the chance to try out the Wickedbone. It arrived uncharged but comes with a USB cord to charge, and after an hour or so it was ready to go. You sync it up via Bluetooth using their app and then pick one of the movements for it to do. Some are more subtle than others which can be a bit aggressive. Our Cavalier was a bit confused at first but then thought it was something to chase. He’s too small to pick up the bone, but that’s probably for the best so that he doesn’t chew on the gadget.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog mom
Price
Best Wobble Treat Dispenser: P.L.A.Y Wobble Ball 2.0 Review
The Wobble Ball is one of P.L.A.Y’s most popular snack dispenser enrichment toys. The plastic dome has three openings for the snacks to fall out of, which also means they are easy for Fido to smell. The sound of the treats rolling around the ball encourages your dog to roll, nudge, and paw it even more. It comes in three bright colors, each with a cute scene inside. It is made with tough, durable polycarbonate and ABS thermoplastic and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Only a few reviews mention that the large opening is too big, and lots of the treats fell out at once.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Treat-dispenser wobble ball | Only 1 size |
| 3 different size openings | Some customers mention the large opening is too big |
| Made with durable material | |
| Dishwasher safe | |
| It comes in 3 colors |
Our Experience With Wobble Ball 2.0
We got the chance to try PLAY’s wobble ball in exchange for an honest review. We’ve tried many interactive toys over the years with our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who loves to play brain games. He can either finish them too quickly or get frustrated. But with PLAY it gives him lots of play time trying to get the treats out. It’s big enough it can’t roll under the sofa which makes him frustrated. And the ball is sturdy unlike other treat balls we’ve tried previously which fall a part easily. It pops off into 2 pieces for easy cleaning too. The only downside is it can be a little loud with all the pawing and rolling around, so we tend to only use it when we’re not home.
– Sadie Cornelius, Creative & Marketing For Canine Journal
Price
Best Interactive Toy For High-Energy Dogs: Dibbatu Flirt Pole Review
This flirt pole measures 33 inches long, the length of the cord is 38 inches, and the length of the rope is 12 inches. It is ideal for all dog sizes, small and large and provides lots of physical exercise, too. The dog wand is made with durable 304 stainless steel that can withstand harsh tugging. Plus, the swivel eye snap hook that connects the stick with the cord offers rotation and more flexibility. The rubber handle makes playtime comfortable for you, too. It can be disassembled into two parts, which is ideal for easy storage. The attachable rope toy is tough for lots of chewing and tugging. Flirt poles are great to play with and wear your dog out with minimal effort, giving you a safe distance between your hands and their mouth. Some customers found it was pretty heavy, but this wasn’t an issue for most.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Interactive chase or tug-of-war toy | A few customers said it was heavier than expected |
| Made with strong, durable materials | |
| Great for high-energy dogs | |
| It is made with your comfort in mind | |
| Easy to store | |
| Offers safe distance between dog & owner |
My Experience With A Flirt Pole
I recently bought a flirt pole for my young Dachshund, Chips, who is very high energy. As soon as I assembled the pole and flicked the rope toy, she jumped straight into action. I can easily spend 30 minutes playing with the pole and her in our yard. She chases the rope toy, and after a minute I let her catch it and play with it for a little bit. It offers physical exercise and is a great way to wear her out, which she rarely does. Using a flirt pole is a brilliant way to teach your dog impulse control, too. I haven’t started with this yet, but I plan to. I can already tell this is going to be one of Chip’s favorite toys and I’m so glad I bought it.
– Emma Braby, Rescue Dog Mom & Author
Price
I have reviewed a number of other flirt sticks in my guide on the best flirt poles and how to use one.
Best Tube Treat Dispenser: TRIXIE Turn Around Mad Scientist Puzzle Review
Another popular treat dispenser puzzle with many pup parents, this Mad Scientist Puzzle requires your dog to master flipping each beaker over and ensuring it balances correctly to release the treats. It has two lid types, so you can adjust the difficulty or mix the lids up for an added challenge. It is made with safe plastic that is free from chemicals like BPA, and it is easy to clean. The base is heavy, so it doesn’t topple over easily, although some extra large dogs might manage it. This intermediate snack dispenser is suitable for all sizes and has a one-year warranty. The only downside is that the treat holes are very small, so you need tiny treats.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Interactive treat dispenser | Not for heavy chewers |
| Features a heavy base | The holes are small, so you need very small treats |
| It comes with different size lids | |
| Made with safe plastic | |
| Easy to clean | |
| It comes with a 1-year warranty |
Price
Best Moving Ball: Cheerble Wicked Ball Review
View on Amazon | Visit Website
Cheerble’s Wicked Ball can entertain and keep your pup active through various self-activated motions. This busy ball intuitively lights up, rolls, spins, and bounces around the room to entice your dog to play. It has a built-in obstacle avoidance sensor and a rechargeable battery with good battery life. The Wicked Ball SE measures 2.2 inches, ideal for smaller breeds. Meanwhile, the Wicked Ball PE measures 3.1 inches and is the best option for medium to large breeds. Although many pet parents say their dogs love this ball, neither is ideal for aggressive chewers. It is made with durable rubber that is easy to grip but doesn’t affect its ability to roll about.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It comes in 2 sizes | Not for aggressive chewers |
| Interactive wobble ball with 3 modes | Some customers mention it can be tricky to turn on at first |
| It comes in a variety of colors | |
| Lights up for added enrichment | |
| Made with durable rubber | |
| It comes with a charger | |
| 1-year warranty |
Our Experience With Wicked Ball
Wicked Ball SE was a challenge to turn on the first time — I had to push really hard. Then after that initial power on, it was easy to use and turn on and off (or change modes). The ball bounces, lights up different colors, and vibrates when touched, making it very interactive. The material is extremely durable and easy to clean, and the ball lasts a good while before it needs charging. It’s slightly bigger than a golf ball but smaller than a tennis ball. The SE is 2.2 inches and probably best for small to medium-sized dogs.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog mom
Price
Read our full review of Wicked Ball in our more in-depth article.
Best Ball Launcher: iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher Review
This automatic dog ball thrower is a fetch lover’s dream come true. It comes in two sizes for small and large dogs and is excellent for indoor and outdoor use. Teach your pup to retrieve and place the ball in the launcher for endless interactive fun and exercise. You can set it to throw 10, 20, or 30 feet for the small size and 10, 25, or 40 feet for the large size — or set it to “random” to mix up the fun. The large launcher uses standard-size tennis balls (three included). The small launcher requires mini-balls, but it comes with three. The small model works on batteries or via a wall plug, whereas the larger model uses rechargeable batteries. A few customers report that the machine drains the batteries, but it offers endless physical exercise.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fun, automatic ball launcher | Quite expensive |
| 2 sizes for different dog breeds | Some customers mention the batteries drain quickly |
| For indoor and outdoor use | |
| 3 distance modes & 1 random option | |
| Comes with 3 balls |
Price
The iFetch is our top pick for a ball launcher. But we like a few other ball launchers, too, so head to our top ball launchers guide for more information.
Best Interactive Plush Toy: Hyper Pet Interactive Plush Dog Toy Review
This plush dog toy wiggles, vibrates, and barks to engage your dog in play. Every time your dog shakes, rolls, or tosses the toy, it moves and makes noise for about 10 seconds. It has a convenient on/off switch when you don’t want the toy to be active. To switch things up for your pup, you can get replacement covers for the battery-operated ball in a few different styles (monster, unicorn, crab, and dog tail). It needs three AAA batteries and comes with batteries, too. The removable cover is easy to clean and has a one-year limited warranty. The primary complaint from a few customers is that the cover didn’t hold up against heavy chewers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Interactive plush toy | Cover doesn’t hold up against heavy chewers |
| Wiggles, vibrates, and sounds for engagement | Is quite heavy |
| Switches on and off | |
| Several designs of replacement covers | |
| It comes with 3 AAA batteries | |
| 1-year limited warranty |
Price
- Starts from $16.77
Best Interactive Mat: Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat Review
While not nearly as challenging as the treat puzzles above, the Paw5 Wooly Snuffle Mat still provides treat-motivated entertainment for your pup. All you have to do is sprinkle treats over the top, and your dog will forage and sniff the snacks out. The patented design with curled material encourages foraging and is excellent for scent work. It’s made of organic and non-toxic materials and is machine-washable. It comes in gray or two different color styles. This mat can also work as a slow feeder. The only criticism from some customers is that larger dogs can find it too small.
Our Experience With Snuffle Mats
Our dog has major separation anxiety and the snuffle mat is the perfect way to distract him when we leave or he needs something to keep entertained. Since he’s highly food motivated, hiding treats in the mat gives him something to sniff out while calming his nerves.
– Sadie Cornelius, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Parent
Price
- Starts from $31.95
We have reviewed several other snuffle mats, too.
Other Stimulating Dog Toys
Here are a few other fun interactive dog toys that will entertain your dog without breaking your budget. Although they didn’t make my top picks, they are still a great choice for some pups.
PetDroid Interactive Dog/Cat Ball Review
This motion-activated ball can keep your pup entertained for hours and is a great choice if you’re looking for an interactive dog toy that moves. It has two modes: rolling with a few bounces and active bouncing. And it lights up for added stimulation. Attach the included feather or another small toy to the hook to enhance your pup’s chasing instincts. Charge it with a phone charger, and it can last for five hours of continuous play. It also has an automatic shut-off to save battery life. Although the product description says it’s only for hardwood floors, many customers say it works well on the carpet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2 interactive modes | Not for heavy chewers |
| You can attach a feather or other small toy via the hook | Quite small and unsuitable for large breeds |
| Long-lasting rechargeable battery | |
| Works indoor and outdoor | |
| Customers say it works on carpets, too |
Price
Pet Qwerks Babble Ball Interactive Dog Toy Review
The Babble Ball interacts with your dog by making over 20 phrases and sounds. As your pup walks past or breathes on it, the ball’s sounds activate to entice your dog to play. It’s a perfect option for dogs with separation anxiety. Unlike the PetDroid I reviewed above, this hard plastic ball doesn’t roll or bounce independently. But many pet parents say their dogs love the noises. It comes in three sizes, requires three LR44 batteries, which are included, and automatically shuts off when your dog’s done playing. A few customers stated the material was too hard for their canine chewers. If your dog likes to chew a little, I recommend choosing one of the ball options above.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Makes a variety of sounds and phrases | Made with hard plastic |
| It comes in 3 sizes | Not ideal for chewers |
| Shuts off when inactive | |
| It comes with 3 LR44 batteries | |
| 30-day warranty |
Price
- Starts at $9.99
Starmark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy Review
A massive hit with many dogs and pet parents, the Starmark food/treat-dispensing Bob-A-Lot toy provides mental stimulation and physical exercise. The design with a weighted bottom makes the toy wobble around, encouraging your dog to play. You can fit up to three cups of kibble and adjust the openings for the size of the food or difficulty level. It’s also helpful to slow down fast eaters and comes in two sizes. The main criticism from a few customers is that their dog found it relatively easy to chew through the top section.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wobble snack dispenser | Some dogs found it easy to chew through |
| Holds up to 3 cups of kibble | |
| You can adjust the openings | |
| It comes in 2 sizes |
Price
- Starts at: $14.60
Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Dog Toys Review
Hide-and-seek toys, like this Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel plush toy, are a great option to provide your dog with mental stimulation without food as a motivation. As a bonus, the squirrels have squeakers for lots of entertainment. It’s a perfect interactive puppy toy, but it likely won’t last long with aggressive chewers. It comes in various sizes or other options to hide a hedgehog, llama, bee, and more. You can replace the toys, and there’s also a birthday cake option too, making it a great option as a birthday toy for your pup. Hide snacks in the trunk for extra stimulation and rewards.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It’s a really cute interactive plush toy | It doesn’t hold up against heavy chewers |
| Each squirrel has a squeaker | |
| It comes in various sizes & options | |
| Replacement squirrels available |
Our Experience With Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Toy
My dog Daisy absolutely loves this toy. She is almost 11 years old, and weighs about 70 pounds. I have purchased this toy for her at least 3 times. She cannot get enough of it. As soon as we open the package, she is dancing around like a puppy with excitement. The log keeps the squirrels nice and cozy, and she likes to work them out of it. However, her favorite part is the little squirrels. She hides the squirrels all over the house and will keep one on her bed next to her to sleep with. Eventually, she will destroy them, but we have never had any issue with her eating the parts. I keep replacing it because she has so much fun with it. One toy usually lasts us about 4 months.
– Danielle DeGroot, Research & Writing For Canine Journal
Price
- Starts at: $9.99
LOOBANI Outdoor Bungee Tug Toy Review
This interactive bungee tug toy can keep your dog entertained and active while they’re outside. Your dog can tug, pull, and swing from this device all on their own — and it’s strong enough for heavy dogs. Simply hang it from a tree limb or wrap it around a trunk. The bungee provides fun spring-back motion, and the strong toy attached at the bottom is suitable for all types of chewers. However, some owners state the tether itself isn’t chew-proof. Overall, it gets excellent customer reviews from owners of all dog sizes and tops up their need for physical exercise.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is a great interactive tug-toy | The tether doesn’t hold up against heavy chewers |
| Easily attachable | |
| Spring-back bungee material | |
| The toy is made for most tough chewers | |
| Strong enough for large breeds | |
| 1-year warranty |
Price
Frequently Asked Questions
We know that many of our readers still have questions about brain stimulation toys for dogs. If you have a question not listed below, let us know in the comments, and we’ll find out for you.
What’s The Best Brain Stimulation Toy For My Dog?
The best interactive toy for your dog is the one you think they’ll play with and get the most from. If your dog loves snacks, pick an option that dispenses treats. If they can’t get enough of fetch, invest in a ball launcher. Or, if they chase everything that moves, a flirt pole is the way to go.
What Can I Give My Dog To Keep Them Entertained?
A puzzle game or wobble dispenser that rewards snacks is a great option, as most dogs love treats. Work with your dog and choose an interactive toy that rewards their likes and play style. I recommended choosing a few interactive dog toys to rotate so your dog doesn’t become bored.
Do Dogs Need To Be Constantly Entertained?
No, dogs don’t need to be constantly entertained. But all dogs need both physical exercise and daily stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If they don’t have an outlet for their energy, they become frustrated and turn to negative behaviors. Interactive dog toys are a great way for your dog to entertain themselves for a while because we can’t always be on hand to play with them.
Keep Your Toys Stocked Up
Keeping stimulating dog toys on hand for your pup can be challenging. If you don’t have much time to shop, you may consider a dog subscription box to receive toys and treats in the mail regularly so you never run out. You can even get a special dog subscription box for heavy chewers with some of the toughest toys, including mentally stimulating dog toys. If you want to choose tough toys, we have a guide on the most indestructible dog toys. We have also reviewed the best chew toys for teething puppies.
Do you have any of these interactive dog toys? Or are you struggling to keep your dog engaged? Please share your thoughts and stories in our comments below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a mom to two dogs, a senior mix called Bonkers and an adolescent Doxie called Chips. Emma has invested much time and research on interactive dog toys to keep her high-energy Dachshund engaged. She is passionate about writing about her canine experience, both personally and as a professional dog walker and sitter. Emma works with a highly dedicated team at Canine Journal to ensure they provide their readers with the best and most up-to-date information.
