Dog Toys
Which dog toy is right for your dog?
Playing together provides variety and can strengthen the bond between you and your dog. The right dog toy depends on your dog’s size, age, biting strength, and individual preferences. While some dogs love to fetch balls, others prefer a chew toy or enjoy cuddling with a soft plush toy.
At WOLTERS, you will find dog toys for various activities. The range includes chew and tug toys, balls, dummies, floating water toys, plush toys, as well as interactive products like snack balls and lick mats. Different sizes and materials allow you to select a toy that suits your dog’s play behaviour.
What should you consider when buying dog toys?
The size of the toy should match your dog's snout and body size. A toy that is too small can be accidentally swallowed, while one that is too large or heavy may be uncomfortable to carry. Your dog should be able to hold the toy securely without taking it completely into its mouth.
Also consider the biting strength and playing style. A dog that carries toys gently requires a different design than one that chews on them intensely. No dog toy is indestructible. Therefore, supervise your dog while playing and regularly check the product for cracks, loose parts, and other damage.
Damaged dog toys should be exchanged promptly, especially if parts become detached or filling material is visible.
Chew toys made from natural rubber
Natural rubber is elastic, durable, and suitable for various types of dog toys. Balls, play bones, and textured chew toys can be thrown, carried, or offered for independent play.
The WOLTERS Pure Nature toys are made from uncoloured natural rubber and are available in various shapes. Models with bumps and irregular surfaces provide different textures when chewing. Variants with an attached rope can additionally be used for shared fetch and tug games.
Choose a version that matches your dog’s biting strength. Even durable natural rubber can be damaged by vigorous chewing and should be regularly checked.
Natural dog toys made from olive wood
Dog toys made from olive wood offer a natural alternative to classic chew toys. The firm wood structure is suitable for dogs that enjoy engaging with an object for longer periods. As olive wood is a natural material, the colour, grain, and shape vary from product to product.
The Olivi toys are available as sticks, bones, dumbbells, and combinations with a rope. Some models can be used for both chewing and shared tugging or throwing.
When chewing, wood fibres may come loose. Therefore, regularly check the toy and remove any larger pieces that have detached. If the product becomes severely damaged or small enough for your dog to swallow, it should be replaced. Dogs with strong or hasty chewing habits should be closely supervised during use.
Balls and fetch toys for dogs
Many dogs love to chase after thrown toys and bring them back. Dog balls and other fetch toys are suitable for shared activities in the garden, on the grass, or while out and about. Different shapes and bouncing properties provide variety.
Round dog balls can be thrown and rolled with precision. Oval-shaped toys, on the other hand, may bounce irregularly, providing an extra challenge. Models with ropes or wrist loops make it easier to throw and retrieve without having to directly grab the toy drooled on by your dog.
Choose a ball that is large enough so your dog cannot swallow it whole. Pure fetch toys are often not intended for long, unsupervised chewing.
Dummys for retrieving training and shared play
A dog dummy is suitable for throwing, searching, and fetching. It can be used for varied walks, dummy work, or simple search games in the garden. Your dog learns to pick up, carry, and return an object to you.
The Clever Dogz dummies are available in various sizes and designs. Hand straps make it easier to hold and throw, while high-visibility colours can help find the dummy in nature.
A dummy is primarily a training and fetching toy. It should not be left with your dog for unsupervised chewing. Store it out of your dog's reach after your playtime together.
Tug toys for joint play
Tug games can be an active and varied activity for you and your dog. Toys with ropes, loops, or elongated grip areas allow both play partners to hold the item securely.
Keep the tug game controlled and watch for even movements. Strong jerking, sudden sideways motions, or lifting your dog off the ground with the toy should be avoided. Especially for puppies and young dogs, the game should be adapted to their physical development.
End the game if your dog becomes too excited, and practice a calm release of the toy. This way, tugging together can also become part of your daily dog training.
Floating dog toys for water
Floating dog toys are suitable for shared activities at the lake, on the beach, or in an appropriate dog pool. They remain visible on the water surface and can be picked up more easily by your dog.
Water toys should have a clearly recognisable colour and a size suitable for your dog. Never leave your dog unsupervised while playing in the water and do not throw the toy too far. Not every dog is a confident or enduring swimmer.
Rinse the toy with fresh water after contact with salty, lake, or chlorinated water and allow it to dry completely.
Plush toys for playing and cuddling
Soft plush toys are loved by many dogs, who enjoy carrying them around or resting with them in their sleeping area. For dogs that are more gentle with their toys, they can become a familiar companion.
Many plush toys in the WOLTERS range do not have squeakers. Selected models have details sewn on, so there are no attached plastic eyes or buttons. Nonetheless, you should regularly check plush toys for open seams and escaping filling material.
For dogs that tear apart fabric toys immediately or swallow parts, more robust toys made from natural rubber may be more suitable.
Snack balls and lick mats for engagement
Fillable snack balls combine playing with searching for food. By rolling, nudging, or moving, small snacks gradually come out of the toy. This can extend the intake of food and keep your dog engaged independently.
A lick mat has a structured surface where wet food or other suitable spreadable food components can be distributed. Your dog takes in the food by licking it extensively. Consider the snacks and fillings used in the daily food amount.
Engagement toys should be filled appropriately and thoroughly cleaned after each use. Supervise your dog to ensure they do not bite off pieces of the mat or snack ball and swallow them.
Which toy is suitable for a puppy?
Puppies often explore their surroundings with their mouths and need lightweight, age-appropriate dog toys. Soft balls, small plush toys, and suitable chew toys can be used for initial play sessions. Ensure that there are no small parts and that the toy cannot fit entirely into their mouth.
During teething, many puppies have an increased need to chew. A suitable chew toy can provide a permitted alternative to furniture, shoes, or other everyday objects. Regularly check the size and condition, as your puppy grows quickly and their biting strength increases.
How to properly clean dog toys?
Dog toys come into contact with saliva, dirt, food residues, and moisture, and should be cleaned regularly. Be sure to follow the care instructions for the respective material. Toys made from natural rubber can often be cleaned with warm water, while textile products can be cleaned by hand or in the washing machine, depending on the model.
Allow the toy to dry completely before giving it back to your dog. With each cleaning, check for cracks, frayed ropes, open seams, or loose parts. This way, playtime remains as safe and varied as possible.