A bored dog isn’t a quiet dog. It’s a dog that finds its own entertainment, usually a shoe, a couch cushion, or whatever’s within reach. The right toy fixes this two ways at once: it gives a dog something to do with the energy that would otherwise go into chewing the wrong thing, and it works their brain in a way a simple walk doesn’t. The AKC’s own guide to choosing dog toys makes this exact point, and VCA Hospitals’ advice on chew toys backs up the dental side of it too, chewing on the right material helps clean teeth and reduce plaque buildup, though it’s a supplement to brushing and vet cleanings, not a replacement for them.
We had a Dachshund for 17 years, and the toys she actually wore out weren’t the fanciest ones in the house. A tough chew bone and a basic rope tug did more work than anything else we ever bought her, more on that below. The five picks that follow are researched, not personally tested on our own dog, so we’re citing what’s actually known about each one rather than claiming firsthand results we don’t have.
Here are six worth knowing about:
- KONG Classic
- Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick
- Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
- JW Pet Hol-ee Roller
- West Paw Zogoflex Hurley
- Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Tug
| Product | Best for | Type | Used on |
|---|---|---|---|
| KONG Classic | Average chewers, treat-stuffing and fetch | Chew & Treat | Solo & interactive play |
| Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick | Intermediate challenge, slowing down mealtime | Puzzle | Mental stimulation |
| Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel | Hunting instinct, sniff-and-find games | Puzzle | Mental stimulation |
| JW Pet Hol-ee Roller | Fetch, tug-of-war and treat-dispensing play | Chew & Treat | Interactive & solo play |
| West Paw Zogoflex Hurley | Aggressive chewers, fetch and water play | Durable Chew | Chew & fetch |
| Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Tug | Tug-of-war, teeth cleaning during play | Rope | Interactive play |
1. KONG Classic
The KONG Classic has been made in Golden, Colorado since 1976, when founder Joe Markham built the first one after watching his own dog chew the rubber suspension bumper off a VW bus. That origin story matters less than what it means in practice: this is a genuinely long-running, well-established product, not a new entrant chasing a trend.
The hollow center is built for stuffing with treats, kibble, or peanut butter, which turns a simple chew session into a longer puzzle. Its lopsided shape gives it an unpredictable bounce during fetch, which keeps dogs more engaged than a ball that rolls in a straight line. It’s a solid pick for average chewers who want both a chew toy and a treat puzzle in one object.
2. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick
This one’s designed by Nina Ottosson, whose name the whole puzzle-toy line carries, and sold through Outward Hound. It’s built as an intermediate-level challenge: three compartments that open by flipping lids, sliding panels, and lifting brick-shaped pieces to reveal hidden treats. It holds up to 3/4 cup of food, so it doubles as a slow feeder for dogs that eat too fast, not just a treat puzzle.
It’s a step up from basic treat-dispensing toys without being frustratingly hard, a reasonable second puzzle toy once a dog’s gotten comfortable with simpler ones.
3. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel
A soft plush tree trunk with several holes and squeaky plush squirrels that tuck inside each one. The idea is straightforward: a dog uses its nose and paws to root out the squirrels, which taps into actual hunting instinct rather than just rewarding random chewing. Once the squirrels are out, they work fine as separate fetch toys too.
It’s soft enough to be gentle on teeth and gums, which makes it a reasonable option for dogs that don’t need (or shouldn’t have) something as tough as a rubber chew.
4. JW Pet Hol-ee Roller
An open, lattice-style rubber ball that can be stuffed with treats, tugged on, or thrown for fetch. The open structure is the main thing that sets it apart from a solid ball or a KONG, it’s easier to grip from multiple angles during tug-of-war, and the rubber is soft enough to be gentle on teeth while still holding up to regular chewing.
5. West Paw Zogoflex Hurley
This is the category our own dog was genuinely obsessed with. She went through more generic chew bones than we can count over 17 years, and the tough, rubber-bone style toy was consistently what she reached for over anything flashier. The Hurley specifically is built from Zogoflex, a material designed to stand up to aggressive chewing, and it floats, so it doubles as a fetch toy in water. It’s also dishwasher-safe, which matters more than it sounds like once a toy’s been outside and covered in mud.
If your dog is a serious chewer, this is the category to prioritize over puzzle toys, durability matters more than novelty for dogs that go through toys fast.
6. Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Tug
The other genuine favorite in our house wasn’t this specific product, it was a basic, no-brand rope toy from a general household store, the kind of thing that doesn’t even have a label worth mentioning. The lesson wasn’t “buy this exact rope,” it was that a dog doesn’t need an expensive toy to love tug-of-war. For readers who want a specific, well-reviewed option rather than hunting for a generic one locally, Mammoth’s Flossy Chews rope tug is a widely bought, consistently well-rated pick in the same category, cotton-poly rope construction that holds up to regular tugging, and the fraying strands double as a mild dental floss effect while a dog chews on it.
Which toy actually fits your dog
Match the toy to the dog, not the other way around. Aggressive chewers do better with the Zogoflex Hurley or a rope tug than with a soft puzzle toy that won’t survive the first session. Dogs that get bored easily or deal with separation anxiety tend to benefit most from puzzle feeders like the Dog Brick or Hide-A-Squirrel, since those require actual problem-solving rather than just chewing. And if your dog is new to interactive toys altogether, starting with something simpler, a KONG stuffed loosely, say, before moving to a multi-step puzzle, tends to go better than starting with the hardest option in the house.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best dog toys to keep them busy? Puzzle toys like the Nina Ottosson Dog Brick and treat-dispensing toys like the KONG Classic are strong picks for keeping a dog occupied on their own, since both require ongoing effort rather than a few seconds of chewing.
Which toys are best for a dog that gets bored easily? Interactive toys that tap into hunting or problem-solving instincts, the Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel or a puzzle feeder, tend to hold a bored dog’s attention longer than a simple chew toy alone.
Does a dog need an expensive toy to be happy? Not necessarily. Our own dog’s two favorite toys over 17 years were a basic chew bone and an unbranded rope toy, nothing premium about either. Durability and the right category of play matter more than price.
How do I choose the right toy for my dog? Consider size, chewing strength, and play style. Aggressive chewers do better with tough rubber or rope toys like the Zogoflex Hurley or a rope tug; smaller or older dogs often do better with softer, puzzle-based options.
How often should I replace my dog’s toys? Check regularly for wear, especially on chew toys, and replace anything with cracks, missing chunks, or fraying that could be swallowed. A toy that’s been through heavy daily use for months is worth inspecting more often than one used occasionally.
Products that make this easier
A quick note before the list below: this isn’t a live deals feed, it’s based on actual research into each product plus our own dog’s real preferences, not a promise that any of it happens to be discounted right now. Click through and check the current price yourself.
| Product | Best for | Type | Used on | Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KONG Classic | Average chewers, treat-stuffing and fetch | Chew & Treat | Solo & interactive play | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick | Intermediate challenge, slowing down mealtime | Puzzle | Mental stimulation | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel | Hunting instinct, sniff-and-find games | Puzzle | Mental stimulation | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| JW Pet Hol-ee Roller | Fetch, tug-of-war and treat-dispensing play | Chew & Treat | Interactive & solo play | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| West Paw Zogoflex Hurley | Aggressive chewers, fetch and water play | Durable Chew | Chew & fetch | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| Mammoth Flossy Chews Rope Tug | Tug-of-war, mild teeth cleaning during play | Rope | Interactive play | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
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