Dog Toy Gifts

A gift for the dog and the person, gone into a game of fetch or a chewing session within minutes.

A dog toy suits a dog who plays and an owner who wants them busy. Choose by play style: tough rubber toys for chewers, puzzle toys for clever dogs who need a job, and a ball launcher for a dog that never tires of fetch. Then check the size.

Gift ideas

A retailer can change a price at any time, so check it before you buy.

  • Hunger for Words Talking Pet Starter Set Dog Toy (opens in a new tab)

    $50

    Every dog can learn to speak just like Stella, the world’s first talking dog Learn what your dog has to say with simple activities in this pet speech starter set. Use your own voice with recordable buttons – teach “outside”, “Play”, and more Follow along with the easy teaching guide written by the creator of the talking dog movement, speech therapist, Christina Hunger. Features & benefits * TEACH your pet to “speak” like Stella the dog with these recordable buttons for dogs * DEVELOPED by speech therapist Christina Hunger, the creator of the talking dog movement * RECORD simple words like “outside,” “play,” or “bed” with 4 dog communication buttons * DISCOVER insights and tips from the step-by-step teaching guide written by Christina Hunger Includes 4 recordable speech buttons. Batteries not included (each button requires 2 AAA batteries) How to use: 1. Press and hold the red button on the side of the main button 2. Wait for the beep and then record your word 3. Release the red button. You will hear the beep again 4. Tap the main button and listen to your word Product Sizing: 19.5 x 19.5 x 5cm Hunger for Words Talking Pet Starter Set Dog Toy

    Buy on Petbarn: Hunger for Words Talking Pet Starter Set Dog Toy (opens in a new tab)
  • Kong Classic And Wild Knots Bear Dog Toy (opens in a new tab)

    $53.13

    Two toys for large dogs: a red natural rubber cone to stuff with treats or throw for fetch, and a plush bear with a rope skeleton inside. Both squeak and can hold treats, and they're made for heavy chewing.

    Buy on Amazon AU: Kong Classic And Wild Knots Bear Dog Toy (opens in a new tab)
  • Kong Classic Dog Toy in Red, XL (opens in a new tab)

    $35

    The KONG Classic is the gold standard of dog toys and has become the staple for dogs around the world for over forty years. Offering enrichment by helping satisfy dogs' instinctual needs, the KONG Classic's unique natural red rubber formula is ultra-durable with an erratic bounce that is ideal for dogs that like to chew while also fulfilling a dog's need to play. Want to extend play time? Be sure to stuff with tempting bits of kibble and entice with a dash of peanut butter. Helps to solve: * Weight Management * Crate Training * Digging & Barking * Boredom * Separation Anxiety * Teething * Chewing Stuffing a KONG is easy. You can stuff anything that is safe for your dog to eat (in healthy amounts) into their KONG. For an added challenge, freeze KONG for 4-6 hours before giving to your dog. Make sure to top off the KONG with treats like Peanut Butter, so your yummy ingredients do not fall out Product Sizing: Small- 4.45 x 4.45cm (up to 9 kgs) Medium- 10.16 x 5.72cm (7-16 kgs) Large- 13.97 x 6.99cm (13-30 kgs) XLarge- 13.97 x 8.89cm (27-41 kgs) XXLarge- 15.24 x 10.16cm (38+ kgs) Kong Classic Dog Toy in Red, XL

    Buy on Petbarn: Kong Classic Dog Toy in Red, XL (opens in a new tab)
  • Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Dog Toy (opens in a new tab)

    $48.94

    Dog puzzle toy, size XL: a plush tree trunk holding 6 squeaky stuffed squirrels for your dog to pull out. Toss the whole trunk or throw the squirrels for fetch; the soft plush is gentle on teeth and gums.

    Buy on Amazon AU: Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Dog Toy (opens in a new tab)

Who a dog toy suits

A dog toy suits the dog who plays, and the owner who would like them busy and tired out. It is an easy yes for a new puppy, a dog who chews the furniture, a clever dog who gets bored, or a friend whose dog is part of the family. It fits Christmas, a birthday or the day a new dog comes home.

The toy that lands is the one that matches how the dog plays. A chewer wants something tough. A thinker wants a puzzle with a treat inside. A dog who lives for fetch wants a ball that goes a long way.

What to look for in a dog toy

  • Play style. Tough rubber toys suit chewers, soft toys suit gentle mouths, and puzzle toys suit dogs who like to work things out.
  • Size. Choose a toy sized for the dog. One that is too small can be swallowed, and one that is too large is no fun to carry.
  • Treat holders. Some toys hide treats or food, which slows a fast eater and keeps a dog busy for longer.
  • Ball launchers. A launcher throws the ball for you, so it suits a dog who never tires of fetch and an owner who does.
  • Cleaning. Rubber and plastic toys wipe or wash clean. Check the listing for care notes.

When a dog toy is the wrong gift

If you do not know the dog, the size and play style are guesses, so ask the owner first. A dog who destroys everything needs a tough toy and supervision, and a soft toy will not last an afternoon. And a puppy still teething may need a toy made for puppies, so check the listing.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good toy for a dog that chews everything?

Choose a tough rubber toy made for strong chewers, in a size that suits the dog. Many hold treats, which keeps a chewer busy for longer. Always supervise, and take away any toy that starts to break into pieces.

Are puzzle toys a good gift for dogs?

Yes, for a clever dog who gets bored. A puzzle toy hides treats that the dog has to work out how to reach. Start with an easy one, because a puzzle that is too hard only frustrates them.

What size dog toy should I buy?

Match the toy to the dog's size, and go larger if you are unsure. A toy that is too small can be swallowed, and one that is too big is hard to carry. The listing gives the size range it suits.

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