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If you have an intelligent or high energy dog struggling with anxiety, these toys are perfect for keeping them engaged and mentally stimulated. Learn how to prevent anxiety in working dogs and explore a range of interactive toys that promote mental well-being. From chew toys to puzzle toys, fetch launchers to smart interactive balls, we’ve got you covered. Find the best toy to soothe your furry friend’s anxiety and make playtime a joyous experience.
Anxiety in Working Dog Breeds
In the high-stakes world of working dogs, anxiety can silently creep into the lives of these exceptional canines. Whether they are devoted service dogs, skilled search and rescue companions, or diligent herders, the pressure and demands placed upon them can take a toll on their mental well-being. The relentless drive and intelligence that make them excel in their jobs can also leave them vulnerable to anxiety. From the constant need for mental stimulation to the rigorous training regimes and intense work environments, working dogs face a unique set of challenges that can lead to anxious behaviors if not addressed. Recognizing and understanding the signs of anxiety in these remarkable creatures is crucial, as is implementing effective strategies to support their emotional resilience. Only by providing them with the specialized care, attention, and tools they require can we ensure their happiness, overall well-being, and the continued success of their invaluable contributions.
Some of these working dog breeds are:
- Belgian Malinois
- Doberman Pinscher
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Australian Kelpie
- Border Collie
- Koolie
- Belgium Shepard
- Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog
- German Shepard
- Boxer
- Labrador Retriever
Strategies That Can Help in Mental Stimulation for Dogs With Anxiety
Prevention is always better than cure; with these strategies, your dog can be anxious and stress-free.
- Arrange a playdate with other dogs in a park or field
- Make obstacle courses to teach them new tricks. Be creative!
- Go on a walk and let them explore their surroundings
- Have obedience training sessions daily
- Use interactive food feeders to mentally stimulate them while eating
- Give them puzzle toys to work with
- Play catch, fetch, or tug and war with your dog
- Teach your dog the name of their toys
- Teach them household chores like picking up laundry using basic commands they learned
- Toss them a chew toy to keep them entertained
Our Pick for the Best Calming and Mentally Stimulating Dog Toys
Xerath Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers
As we have discussed in other articles, chewing is a great stress reliever for dogs. Keep your anxious dog chilled with this Xerath Dog Chew Toy, made for destructive chewers to soothe your dogs anxiety. This interactive toy is perfect for working dogs as it’s designed for medium to large dogs like German Shepherds, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers. The Xerath Dog Chew Toy is made of excellent rubber material with a unique groove design to keep your dog engaged and give them mental stimulation.
Pros:
● Non-toxic, durable, eco-friendly material
● Attractive design
● Corrects destructive behavior like chewing, barking, and separation anxiety
● Tried and tested by different dog breeds
Cons:
● Has a strong plastic smell
Chuckit! Fetch & Fold Launcher
Make mornings exciting for both you and your dog with this Chuckit! Fetch & Fold Launcher. This interactive dog toy brings a lot of fun for pet parents who have anxious dogs or dogs who love getting physically challenged. Your athletic furry friend will love this tennis ball launcher! Watch them run like the wind as they bring the tennis ball back to you. What a wholesome bonding experience for dog owners and their fur babies.
Pros:
- Less effort for throwing
- Portable
- High-visibility bright-colored ball
- Throws a long distance
Cons:
- Tennis balls included are not the most durable
Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy
Featuring another awesome interactive toy from ChuckIt! Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy is the best frisbee spinning toy for large dogs. It’s lightweight, durable, and buoyant, so take it out for a spin during your lake trips and see how much your pooch enjoys going after the frisbee. Take your dog out for a frisbee game day or night. That’s right even at night! This Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Dog Toy also glows in the dark for increased visibility while playing at night.
Pros:
- Made for the outdoors in a dry or wet setting
- Glows in the dark
- Soft, curved sides for easy pick-up
- Multi-layer design for toughness
- Floats in water
Cons:
- Not for chewers
Nylabone Power Play Interactive Fetch Toys for Dogs
Looking for a versatile dog anxiety toy for indoor and outdoor use? The Nylabone Power Play Interactive Fetch Toys for Dogs can keep your dog busy for hours. Let them play solo or play with them, either way, your dog is going to have a blast playing chase and fetch. This Nylabone Power Play Fetch Toy can soar up to 80 feet! It’s also a squeaky toy with a bouncing feature to make it more fun for your furry friend.
Pros:
- Flies up to 80 feet
- With easy-grip texture
- Suitable for indoor or outdoor play
- Durable and double-layered canvas tussles
Cons:
- The new version is made up of hard plastic instead of the soft and chewable one
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound MultiPuzzle Interactive Dog Treat Puzzle Toy
Moving on to dog puzzle toys that promote mental stimulation, the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound MultiPuzzle Interactive Dog Treat Puzzle Toy is one of the best toys for dogs with anxiety. This mentally stimulating toy for dogs will challenge your pooch in the best way. What awaits them at the end of this puzzle is the hidden treats you concealed, so they need to find a way to get to them by solving, spinning, and sliding the green tiles.
Pros:
- Effective in calming dog’s anxiety
- Mentally challenging
- Hide treats in the puzzle as a reward
- Made with food-safe materials
- Includes 4 challenges in 1 puzzle
Cons:
- Not for teething puppies or aggressive chewers
Interactive Flirt Pole Toy for Dogs
Does your dog enjoy a game of tug and war? This Dewonch Interactive Flirt Pole Toy for Dogs is an amazing exercise dog toy for athletic and working breeds. Activate your dog’s natural prey-drive instinct with this interactive pole toy as you get them to chase, run, and jump after the toy to catch it. It also works great as an obedience training tool, so your puppy can learn discipline and communication early.
Pros:
- Perfect for energetic and working dogs
- Suitable for large breed dogs
- Promotes physical and mental stimulation
- Comfortable non-slip handle
- Use it for exercise or teaching commands
Cons:
- Metal connectors that hold the rope can detach easily
Greenvine Automatic Dog Ball Launcher Interactive Ball Thrower
We just can’t get enough of ball launchers! The Greenvine Automatic Dog Ball Launcher Interactive Ball Thrower Fetch it Machine is a remote-controlled launcher that’s easy to operate, making it ideal for hands-off fetching. It has 4 settings of different shooting distances. so you can adjust it based on your location. Train your dog’s brain and body with this automatic ball launcher and keep your dog occupied. The feeling of running after a tennis ball is much better than any stress ball you can find to keep your dog’s anxiety at bay.
Pros:
- Indoor or outdoor use
- 4 different shooting distance settings
- 2 usage modes: power cord or battery operated
- Made with safe and environmentally-friendly materials
- Lightweight machine
Cons:
- The size of tennis balls may be too small for large breeds
Cheerble Smart Interactive Dog Toy Ball
A bored puppy is a sad puppy. With the Cheerble Smart Interactive Dog Toy Ball, you can turn your dog’s boredom into a fun and mentally stimulating game. This Cheerble Smart Dog Toy has 3 interactive modes: passive, normal, and gentle, which you can set depending on your dog’s playstyle. The ball also shows colorful LED lights to keep your dog entertained and attracted.
Pros:
- Built-in intelligent motion sensor
- Suitable for indoors or outdoors
- BPA-free, non-toxic, odorless, and easy to clean
- With bright colorful LED lights
Cons:
- Not recommended for strong chewers
SwiftPaws Home Original Remote-Control Toy
Your dog’s physical and mental well-being is an investment you should be willing to take. If you have a lot of budget on your hands, this SwiftPaws Home Original Remote-Control Toy is worth every penny! Create a bonding experience with your dog using this remote-controlled device while simultaneously giving them the best mental and physical exercise. Play chase and catch with this impressive toy featuring a speed of up to 30 mph.
Pros:
- No training required
- 5 play sessions in a single charge!
- Keeps your dog physically and mentally stimulated
- Perfect for active and working breeds
Cons:
- Expensive, although they do have a range of products and sales throughout the year
PupPod Rocker - See, Play and Mental Stimulation
Last but definitely not least is one of the best dog anxiety toys for dogs, the PupPod Rocker with Feeder – See, Play and Mental Stimulation. This interactive device is a video feeder and puzzle toy in one. You can change the difficulty anytime, anywhere from your own mobile device using the PupPod app. Keep your dog engaged and calm then reward them with treats after learning a trick or command. Awesome, right?
Pros:
- 2-in-1 entertainment and dog training tool
- Teaches tricks and commands
- With 160-degree 1080p video camera
- Eases doggie anxiety
- Encourages mental stimulation
Cons:
- May be hard to connect to the camera
- Expensive
Have you used any of these toys before? Do you think any of these toys and games would help your energetic dog? Please let us know below in the comment section.
Carylle Gonzales
Growing up, I have always been fond of dogs. For me, nothing can replace the sheer joy of having a loyal furry companion around and being able to experience the unchanging love, affection, and compassion dogs have for the people around them.
Now, writing about dogs is my favorite part of the day as I learn more about what makes each dog unique and special. Hopefully, these articles can teach you to celebrate all the good things that come with being a good dog owner for you and your beloved dog.
