If your dog enjoys the tug of war game, you must invest in toys designed for this purpose. Otherwise, he might take your clothes, a leash, or anything at his reach to play with you.
This activity is an excellent way to keep your companion entertained mentally and physically. Thus, let me help you find the perfect tug toy for his needs and conditions!
With all the different options on the market, it can be difficult and overwhelming to select the right one for your dog. His breed, size, age, personality, and many other factors will influence what toy you should choose to play tug of war with him.
My overall recommendation for most people would either be the Goughnuts Indestructible Rubber Tug or the West Paw Zogoflex Bumi!
Apart from those two options, there are many other awesome tug toys available on the market. Since our four-legged companions all have different needs, it’s important to select the best choice for them.
Whether your dog is a heavy chewer or he’s still a young puppy, I’ve some recommendations for you. At the end of your reading, you will have everything you need to choose the perfect toy to play with and have fun together!
Dog Toy: | Goughnuts Tug MaXX | West Paw Bumi | Mammoth Rope Toy |
| Image: |      |      |     |
Price Range: | $$$ | $ | $$ |
Best For: | Heavy Chewers & Large Dogs | Small Dogs | Classic Rope Design |
Are Tug Of War Toys Good For Dogs?
Many people mistakenly think that this game can develop aggressive behaviors or lead to injury. However, tug-of-war is totally safe and beneficial for most dogs.
If you play properly, it’s the perfect activity to engage with your buddy. Furthermore, there are plenty of ways you can use this awesome toy to exercise him, improve his behavior, and have fun together!
- Effective Way To Bond With Your Dog.
- Satisfy His Natural Chewing & Wrestling Instincts.
- Great Toy For Physical Activity & Mental Stimulation.
- Excellent Training Tool To Teach Your Dog Basic Play Rules & Boundaries.
- Etc.
Best Tug Toys For Dogs To Play Tug-Of-War!
With all the benefits of this game, you should enjoy it with your companion. On the other hand, not all tug toys are suitable and safe for him. That’s why choosing the right one is so important.
Do you want an accessory that’s practically indestructible or adapted for your dog’s size? Keep reading because my 5 recommendations could help you out!
Best Heavy-Duty Tug Toy For Large Dogs → Goughnuts MaXX
Price: $$$
Quality: *****
Safety: *****
Design: ****
My Overall Rating: 4.8/5
If you’re looking for a toy to play tug-of-war that’s virtually indestructible, this is the perfect option for you. Designed for rough play and aggressive chewers, it’s ideal for breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds.
The Goughnuts MaXX is the most durable tug toy on the market. With the lifetime guarantee, it’s the last product you will have to buy for tug-of-war battles with your buddy!
Made from natural FDA food-grade rubber, it’s safe and fun to chew for dogs. The 8-shaped design gives you plenty of space to hold the toy easily with minimal risks of finger bites.
My only concern with this product is the smell that’s not very agreeable. However, it’s still an excellent choice to play tug-of-war with your strong chewer. With such a sturdy toy, you will be able to let him pull and chew his toy as much as he wants!
Best Tug Of War Toy For:
- Large Dogs. (60-120 lbs)
- Aggressive Chewers.
- Quality & Durability.
Pros.
- Heavy-Duty Construction.
- Made From Sturdy & Durable Materials.
- Safe & Convenient Tug Toy Design.
- Lifetime Guarantee.
- Made In USA.
- Float In The Water.
Cons.
- Rubber Smell.
- Quite Heavy.
You’re interested in the Goughnuts toys, but your dog isn’t very large?
An Alternative Would Be The Original Version (Medium) For Breeds From 30-70 lbs.
Best Toy To Play Tug Of War With Small Dogs & Puppies → West Paw Zogoflex Bumi
Price: $$
Quality: ****
Safety: ****
Design: *****
My Overall Rating: 4.6/5
The main advantage of this tug toy is the design that’s flexible, lightweight, and durable. It has a unique S-shape that can be stretched twice its regular length to keep your hands far from your dog’s mouth.
The West Paw Zogoflex Bumi is the perfect stretchy toy to play tug-of-war with small breeds and puppies. If your buddy loves to fetch, it’s also an excellent option for this purpose.
This recyclable tug toy is also eco-friendly, latex-free, and safe for dogs to chew. However, it’s not the best choice for heavy chewers.
Even if it’s made from good quality and sturdy materials, strong breeds might be able to destroy this product. Therefore, it’s one of the best toys to tug against your small or young buddy!
Best Tug Of War Toy For:
- Small Dogs & Puppies.
- Gentle Chewers & Pullers.
- Lightweight Design.
Pros.
- Safe Distance Between The Hand & The Dog’s Mouth.
- Ultralight & Sturdy Construction.
- Suitable To Play Other Games Such As To Fetch.
- Float In The Water.
- Recyclable & Eco-Friendly.
- Dishwasher Safe.
Cons.
- Not The Best Grip For Easy Holding.
- Too Weak For Heavy Chewers.
Best Tug Of War Rope For Dogs → Mammoth Flossy Chew Rope Tug
Price: $$
Quality: *****
Safety: ****
Design: ****
My Overall Rating: 4.5/5
In general, most tug toys are made of rope with multiple knots. If you’re looking for something more classic, I highly recommend the Mammoth Flossy Rope Toy for hours of entertainment.
Perfect for tugging games, it has 5 knots that provide you and your dog more than enough space to hold and pull the rope. Made from high-quality cotton, it’s also very sturdy and durable.
Unfortunately, rope toys are not the best options for chewers. This type of material can be shredded quite easily, so your buddy might eat and digest some if you don’t monitor him properly.
Nonetheless, it’s still an awesome option that’s smooth on his teeth to play tug-of-war and fetch together!
Best Tug Of War Toy For:
- Interactive Games.
- Simple & Convenient Design.
- Gentle Chewing Material.
Pros.
- Perfect Design For Tugging & Fetching.
- Soft Material To Be Safe On Teeth.
- Rope Made From High-Quality & Durable Coton.
- Appropriate For Dogs With Strong Bite.
- Outlast Rubber Toys. (Generally)
Cons.
Best Training Tug Toy For Working Dogs → Redline K9 Linen Tug Toys
Price: $$$
Quality: ****
Safety: *****
Design: ****
My Overall Rating: 4.6/5
Tug-of war can be fun and entertaining for your dog. But besides keeping him from boredom, it’s also an excellent alternative to treats for K9 training.
This different reward method is great for high-drive and muscular working breeds such as German Shepherds, Malinois, or Dobermans. If you’re looking for an effective training tool and fun dog toy to play with, I highly recommend you the Redline K9 Linen Tug Toys.
Lightweight, convenient to hold, and very sturdy, it’s ideal for interactive tugging between you and your buddy. Again, please keep in mind that this training/entertaining accessory isn’t designed for chewing.
Even if it’s made from high-quality and durable bite suit material, it should only be used for supervised play/ training sessions. Otherwise, your avid chewer might easily destroy these awesome tug toys if he’s left alone with them.
Best Tug Of War Toy For:
- Training Purposes.
- Interactive Play.
- K9 & High-Drive Dogs.
Pros.
- Two Handles For Easy Holding During Tug-Of-War Battles.
- Made From Good Quality & Durable Materials.
- Offer Excellent Grip For Both The Handler & The Dog.
- Lightweight & Easily Portable.
- Hold Up To Rough Tugging.
- Ideal Design For Working Dog Training.
Cons.
- Not For Chewing.
- Handles Could Be More Comfortable.
Best Stationary Tug Of War Toy For Outdoor Use→ Tether Tug Interactive Dog Rope Toy
Price: $$$$
Quality: ***
Safety: ****
Design: *****
My Overall Rating: 4.4/5
If you’re too busy to always play tug-of-war all day long with your pooch, you might have to look for an interactive toy. It’s the ultimate solution to keep him entertained and active when you’re not available.
However, it’s still important to find some time to have fun together. Anyway, I would highly recommend the Tether Tug Toy for outdoor dogs.
It’s simply a flexible pole that can be fixed in the ground with a cord and a tether on the upper end. Then, you could either attach the tug rope included with the product or find another appropriate toy to replace it.
The concept is awesome, but I also have one main concern. It’s probably not the most durable option, especially if you don’t supervise your dog when he plays with it. Nonetheless, most customers are still very pleased with their purchase!
Best Tug Of War Toy For:
- Self-Play.
- Busy Dog Owners.
- Outdoor Recreation.
Pros.
- Interactive Dog Toy That Doesn’t Require Your Presence or Implication.
- Easy To Change The Toy At The End Of The Tether.
- Flexible Pole For Better Tug-Of-War Simulation.
- Convenient Way To Exercise Your Dog Mentally & Physically.
- Different Sizes For Small, Medium & Large Breeds.
- Good Customer Service.
Cons.
- No Interaction With Humans.
- Not As Durable & High-Quality As Other Tug Toys.
Indoor Alternative: FANZ Interactive Tug Dogs With Double Suction
Another Great Option If You Have A Tree In Your Backyard Is The Outdoor Bungee Hanging Tug Toy.
How To Choose The Best Toy To Play Tug-Of-War With Your Dog?
Even with my recommendations, you still have to understand which one you should pick. Furthermore, you might also have to do your own research if none of the products mentioned above are well-suited for your needs.
To help you figure out what you should be looking for, here’s all the information I’ve learned about tug toys!
What Makes Good Tug-Of-War Toys For Dogs?
During my selection, I’ve analyzed several criteria. Everything from the quality to durability passing by the convenience can be accurate to review the toys available.
However, all of those aspects will vary depending on what it’s made of and how it’s designed. That’s why the material and type of tug toy are two essential factors to consider.
Rope Toys.
The classic accessory to play tug-of-war is a thick rope with a few knots. This type of toy is gentle to bite and very durable compared to most rubber toys. Furthermore, it’s also very convenient for enjoying other interactive games such as fetch.
On the other hand, it’s easy for dogs to shred the rope because it’s made from innumerable pieces of string. Thus, your buddy could eat and digest them if you let him chew freely on this type of material.
While tugging on the rope, his teeth will also sink into the toy. Even if it’s probably more comfortable and easy to hold for him, it’s not ideal for his mouth health.
For puppies, you should be careful with this type of tug toy. Their teeth are still fragile because they are growing. So chewing and pulling on a rope might be harmful to them.
+
- Smooth & Easy Grip For Your Dog.
- Generally More Affordable & Durable.
- Versatile Toys.
–
- Can Hurt You With Rope Burns.
- Not The Safest Material For Your Dog.
Rubber Tug Toys.
Apart from standard ropes, there are also more modern toys to play tug-of-war. They are normally safer on your dog’s teeth, more comfortable to hold and come in different shapes.
The rubber construction also has downsides such as unpleasant smell, reduced durability, and higher price. However, it’s tricky to analyze this type of tug toy because each design has unique advantages and drawbacks.
+
- Safe & Fun To Chew For Your Dog.
- Comfortable To Hold For You
–
- Rubber Smell.
- Not Always Very Durable.
Overall, you only need something durable and safe for dog teeth that provides a good grip to play tug-of-war with your buddy. It also has to be long enough to avoid finger bites and easy to drop at any moment during the game!
Things To Consider For Selecting The Right Tug-Of-War Toy!
To invest in the right product, you must know what you and your dog’s needs are. Even with the best tug toy in the world, you won’t be able to play together if it’s not suitable for your requirements.
Thus, let me share with you some things you should keep in mind to figure out which product you should choose!
Your Dog’s Conditions.
When choosing an accessory for your dog, you should make sure it’s appropriate for his situation. Some tug toys might be too huge for small breeds or not durable enough for aggressive chewers.
That’s why it’s essential to consider your companion’s conditions such as his size, age, and personality.
Why Do You Want To Play Tug-Of-War?
There are several good reasons to enjoy this game with your dog. Whether it’s for training, entertainment, or health improvement, tug toys have many benefits to offer. However, the main purpose of your purchase can seriously influence what type of design you should select.
For example, the K9 Redline Linen Toys are designed for interactive tugging with working dogs. Therefore it’s the perfect option to train your canine and have fun together at the same time.
On the other hand, the Goughnuts MaXX might be more interesting if you’re looking for a toy he can tug, chew, and play fetch with safely!
Your Personal Preferences.
Now, you probably also have some other elements you want to consider from your perspective. It’s normal to have preferences concerning the price, design, and color.
Just don’t neglect your dog’s needs by selecting the tug toy you prefer if it’s the right choice for him.
It’s Time To Invest In The Perfect Tug Toy For Your Dog!
With all the information above, you should be ready to make your final decision. You merely have to understand your needs and analyze the different products available properly.
After some research, I’m sure you will be able to find an excellent toy to play tug-of-war with your dog. Otherwise, you can always check out my recommendations again and select the most appropriate product to enjoy this game together!
How To Play Tug-Of-War Properly?
Choosing the right toy isn’t the only prerequisite to take part in this game safely. Understanding the rules and teaching your dog how to play correctly is also essential.
Otherwise, this fun activity might not be as enjoyable and beneficial as it could be. Thus, here’s what you should do before playing tug-of-war together!
Prepare Your Dog For Interactive Tugging!
To get started with this game, every participant should be able to control his impulses. In other words, your dog must drop the toy when you tell him to do so.
To teach him this new command, he must have fundamental obedience skills. Once he’s well-trained, you can introduce him to the voice cue “Drop It”.
3 Essential Tug-Of-War Rules!
If your dog is dropping the tug toy on command, you will have more control while playing with him. For everyone’s safety, there are also some guidelines to follow.
Thus, let me share with you 3 rules you must respect to enjoy tug-of-war battles without any issue!
- Master The “Drop It” Command.
If your dog doesn’t let go of the toy when you want, it’s not safe to play with him. You must be able to stop the game if it’s necessary. To make tug-of-war pleasant for everyone, he must respond reliably to the voice cue “Drop It”.
- You Must Start The Game.
This type of toy should only be accessible to your dog when it’s time to play. It’s also important to introduce another command such as “Take It” or “Get It” to start the game.
Otherwise, he might try to bite the rope or anything that’s around as soon as it’s at the reach of his mouth. To avoid any aggressive behavior, it’s essential to communicate with your buddy when he can begin to tug!
- Don’t Let Your Dog Touch You.
Your companion’s mouth should never touch you or your clothes while playing tug-of-war. This last rule is essential to avoid finger bites or other accidents.
Even if it’s not intentional, you must stop the game. It will help him understand the toy is the only thing he can play with.
With an appropriate method, it’s safe to enjoy interactive tugging with your dog. This awesome activity won’t encourage aggressivity if you play by the rules.
Now it’s time to have fun, strengthen the bond between you two, and excess his extra energy with your new tug toy!
Last Thoughts About The Best Tug Of War Toys For Dogs!
Finally, there are many things to know if you want to play tug with your furry friend. With the right toy, proper training, and defined boundaries, it’s safe to enjoy this interactive game.
In fact, tug-of-war is an excellent source of mental stimulation and physical activity for your dog.
Don’t let the myths about this activity restrict you from having fun together. Just make sure it’s beneficial and pleasant for everyone, then go out to tug and wrestle against each other.
To choose an appropriate toy for this game, you only have to find something that’s built to last, easy to grip, safe to bite, and comfortable to hold.
I hope my article has helped you learn everything you need to make your tug-of-war battles as enjoyable as possible. It would be awesome to see you and your dog having fun with your new toy at the park or anywhere else you can play together.
Be Safe & Tug On!