Were you aware that border collies are among the most intelligent breeds? Undoubtedly, they embody the ultimate combination of mental acuity and physical prowess in the realm of canines.
This will be addressed at a later time.
Similar to humans, intelligence in dogs is futile without consistent exercise. Consequently, I’m certain you desire to utilize your canine’s phenomenal aptitude fully.
Using dog toys is an excellent method to train your canine companion’s mind and body. However, not all of them are stimulating, and some may not be worth purchasing. We’ll delve further into this topic shortly.
Today, we will be examining the finest toys available to assist you in transforming your border collie into an intelligent and well-conditioned canine.
Our Toys Recommendations
iFetch Automatic Ball Launcher
A border collie’s optimal playtime might be through engaging in a game of fetch, yet their tendency to take it seriously like a task may lead to you losing interest long before they do. In this regard, an automatic throwing device becomes a necessity.
The iFetch Automated Ball Launcher is an ideal choice as it enables your canine to enjoy this significant pastime without any assistance once your arm gets exhausted. Your furry friend can easily comprehend and use the device following your demonstration, and it could keep him occupied during leisure time, which is more preferable to nibbling on your furniture.
Moreover, the ball launcher also serves as a puzzle toy, providing substantial mental stimulation to your border collie. It is effortless for your furry friend to reload the balls once they are released, making it an interactive activity.
TRIXIE Dog Activity Flip Board
If you want to keep your dog’s brain active, the TRIXIE Dog Activity Flip Board is the perfect choice. It provides various puzzles, making it an effective tool in exercising the mind of your border collie.
The abundance of puzzle options is crucial when it comes to border collies, as a toy with only one basic puzzle may become uninteresting once your furry friend has figured it out.
Due to the multitude of puzzles this toy offers, he will not be fixated on just one, resulting in longer-lasting entertainment compared to other puzzle toys.
The promise of treats is the second important factor in this puzzle toy. Ensure that your border collie is given consistent rewards while using the device and keep an eye out to see if the puzzle has been solved. Rewarding your pet for their intelligence is very satisfying for the owner.
It is crucial that you see toys as a way to foster and enhance your bond with your dog, no matter which type of toy you choose for them. While border collies are commonly recognized for their athleticism, it is essential to acknowledge that they can also make for affectionate companions.
Allowing the energetic, herding side of this impressive breed to flourish is the ideal method to bring out its gentler aspect. This approach not only satisfies its instinctual desire but also makes it a more pleasant companion. Who wouldn’t want such a delightful addition to their life?
Border Collies at Play
It is highly beneficial to train border collies as they are known to be one of the most cooperative breeds. It is of utmost importance to teach them good behavior techniques to prevent an untrained border from causing chaos in your life.
Border collies have a tendency to herd anything in their environment due to their instinct, intelligence, and energy. It is important to distinguish what is appropriate to herd and what is not, otherwise, the dog may try to herd your children, resulting in potentially harmful situations where the dog may nip at your kids if they try to separate from the group.
Due to their intelligence, border collies derive pleasure from engaging in activities that challenge their minds. To them, pursuits like pursuing a Frisbee or sprinting to a specific location can be considered a form of herding. Their exceptional physical abilities facilitate this kind of cerebral stimulation with relative ease.
The border collie is a breed known to possess abundant energy, so it requires opportunities to expend that energy. Therefore, you should anticipate providing abundant exercise to this breed, if feasible in a vast, open environment such as a generous backyard or a designated area for dogs to run and play. Professionals emphasize that this breed may not be suitable for living in an apartment.
The breed’s high intelligence and boundless energy can be a disadvantage as they tend to get bored easily and may resort to causing mischief. This may cause them to treat children as actual sheep and engage in destructive and expensive behavior.
The Best Kind of Toys for Border Collies
To ensure the contentment of your border collie, it is crucial to provide toys that meet both his physical and mental stimulation needs. Although the border collie is categorized as a herding dog and not a retriever, some of the top-rated toys that retriever breeds favor are also perfect for this breed.
A Frisbee disc or a ball toy is suitable for a border collie to chase after as it perceives retrieval as a meaningful task rather than a mere game. Engaging in such an activity can strengthen the connection between you and your dog, although keep in mind that the breed’s tendency to be a workaholic may require extended playtime.
Fortunately, border collies are immensely clever and readily trainable, so they can be trained to play the retrieval game himself. There are automated ball throwers on the market designed to be pooch-activated, from its throwing mechanics to loading the machine. This may give you a welcome respite from playing fetch for an inordinate amount of time.
Don’t underestimate the cleverness of a border collie during playtime. Puzzle toys are perfect because they not only engage their mind but also encourage exercise. Your dog might use physical techniques like rolling and pulling to solve the puzzle, especially if there’s a treat to be rewarded with.
If you possess a large property area such as a spacious backyard, you can create an agility course for your dog. As long as you guide them, a well-trained border collie has the intelligence and physical ability to navigate through obstacles like tunnels, hurdles, and poles. You can either purchase kits or utilize your own skills to construct a course.
BONUS: Best Dog Toys, According to the Experts: Our Dogs
With their beautiful smiles and wagging tails, dogs are undoubtedly the most lovable companions we can ever have. They possess superlative qualities of cuddliness, sweetness, and playfulness. Nonetheless, when it comes to toys, they can be highly discerning and fastidious. It is not unusual for them to reject a multitude of plushies, chews, and other items before finding their favorite one. This challenge led us to engage experts for this article: our own dogs. In exchange for treats and scratches, they willingly shared their expertise.
Dog lovers should definitely make it a point to find the top-quality dog toys that can keep their furry companions entertained even in their absence, when they cannot play with them by pulling a rope or throwing a ball repeatedly.
Dog owners have a variety of toys to select, ranging from frisbees, balls, squeakers, puzzles, and food-motivated gadgets. Nonetheless, it is a well-known fact that pet owners have challenges in finding a suitable toy. Sometimes pets show no attention to the toy, or they may chew or pull it apart after a few minutes of playing. How can you identify the perfect toys that will ensure substantial playtime for your dog?
We sought the opinion of the experts – our canine companions.
Here, you will find an extensive range of options as every dog has their own distinctive preferences and peculiarities. It doesn’t matter if you own a big or small dog, or if they love to chew or tug, as this list is certain to have something they will adore. The accompanying list comprises the finest dog toys that our canine companions genuinely enjoy.
Outward Hound Dog Tornado Puzzle
If you have a high-maintenance dog, you will go to great lengths to occupy them for a brief amount of time. This puzzle toy is perfect for that purpose, with three rotatable trays that you can use to hide treats, requiring your pup to work for their prize.
Wild Knots Bears Durable Dog Toy
The toy is built to last and provides endless entertainment for dogs. It contains a rope and a couple of squeakers, which capture and hold their interest, and it typically becomes the toy that my dog snuggles with.
Kong Extreme Dog Toy
When pets are left alone, they become nervous. In the absence of something to bite, they’ll commence gnawing gaps in the living room carpet. Therefore, when you’re aware that you’ll be gone for a few hours, bring out the Kongs. Fill them with mozzarella or peanut butter (or both), and surprisingly, your dogs will remain content and busy throughout your absence.
Fluff and Tuff Ball
While many dogs can easily destroy most plush toys in a matter of minutes, the Fluff and Tuff ball is exceptionally durable and can withstand weeks of play without showing any signs of wear and tear.
Outward Hound Dog Hide N’ Slide Puzzle
Aside from their humans, dogs adore food and toys. This puzzle combines both for never-ending enjoyment. It can be used when you cannot take your canine for walks in the evening. Despite the intricate appearance of the mobile plastic components, it is easy to assemble. Simply conceal your selected treats or kibble in the covert compartments, place the plastic cover over it, slide the barricade to shut the door, and voila!
Aerobie Dogobie Disc
Thanks to its neon colors, the disc, which is crafted from flexible silicone, is nearly indestructible and can be effortlessly thrown and retrieved by him. Moreover, it’s uncomplicated to locate in the undergrowth after a wayward throw.
FAQs
Do dogs really need toys?
Toys are vital for a dog’s overall health and to reduce potential problems, yet their significance is easy to forget. Keeping your dog mentally stimulated and wearied is imperative, as it diminishes the probability of them causing trouble. Toys not only assist in dissuading unfavorable actions but aid in keeping their brain active, helping them expend energy, and providing a suitable avenue for dogs with harmful chewing tendencies.
What kind of toys do dogs love the most?
To find the most suitable toys for your pup, it’s important to comprehend their unique needs due to the varied personalities and activity levels of dogs. Generally, dog toys can be sorted into three groups.
- Active toys: Balls and frisbees, as well as ropes and woven toys for tugging, are great for interactive play and getting your dog their much-needed exercise. If your dog is very active, such toys can also be used as training motivators.
- Enrichment toys: These toys keep your dog occupied and mentally stimulated. They can range from puzzles and treat-dispensing toys to a durable, rubber toy that you stuff with treats like the Kong. By working to get at the treats, your dog is trying to “solve a problem,” which stimulates their brain and gives them something to do. These kinds of toys are designed to keep your dog engaged when you’re busy with something else or not able to with them.
- Comfort toys: Did you have a favorite stuffy or doll when you were a child? Dogs aren’t all that different and can get just as much comfort out of carrying around a favorite toy. Anxious dogs in particular might benefit from having a stuffed companion. Just be careful since some dogs are aggressive chewers and shouldn’t be given soft toys. And avoid stuffies with squeakers, which can be easily removed and swallowed.
What are the best dog toys for chewers?
Dogs naturally enjoy chewing, but if your furry friend has a tendency to chew on inappropriate objects, it’s beneficial to provide appropriate alternatives. It is common knowledge that cooked bones are dangerous as they can break and cause blockages in your dog’s throat or digestive system. For this reason, it’s better to consider a readily digestible and commercially available option, such as Greenies. Alternatively, a hard rubber chew, including Nylabone or Kong, may be a more suitable option. Seeking advice from your vet is advised to ensure you choose the safest option for your dog.
