If you're looking for ways to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog active and engaged, the right toys can make all the difference. A sturdy rubber toy, like a Kong or a Nylabone, can withstand their powerful jaws and provide hours of entertainment.
Bernese Mountain Dogs are natural herders, so they love to chase and retrieve. A ball or a frisbee is a great way to get them running around and burning off energy. A study found that dogs who engage in regular playtime with toys are less likely to develop behavioral problems.
A good toy should be durable and able to withstand the Bernese Mountain Dog's love of chewing. A rubber toy or a bully stick can provide hours of satisfaction and help keep their teeth clean. According to the article, a bully stick can last for up to 6 months with daily use.
Interactive toys, like treat-dispensing puzzle toys, are also a great way to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog engaged. They challenge their problem-solving skills and provide a fun way to get a reward.
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Durable and Interactive Toys
Durable and interactive toys are a must for Bernese Mountain Dogs, as they have powerful jaws and a tendency to chew through cheaply made toys quickly. They will also get bored easily if they don't have something to focus on.
Interactive toys like puzzle feeders and treat dispensing toys are excellent choices for encouraging your dog to work for their food. They burn calories while they earn calories, which is great for keeping your dog active and engaged. These toys are also great for mental stimulation, which can help prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
You can also consider durable toys made of rubber or nylon, which are typically the most durable options for Bernese Mountain Dogs. These materials can withstand strong jaws and frequent chewing. Look for toys with treat holes or compartments that can be filled with your dog's favorite treats for an added challenge.
Here are some key features to look for in durable and interactive toys for your Bernese Mountain Dog:
- Appropriate size: toy should be big enough to chew without being a choking hazard
- High durability: materials that resist tearing and can endure prolonged chewing
Frisbee/Flying Discs for Exercise & Fun
Playing frisbee with your dog is an excellent way to get them running and leaping around. It's a great way to get their heart pumping and muscles working, keeping them in tip-top shape.
Choose a frisbee or flying disc that is specifically designed for dogs, as they are usually made from durable materials that can withstand rough play and sharp teeth. These frisbees are designed to be easy on your dog's teeth and gums.
Playing frisbee with your dog can have some positive behavioral impacts too. It helps productively channel their energy to reduce destructive behaviors, and the training involved in teaching them to catch the frisbee and bring it back also enhances their obedience skills and responsiveness to commands.
Look for a size that suits your dog's mouth comfortably, not too small that it becomes a choking hazard, and not too big that it becomes difficult for them to carry. Go for a brightly colored option so it's easily visible during playtime.
Playing frisbee is not only fun for your dog, but it's also an excellent way to keep their minds sharp. The thrill of chasing, the excitement of finding the frisbee, and the joy of bringing it back stimulate your dog's brain. A tired brain means a well-behaved pup.
Rope
Rope toys are a great option for dogs that love to chew, especially Bernese Mountain Dogs. They tend to chew a lot, especially when they're young and teething.
The knotted rope is a good choice because it usually withstands the tough bite force of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
You can find a set of rope toys that includes a ball for fetch and other toys for tug-of-war or solo play. This set from Frisco gives you plenty of options to try out.
Mammoth rope toys are built to last and can be a good option when your dog grows out of the knotted rope.
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Kong Wubba
The Kong Wubba is a great pick for a tug toy, with two balls wrapped up in a cloth material, complete with "tails" of fabric hanging off them.
It's not just for tugging, you can also use it to play a game of fetch with your dog, making it a double fun option.
The Kong Wubba has a durable and tough exterior material made up of balastic nylon, similar to a fire hose in consistency.
This makes it a great choice for interactive play sessions with your dog, as it can withstand some serious chomping.
The balls are made up of rubber similar but slightly stronger than the strength of a tennis ball, making it safe for your dog to play with.
The Kong Wubba comes in three different colors and a variety of sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your dog's mouth and strength perfectly.
Playing tug-of-war with your dog is a great way to channel their natural instincts and energy into a positive outlet, teaching them important obedience commands like drop it and take it.
It also encourages impulse control as they wait for your cue to start tugging, and helps burn off some of that canine energy.
By choosing the right size and material for your dog's tug toy, you can ensure a fun and safe play session for both you and your furry friend.
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Durable Types
Highly durable toys are a must for Bernese Mountain Dogs. They can withstand heavy chewing and are safer for your dog.
Rubber and nylon toys are typically the most durable options for Bernese mountain dogs. These materials can withstand strong jaws and frequent chewing.
You'll want to stick to trustworthy brands and check out reviews to see how the toy held up for other consumers.
Here are some of the most durable types of toys for Bernese Mountain Dogs:
- Rubber toys
- Nylon toys
These toys are perfect for big chewers that get bored easily. They'll keep your dog occupied and stimulated, and they'll last longer than cheaply made toys.
Interactive Treat Ball
Interactive treat balls are a great way to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog engaged and stimulated. They're designed to challenge your dog's problem-solving skills and provide a fun way to dispense treats.
These balls have treat holes or compartments that release treats as your dog rolls, nudges, and paws at them. This type of toy encourages dogs to focus, follow commands, and sharpen their retrieving skills.
A durable material is essential for an interactive treat ball, especially if you have a strong chewer. Look for balls made from materials like Zogoflex, which is safe, non-toxic, and easy to clean.
For dogs with high energy or anxiety, interactive treat balls can be a great way to channel their energy into something positive. They can also help alleviate separation anxiety and boredom.
Here are some key features to consider when buying an interactive treat ball:
- Durable materials
- Treat holes or compartments
- Adjustable options for different sizes and breeds
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Safe and non-toxic materials
Some great options for interactive treat balls include the West Paw Toppl and the KONG Classic Medium Dog Toy. These toys are designed to provide hours of enjoyment and mental stimulation for your dog.
Grosgrain Ribbon
Grosgrain Ribbon is a great way to add a personal touch to your gifts and crafts. Available in multiple ribbon width sizes, you can choose the perfect size for your project.
You can get a standard roll of 50 yards or 150 feet in length, which is perfect for wrapping gifts, greeting cards, and other crafts.
Will You Enjoy This Toy?
You know your best when it comes to toys. If you really like squeakers, then you'll probably enjoy toys with squeakers.
If you hate the sound of crinkle paper, then you should avoid crinkle toys. Crinkle paper can be really off-putting for some people.
Pay attention to what toys you gravitate towards and what you avoid or don't play with. This will help you maximize your enjoyment and avoid buying a bunch of toys that won't get used.
Treat Dispensing and Puzzle Toys
Treat Dispensing and Puzzle Toys are a great way to keep your Bernese Mountain Dog engaged and stimulated. Puzzle feeders and treat dispensing toys are excellent choices for encouraging your dog to work for their food.
These toys provide mental enrichment and give your dog a challenge to conquer, helping to keep their cognitive abilities sharp as they age. They can also keep your dog busy and entertained, giving you a little breathing space to recharge.
Puzzle toys come in various complexities, so choose one that matches your dog's skill level. Start with simpler toys that have easily accessible treats, and as your dog becomes a puzzle master, you can level up to more challenging ones.
The Squeak and Treat Troog Pet Chew Toy is a solid choice for Bernese Mountain Dogs, featuring two chambers that slowly disperse treats as your dog knocks it around. This toy is made of a highly durable vanilla scented rubber that can stand up to those tough teeth.
Interactive balls with treat holes are another great option, encouraging dogs to focus, follow commands, and sharpen their retrieving skills. The West Paw Toppl is a great option, made from their unique Zogoflex material that's super safe and easy to clean.
Puzzle toys can also help with mealtime, making it a fun and rewarding experience for your dog. If you've got a picky eater, hide their meal inside a puzzle toy and watch them eagerly chow down.
For dogs that have a bit of nervous energy or are naturally hyperactive, these toys channel that energy into something positive and have a calming effect on their overall behavior. Consider your dog's size and breed when buying one, and avoid anything sharp or rigid that could cause injury.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best exercise for a Bernese Mountain Dog?
For optimal health and happiness, Bernese Mountain Dogs require daily exercise that includes a combination of walks, playtime, and engaging activities like hiking or swimming for at least 1-1.5 hours. A securely fenced yard can also provide valuable exercise and play opportunities.
Sources
- Goughnuts Figure 8 Tug Toy (amzn.to)
- Starmark Everlasting Treat (chewy.com)
- Bone and Chew USA (chewy.com)
- set from Frisco (chewy.com)
- Mammoth rope toy (chewy.com)
- racoon scrunch (chewy.com)
- Pet Qwerks Flavorit Chew stick (amazon.com)
- football toy (chewy.com)
- Kong’s Dynos plush toys (chewy.com)
- Virtually Indestructible Ball (chewy.com)
- Collecta Bernese Dog Figurine (amazon.com)
- Playology Dual-Layer Bone Dog Toy (amazon.com)
- Benebone Holiday Durable Chew for Aggressive Chewers (amazon.com)
- Fuufome Crocodile Chew Toy (amazon.com)
- Treat Maze (barkshop.com)
- Tug Toys! (barkshop.com)
- Gobble Gobble Gus (barkshop.com)
- Launchable Landon (barkshop.com)
- Super Chewer (barkbox.com)
- 11 Cutest Bernese Mountain Dog Gifts for ... (ilovemy.pet)
- Goughnuts chew toys (amzn.to)
- KONG Classic Medium Dog Toy Red Medium Pack of 2 (amazon.com)
- Livekey Snuffle Mat (amzn.to)
- Chuckit! Ultra Ball Dog Toy, Medium Pack of 2 (amazon.com)
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