The best dog toys, according to the experts: our dogs

When you have a dog that requires almost constant attention, do something to keep them busy for a few minutes. I use this puzzle game just for that. There are three rotating trays where you can hide treats, which will make your dog work for his reward. My puppy has to use his muzzle to spin the trays to reveal the compartments, and I have to hope he keeps his brain sharp because he has to solve problems to get all the treats. I have the level two (intermediate) version and would buy it again in a heartbeat. –– Sarah Mitroff

This toy is durable and covers all the things that can keep a dog entertained forever. Inside is a rope and a few squeakers to gain and keep his attention, and usually end up being the toy with my cuddle dog. –– Teodoro Liggiani

Banjo gets anxious when left alone, but like most Labs, he is a lot driven by food. Mochi, our baby, is just an extreme chewer. If he doesn’t have something to chew on, he’ll start biting holes in our living room rug. So when I know I’m going out for a couple of hours, I pull out the Kongs. I stuff them with mozzarella or peanut butter (or both), and my two doggos stay happy and occupied the whole time I’m away. –– Desiree DeNunzio

My dog ​​is a beast when it comes to toys and he almost ruined it each a unique game that we gave it in a day or two. That was until we came across the Kong Extreme line of dog toys, which worked perfectly for her and kept her entertained. We can use it as a reward by filling it with peanut butter when it has been good for the day. It comes in a few different shapes and sizes, and everyone seems to like it! –– Jared DePane

Most plush toys are no match for my dog, Junebug, who rips them to shreds within minutes. This ball of Fluff and Tuff takes them weeks to get even a thread loose. As a result, she is obsessed with it and takes it with her everywhere (even though it’s too big for her small body – an adorable bonus). She remains faithful even after she is nothing but a sad, thawed, hollowed out shell. Eventually, I throw it out and buy a new one and the cycle begins again. He is on his third beach ball in about a year! It is worth the money. –– Kim Wong-Shing

My dog ​​loves two things (besides his humans): food and toys. This puzzle combines the two for endless fun. I received this dog treat puzzle as a gift, after months of rolling up towels and old T-shirts to make mentally stimulating toys for my chihuahua mix. Now, I use it whenever I don’t have a chance to take my dog ​​on his long evening walk.

All the moving plastic parts make it look complex, but it’s actually simple to install. Just hide your choice of treats or kibble in the hidden cubbies, cover with the plastic door, push the slider to keep the door closed and that’s it. I found it to be a great indoor option for my dog ​​to burn off some energy and test his brain as well. –-Alexandra Garrett

My pup Alistair has been crazy about his Dogobie flying disc for as long as we’ve had him, which is about 14 years. A disk made of flexible silicone, it is quite indestructible and as easy for me to throw as it is for him to recover, and it is easy to find in the brush after an errant launch, thanks to its neon colors. Alistair is getting on in years, but he still gets excited every time he sees his Dogobie come out to play. If only I had returned it with as much enthusiasm as when he chased. –-Jim Hoffman