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Golden retrievers are known for being outgoing, loyal family dogs. And they love to play. But what are the best toys for that special golden retriever in your life?
We’re rounded up some of the most golden retriever-friendly toys available. From fetch toys that encourage their retrieving instincts, to puzzle toys that engage their brains, these are our picks for the top dog toys for golden retrievers.
Kong Jumbler Football Toy
This two-in-one ball is perfect for fetch-happy goldens who like to chew. The interior tennis ball makes a satisfying squeak, and the exterior football is ideal for picking up and shaking. Plus, it bounces around unpredictably for a fun and active play session.
Golden retriever owner review: “My golden retriever loves these Kong jumblers! My golden eventually chewed through it (like he does everything) but these jumblers last him SO much longer than any other toy. Highly recommend!”
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West Paw Zogoflex Hurley Dog Bone
It bounces, it floats, it holds up to a chewing…this toy is a bestseller for a reason. It’s perfect for goldens who love to fetch sticks in water. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe.
Golden retriever owner review: “Our golden retrievers can strip a tennis ball of its covering in just a few seconds and ditto for most rubber toys. They chew on these and cannot break off pieces, so I don’t worry about them choking or getting an intestinal blockage. Also, our dogs love the water and these float, so make great water toys.”
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Chuckit! Launcher
A classic retriever toy, this tennis ball launcher makes those endless games of fetch easier on your throwing arm. The ergonomic handle lets you throw farther faster, and means you don’t have to pick up slobbery tennis balls with your bare hands.
Golden retriever owner review: “My family adopted a golden retriever who loves to fetch. Problem is she’s a slobbery mess, and I hated touching the balls. I also can’t throw very far when compared to how fast she runs, so games were short, and she wasn’t exercising her full potential. Not anymore! I can probably throw the ball 250 feet now, and my dog is huffing and puffing in a few minutes!”
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iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher
If the ChuckIt won’t cut it for your fetch-happy golden, try an automatic ball launcher. No human throwing required! Your golden simply drops a tennis ball into the top, and the iFetch throws the ball 10, 25 or 40 feet away.
Golden retriever owner review: “This device is a lifesaver. My service dog LOVES tennis balls, but I can’t throw them very far. The iFetch Too has helped him get much more exercise. Ryver often stands directly in front of the thrower but he doesn’t seem to mind having the ball pitched right into his face.”
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Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Puzzle Plush Toy
Does your golden retriever love plush toys that squeak? This is the toy for you! Stuff the soft trunk with squeaky squirrels and watch your golden sniff, hunt, and remove them one by one. Best of all, you can order replacement squirrels to keep the fun going through years of use.
Golden retriever owner review: “Gave this to my golden retriever for Christmas, and she went crazy! She pulled out all of the squirrels and squeaked away happily. She has managed to pull it apart in places, but we still love it. I re-stuff this again and again and she loves it every time.”
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ChuckIt! Amphibious Bumper Floating Toy
This is an ideal training toy for retrievers who love to swim. It’s rugged and unsinkable, with a knotted rope handle for easy grabbing. Use it to teach your golden how to retrieve in lakes, rivers, or pools.
Golden retriever owner review: “We have a golden retriever that absolutely LOVES taking this toy into the lake. She swims all over the place just to get this. It floats really well, is easy to see and has withstood a lot of abuse from our dog. Definitely a great purchase!”
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Kong Classic Dog Toy
We can’t write a round-up of golden retriever toys without including this time-tested classic. Kong is a super-bouncy, natural rubber toy you can stuff with treats to keep your golden busy for hours. Dogs love to chew, chase, and fetch Kong toys, and you’ll love how durable they are.
Golden retriever owner review: “How to keep an 82-pound golden retriever busy? Fill this Kong with dried kibble and top it off with peanut butter. He’s chewed through other “indestructible” toys, but the Kong doesn’t even have a dent in it. It’s Murphy’s favorite toy – I hope they never stop making these.”
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