Smart Bark is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
You might have heard that playing tug-of-war with your dog can make them more aggressive, but fear not, this is a common misconception! In fact, tug games offer a treasure trove of benefits for your furry friend:
Curbing Chewing: Tug toys provide a healthy outlet for your dog's natural chewing instinct, redirecting them away from destructive behaviours like furniture gnawing.
Brain & Body Boost: Tugging stimulates your dog mentally and physically, keeping them sharp and fit.
Bonding Bliss: The interactive nature of tug-of-war strengthens the connection between you and your pup, fostering a happy and trusting relationship
So, unleash the fun and enjoy some quality playtime with your dog! They're more than just a tug-of-war!
Not all tug toys are created equal! To help you find the perfect match for your four-legged friend, we put a variety of tug toys through their paces. From classic to innovative designs, we tested them all.
UPDATE : June 2024 - Following a recent round of tests, we've updated this page to include the West Paw ZogoFlex and the TONKA 3-ring dog toys. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Best Dog Tug Toy Overall : at a glance |
If you're in a rush and simply want to know which we think is best, we recommendTug-e-Nuff Sheepskin Bungee Chaser | View Tug-e-Nuff |
Buying Guide for Dog Tug Toys
Tug toys are all about interactive play – bonding with your dog through a fun game of tug-of-war. Remember, these toys are designed for supervised playtime, not solo chewing. Leaving them unattended with your dog could lead to destruction (and potentially swallowed pieces!).
If used correctly, tug toys can improve impulse control, encourage your dog to learn some boundaries and they really tire them out both physically and mentally.
Want to unlock the full potential of tug toys? We share expert tips on introducing and using tug toys in our guest article by Tug-E-Nuff Co-Founder Danny Nelis-Rouse
All dog tug toys are built with durability in mind but there are a number of different designs to consider -
Size
Ideally, the tug toy you choose should have room for your hand, your dog’s mouth, and some space in between. So if you dog readjusts their grip, your hand will be well out of the way.
If you would like to use your tug toy when you're out and about, look for a pocket-sized toy. You can then reveal it at any point to encourage recall as it acts as a reward.
Handle
A comfy, padded handle lets you enjoy extended playtime with your dog without sacrificing comfort.
For our pint-sized pals, long-handled toys offer endless playtime without the need for constant bending – a win-win for both you and your dog!
Material
We'd suggest that you look for a tug toy with a little bit of 'give' in it. If you have a large dog or have suffered with any arm/shoulder injuries then some flex is a big plus.
High Value Reward
Looking for ways to reward your furry friend? Tug toys can be a fantastic alternative to treats, especially if your dog finds them high-value.
The key lies in understanding what motivates your dog! Will they go wild for a tug toy with:
Real Fur: Satisfy their natural instincts with a tug toy featuring real fur textures.
A Bouncy Ball: Combine tugging fun with a classic fetch favourite – some tug toys incorporate balls for added excitement.
Dazzling Colours: For pups who love visual stimulation, choose a brightly coloured tug toy that grabs their attention.
Our Top Picks for Dog Tug Toys
1. Best Tug Toy Overall
Tug-e-Nuff Bungee Chaser
Tug-e-Nuff isn't your average UK dog toy company. Launched in 2009, this family-run business combines their expertise as professional dog trainers with a sprinkle of creativity.
The result? A range of innovative, high-quality tug toys designed to enrich your dog's life.
The first of their extensive range of toys to feature in our review is the Sheepskin Bungee Chaser.
This toy is from a range of Chasers, so called because the long handle allows you trail it along the ground. They're are the ideal tug toy for small breeds as it saves the constant bending.
Apparently, trailing the toy erratically mimics prey so is incredibly enticing for your dog. We're not sure on the science, but this tug toy was a clear winner in testing, proving to be the most popular.
The toy measures over a metre long, so is ideal if you have an anxious dog, as they can play tug with you from a distance rather than up close, which will help to build their confidence.
This tug toy boasts a truly attractive bite material – real sheepskin! The unique scent and texture are incredibly motivating for most dogs, triggering their natural instincts and turning playtime into an exciting adventure.
Here's the good news: all the sheepskin used in Tug-e-Nuff products is ethically sourced and represents a by-product of the meat industry so minimises waste.
The strong handle is padded for extra comfort and includes a bungee cord section. We love this design feature as it takes some of the strain away from your arm and your dog's neck during the tug game.
Available in four eye-catching colour combinations with a choice of black or white sheepskin bite material or if you prefer, Tug-e-Nuff also offer rabbit fur or faux fur options.
In testing we felt that the Bungee Chaser was too big to fit in your pocket, so it's a tug toy designed to be used at home (great fun on a rainy day) or in the garden.
Our Verdict - The Sheepskin Bungee Chaser ticks all the boxes for a tug toy. It's fairly durable, easy on your arm, suitable for more anxious dogs and ultimately was the most enticing of all the tug toys we've tested. |
Reasons to Buy
- Ideal for anxious dogs
- Very enticing
- Super fluffy
- Padded handle
- Bungee section
Reasons to Avoid
- If you're not a fan of fur
- Too big for your pocket
Buying Options
Get 10% OFF any Tug-e-Nuff toy
Using discount code SMARTBARK at checkout
2. Best for Gentle Chewers
West Paw Zogo Flex
If you haven't come across West Paw, they are an American company that offer a range of beautifully designed play, puzzle and chew toys for gentle, moderate and tough chewers.
Meet the Zogo Flex Bumi, the stretching wonder for your gentle chewer! Don't let the name fool you, this S-shaped wonder is a playful pup's dream come true.
This innovative toy is perfect for gentle chewers, flexing to double its length during epic tug-of-war battles! But the fun doesn't stop there – its clever design makes it a natural for a game of fetch too.
The Zogo Flex is not only tough, but thoughtfully made. It would make an ideal tug toy for two dogs who like to share or maybe those who don't !
It’s tough but not totally indestructible, although it's worth mentioning that West Paw do offer a one-time free replacement under their Love It Guarantee program if your dog damages it.
We think one of the bonuses of the West Paw range is that they are easy to clean. You can wash them in your home dishwasher's top rack. Just make sure to dry them completely between uses to keep them in top shape.
Available in 2 sizes and three colours
Reasons to Buy
- Great for tug-of-war and fetch games
- Stretchy
- Easy to clean
Reasons to Avoid
- Only suitable for gentle chewers
Buying Options
3. Best Pocket Tug Toy
Tug-e-Nuff Pocket PowerBall
Another option from the Tug-e- Nuff range. If you have a ball crazy dog then the Pocket PowerBall Fauxtastic could be the perfect tug toy for you
Compact enough to slip into your pocket, it's ideal to use when out and about for improved recall.
Incredibly bright, it features blue stripes which isn't by accident. Studies suggest blue is one of the dominant colours in your dog's vision. This may well explain why your dog prefers blue toys over toys of different colours.
This design is shorter than the other toy styles, so the bungee shock absorber has been integrated within the padded handle.
Other headline features are the faux fur section and a super tough PowerBall.
The Tug-e-Nuff PowerBall is uniquely designed with easy-grip grooves and a dual texture for interest.
We found in testing that Freddie continually grabbed at the faux fur section as opposed to the ball, which surprised us, as he loves a ball.
Measuring 31cm in length, it's available in 3 different colour combinations.
The Tug-e-Nuff range includes a collection of ball tug toys including some with longer handles and chasers with real or fake fur in addition to the ball.
Our Verdict - Ultimately, this tug toy was the only one we could hide in our pocket during testing. The excitement when we produced it mid-dog walk, was off the scale - we felt like magicians ! Definitely one for training at the park and for dogs that simply adore their balls ! |
Reasons to Buy
- Pocket sized
- Eye-catching
- Ball and faux fur bite area
- Padded bungee handle
Reasons to Avoid
- Anxious dogs may prefer a longer handle
Buying Options
Get 10% OFF any Tug-e-Nuff toy
Using discount code SMARTBARK at checkout
Complete Your Dog Walking Kit! After picking out the Tug-e-Nuff Pocket PowerBall, head over to our Best Dog Walking Bags article to find the ideal bag for treats, poo bags, and all your dog walking needs. |
4. Best Ring Dog Tug Toy
Tonka Flex Tread 3-Ring
Everyone's heard of TONKA, the toy maker famous for toy trucks and construction equipment. They are known for being durable, realistic, and ideal for imaginative play.
With a 70-year history of making toys that last, they now make tough and durable toys for dogs.
Designed as three interlocking miniature tyres, this rubber toy is lightweight yet looks and feels durable.
This isn't your average chew toy. The Tonka Flex Tread 3-Ring Tug is a powerhouse built to withstand even the most enthusiastic chewers. But it's not just tough – it's also designed to get your dog moving!
Satisfies Chewing Needs: The durable construction provides a healthy outlet for your dog's natural chewing instincts.
Encourages Active Play: The ring design makes it perfect for games of fetch or tug-of-war, keeping your pup physically and mentally stimulated.
This compact toy was a favourite for our black Lab - Otis, enduring some serious chomping.
However, our human tester commented that it proved a little awkward to grasp for a good tug-of-war battle.
Our Verdict - In testing we found that the Tonka Flex Tread wasn't as enticing as the Tug-e-Nuff range and harder to grip in a tug game. However, it is tougher and cheaper. |
Reasons to Buy
- Great value
- Made by Tonka
- Lightweight & and weather/water resistant
- Designed for power chewers
Reasons to Avoid
- Not as enticing as Tug-e-Nuff
- Trickier to grasp
Buying Options
5. Best Double Handled
Ruffwear Pacific Loop
US dog brand Ruffwear is dedicated to offering performance dog gear and their range includes the Pacific Loop tug toy.
With a slightly different aim, the Pacific Loop has been designed for games of tug and fetch.
Featuring two grab handles, one at either end and a large bite area in the centre, the Pacific Loop combines tug and fetch games.
The handles are crafted from nylon tubular webbing so very robust and the bite area is a combination of rope and foam.
The headline feature is the buoyant foam core that has been designed to float. So would make an ideal fetch and tug toy at the beach or if your dog loves to swim.
We feel that a combination fetch and tug toy may work well for you, if your dog doesn't have a tendency to chew.
Nevertheless, we felt that if you have a dog that loves to chew, by essentially using this tug toy as a fetch toy, it will probably result in some unwanted chewing which would reduce the toys life.
Measuring 52cm in length, it's easy to throw and there's plenty of space for tug play.
Be aware though that it is more expensive than the other tug toys featured.
Our Verdict - It's a high quality, well made toy as you would expect from Ruffwear and is available in two colours - red and teal. |
Reasons to Buy
- Durable
- Eye-catching
- Suitable for water play
Reasons to Avoid
- Expensive option
Buying Options
6. Most Durable Tug Toy
KONG Tug
Ultimately no dog toy article would be complete without a Kong dog toy. Probably the world's best known brand - Kong, offer their version of a tug dog toy simply called Tug.
We bought and tested the Tug which is made from Kong's unique rubber used in their original treat dispensers.
Their rubber tug toy has a degree of flexibility and is designed to spring back into shape during games of tug.
A large, comfortable grip area at either end alongside plenty of space for your dogs jaws.
The truth is though, we found that the Kong Tug grip was not as comfortable as the Tug-e-Nuff toys we tested.
Definitely more demanding on our arms during play and offered considerably less shock absorption than the bungee.
The bungee element included in some of the Tug-e-Nuff toys makes a massive difference to the comfort of playing tug games with your dog.
Additionally, during testing we noticed that the Kong Tug didn't appear as inviting as the other tug toys tested.
Freddie needed more cajoling to start a tug game, but of course this will depend on your dog's temperament.
Kong Tug measures 32cm long and 11.5cm at its widest part.
Our Verdict - For most dog owners this dog tug toy is good value and should last considerably longer that most rope tug toys which tend to fray and fall apart. |
Reasons to Buy
- Tough rubber
- Durable
- For dogs who prefer rubber toys
Reasons to Avoid
- Didn't appear as appealing as other tug toys
Buying Options
Just welcomed a furry whirlwind into your life? Puppies are adorable, but let's be honest – their chewing habits can test your patience! |
Help is Here! We've compiled a list of the Best Puppy Chew Toys. Discover fun and safe alternatives that'll satisfy their chewing urges and keep your hands, ankles, and favourite shoes safe from tiny chompers. |
Our Verdict
Sure, tug toys are built for epic pulling battles – designed to withstand enthusiastic tugs in opposite directions, with a comfortable handle for you and a gripping spot for your dog. But the fun goes way beyond the classic tug-of-war game.
In testing we loved the Tug-e-Nuff range. The thoughtful design means they're fun to play and importantly whilst they are robust, they are also more gentle on your arm and hand than the other tug toys we tested.
What's more the design team at Tug-e-Nuff have carefully considered colour combinations and materials when tailoring their toys to a whole range of dogs and their different temperaments.
If you're looking for a tug toy for a power chewer we'd recommend taking a closer look at the Tonka Flex Tread 3-Ring Dog Toy
You of course may have other ideas so please let us know if there are any other tug toys we should review.
If you're looking for a different kind of dog toy, why not check out our Best Dog Toys for 2024. We test and review the best puzzle, indestructible, plush and fetch toys on the UK market. |
FAQ's
Are tug toys good for dogs ?
Tug games tap into your dog's natural drive so they're incredibly motivational. When used correctly tug toys are a great training tool which can help with impulse control, build confidence in anxious dogs and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Do tug toys promote aggression in dogs ?
No, playing tug will not make make your dog aggressive. According to a study conducted by the University of Bristol -
The majority of dogs do not seem to regard competitive games played with a human partner as "dominance" contests: rather, winning possession of objects during games appears to be simply rewarding.
Playing tug is an excellent way to mentally and physically exercise your dog, and you'll burn off some calories too.
Almost all our products are sent to us by the companies involved and nearly always as a result of our request. We only review the products we think are worth reviewing.
Thank you for reading our article and we hope you love dog tug toys as much as we do.
댓글