The best toys for Blue Heelers help to keep their bodies and their brains busy. An extremely intelligent and active breed, it’s important to make use of every tool at your disposal to keep them happy. And toys can really help to do just that.
Contents
- Brain busting puzzle toys
- The best toys for Blue Heelers to chew
- Rope and alternative tug toys
- Blue Heeler puppy toys
When it comes to dog toys, you have lots of options. From tug toys, to puzzle toys, to chew toys, you’re sure to find something that your canine will love! Look for well-made toys constructed from durable materials. Keeping a small collection of toys and rotating their use will give them a longer lifespan and also keep your Blue Heeler interested.
The Importance of Good Toys
Blue Heelers are very smart. They have to be in order to herd animals and perform the intense tasks they were bred for! However, this can occasionally make picking out toys for them difficult, as they have a tendency to get bored easily.
So it is vital to provide them with the correct toys to simulate them physically and mentally.
If you pup becomes too bored, they will begin to search out way to entertain themselves. Which can easily turn into misbehaving if they choose the wrong objects or places to find their fun!
There are three types of toys that are particularly appropriate for this active breed: chew toys, puzzle toys, and tug toys. However, even in these categories there is a lot of variation.
Sometimes it’s just hard to tell what is a good toy verses what is a mediocre toy! That’s why we have put together this comprehensive guide to help you pick out the best toys for your canine!
Choosing the Best Toys for Blue Heelers
The best toys for your blue heeler are those that are both durable and fun for your pup! Though it might be tempting to choose a cheaper toy over a higher-quality, expensive one, it is important never to settle when it comes to buying toys for your dog.
Some cheaper toys are made with dangerous materials and many simply cannot stand up to a Blue Heeler’s active nature.
It’s better to buy one durable, expensive toy than it is to buy a dozen possibly dangerous toys that are going to be destroyed in a matter of minutes! The easiest way to ensure that the toy you’re buying is safe and durable is to purchase from trustworthy brands.
Your Dog’s Preferences
The best toys for Blue Heelers aren’t one size fits all. I always recommend that if in doubt, buy toys that are similar to toys that you know your pet likes. If your Blue Heeler likes to play fetch, buy him more balls or throwing toys! If your canine spends hours playing with puzzle toys, buy more of those.
It’s great to try new things, but pick cheaper versions or even better try one from your friend’s puppy play pile before you invest in something your dog will turn their nose up at.
Puzzle Toys for Blue Heelers
Puzzle toys have moving parts and problems that your pooch needs to solve to win his prize. This is a great way to put an appealing snack slightly out of reach, so that your Blue Heeler is kept busy liberating it.
Trixie Gambling Tower
If you pet is new to the puzzle toy world, then this beginner-level product*(paid link) is for them! This cone-shaped puzzle contains a number of smaller puzzles within it. Simply strategically place treats inside and watched your pup try to figure it out! As your pup gets better at the puzzle, it is possible to vary the location of the treats in order to increase difficulty.
Move-2-Win
This multi-level toy for advanced players*(paid link) is made by the same company as the previous one. However, it is made to truly challenge a dog’s intelligence. This toy is only recommended for those that have had previous puzzle experience, because it is truly a complicated puzzle. Luckily, this puzzle does come with multiple levels, so it is possible to make it easier if your pup can’t figure it out.
Interactive Seek-A-Treat Shuffle Bone Toy
This dog puzzle is a little more straightforward*(paid link) than the previous ones. You put the treats into whatever hole you chose and watch your dog try to get to it. This toy is made of sturdy wood in order to withstand even the rowdiest pets.
Treat Ball
This is a classic example of a puzzle toy*(paid link). You fill it with food and your dog rolls it around in order to make the food fall out. This is unique from the other puzzles we’ve featured in that it also encourages movement from your dog. You can also change the difficulty of this toy, so you can increase it as your dog gets better at the puzzle! More bang for your buck!
Chew Toys for Blue Heelers
Blue Heelers are strong dogs, and chewing is a normal way for dogs to exercise their jaw muscles. It’s especially important that chew toys for Blue Heelers are made of robust materials, as they take a real battering!
TireBiter Chew Toy with Rope
What dog doesn’t like chewing on rubber? This sturdy toy*(paid link) allows them to do just that without your shoes ending up ruined. Plus, it is extremely affordable!
Large Dog Chew Toy pack
New dog? Looking to fill your house with toys without breaking the bank? Then this multipack of nine toys*(paid link) is perfect for you! Plus, with this pack, you’ll get a chance to figure out what materials your dog prefers before buying more expensive products.
Kong XXL
Kong have been making tough dog toys since the 1970s, and this is their classic dog chew toy*(paid link). Tested by time, this toy truly does fulfill a dog’s chewing needs, and it’s amassed a massive fanbase. Plus, it comes in countless sizes, so there is one for every dog!
Chompion
Is your dog a heavy-weight chewer? Then JW Pet has exactly what you need*(paid link). This dog toy is made for intense chewers. And, while we’re at it, it also helps keep your pup’s teeth and gums clean!
Tug Toys for Blue Heelers
Sometimes you need to buy some time with a toy your dog can use independently. But playing together is also a great way to bond with your dog, and tug toys are a fun Blue Heeler toy for two!
Bumi
This fun, floating tug toy*(paid link) is made to withstand even the strongest dogs. And its unique shape makes it super easy for you to play with your puppy friend! It stretches to twice its length for extra fun!
Kong Tug Toy
Don’t know if your pup likes playing tug-a-war yet? This purse-friendly choice*(paid link) will provide you with the opportunity to find out without breaking the bank. It has a comfortable grip for long games and is incredibly durable.
Fresh N Floss Knot Tug Rope
Looking for something a little more traditional*(paid link)? This rope toy has been tested by time, and your dog is bound to love it. And it will help keep your dog’s teeth and gums fresh and clean!
Chuckit!
This toy is made for dogs who love to tug and love to fetch*(paid link)! It’s a tug and throw toy all wrapped into one! If you have one, it is also compatible with a ball launcher.
Best Toys for Blue Heeler Puppies
Picking out toys is a fun way to prepare for your puppy’s arrival. You don’t know what they’re going to like yet, so it can feel like a stab in the dark. But with these ideas, you can’t go far wrong:
Puppy Toys Pack
This multipack has everything you need*(paid link) to start out on the right foot. It contains twelve toys your new Blue Heeler puppy is bound to love. From tug toys, to chew toys, to throwing toys, this pack really has it all!
Busy Buddy Twist ‘n Treat
We all know that Blue Heelers love puzzle toys, and puppies are no different. However, many adult sized puzzle toys are simply too large for puppies. This puzzle toy is specifically made for puppies*(paid link) and is bound to keep them busy for hours. However, it is not as durable as some of the other toys we’ve discussed. We recommend not using it with strong chewers or with older dogs.
UEETEK Squeaky Dog Toys
These are just absolutely adorable*(paid link). Plus, what dog doesn’t like squeaky toys? These toys will help your dog run off energy and satisfy their urge to chew. However, these are made for small dogs and puppies. They will not stand up to large dogs with sharp teeth.
What is your Blue Heeler’s favorite toy?
Do you have a recommendation we’ve missed? Please let us know in the comments!
Affiliate link disclosure: Links in this article marked with an * are affiliate links, and we may receive a small commission if you purchase these products. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.
Jennifer Feltner says
I was just wondering if plush toys from kong would be a good choice for my mottled blue heeler.
B madison says
How can I tell if my female blue Heeler 9 weeks old is deaf please or is she just hard headed stubborn brat lol. Thank y’all .
Judy Maxfield says
Our Blue Heeler/Labradoodle Mix, Lucy, just turned 2 and we gave her a Red Medium-size Jolly ball for her birthday — she LOVES it. Plays with it for hours, guards it and brings it into her bed — shows her teeth if we come close to the Jolly ball — but she’d never bite us. What a nut. She is also crazy about sticks and logs of all sizes — even those she can’t even lift!
Christine says
Spunky pup’s squeak & glow football ~ it’s indestructible even withstanding being left outside in all weather, just the right amount of give for him & more importantly it produces the high pitched squeak; all toys are secondary to attentive play. He does like the Outward Hound Invincible Mini Duck Plush Dog Toy ~ it’s flat so there is nothing he can pull to rip and squeaks. It’s rare i get that & it’s nice when it’s novel & I need a moment. Nothing else lasts & again all toys are secondary to interacting with us. Once we taught him to fetch a ball, he likes to run especially with another dog (beats them every time). He’s awesome & likes to be active! The world is too great to explore to bother with toys!
Tracy D Jackson says
I have a 9 week old blue heeler lab mix. His favorite thing is a plastic bottle. He has all these toys but the bottle is his favorite.
Steve says
Favorites deflated basketball (he killed it) and old Tupperware pie storage (skid it upside down on pavement or roll it) , any plastic bottle – likes them better than bought toys
Christina l walters says
I know that sound well, high pitched and I almost have to cover my ears.
Delores Mosley says
Me2, Wondering why it’s so high pitch,
Jan Barowsky says
Got two half Blue Heeler/Corgy pups (5 mo). Can you suggest good toy maker brands? I’m new at this and have no idea who is reputible and what lasts. Also, after reading all your information, I am so worried. I think I need to get the male trained SOON. He’s getting aggressive. Don’t want to ruin him. Thanks so much for any info.
Jan Barowsky
Ginny W says
Mine love to play with a Kong frisbee for hours on end.
Linda says
My Australian Cattle Dog’s favorite toy is a rubber Nerf squeaky ball. It stands up to him chewing on it and he will chase it all over the yard for hours.
Alan says
My Duke is only half heeler, not sure I could withstand 100%, but his fav toy is a liter gatorade bottle! but they got noisy inside so a gallon plastic jug and he is in heaven! Will throw and chase until he is exhausted!
Anne says
My healer has a big purple jolly egg. Its plastic and slides across the grass nicely. It gives her plenty of exercise rolling it all over the yard.
Carol says
My blue healer loves to play with a basketball He likes it when I kick it to roll and he chases it around the yard which satisfies his herding instincts. The only problem is he eventually punctures it by picking it up with his teeth. He likes to tool a ball around then he wants to ppick it up. I have a ball we play fetch with but not our soccer type playing. I have seen indestructible balls for dogs the size of a basketball but they say they are very hard and uncomfortable to kick. Also some say your dog can harm his teeth or gums on them. Do you have any suggestions for my big boy Ben ?
natalie says
look for a horse ball… soccer type ball with a “handle” I think mine is by “jolly” they make ones for dogs also.
Becky says
We got one of those jolly balls for our Hank, who’s almost 2. He rolls and chases it all over the yard but does this weird yelp/high pitch scream, like he’s nervous or angry with it!? Anyone else’s weirdo do that? He does it with large sticks or logs he finds too!?
Bob birns says
My blue heeled is about 3 yrs and he rather have a branch to play with than a toy.he does love his squeak toy and frisbe.they can be a pain,but you still love em.
Delores Mosley says
My blue Heeler,Is a year old, she loves jOLLEY Balls she will eat, She eats the handle off of them. Chewie.com has a hard ball I think it’s 10 inches or 14 inches she can’t get her mouth on it but she can get her nose and throw it up in the air she screams And talk to the ball , it is a real I would scream I’ve never heard her scream like this before when she’s playing it with her ball she gets it she’ll throw the ball to me, and we play kickball it’s not hard rubber she can’t eat it
Kanga’s Mom says
My heeler killed the horse ball within 15 minutes. We get used volley balls for him to destroy. He thinks they are squirrels and death shakes them. He doesn’t know what those weird animals that climbs trees are.