12 Of The Best Toys For German Shepherds

German Shepherds are high-energy dogs requiring a lot of mental stimulation. They need to have toys that will help them work out their brains, or they can become destructive if bored. Here are 12 great toys for German Shepherd pups – large and small!

12 Best Toys For German Shepherds

• Best Overall: Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy
• Best for Pups: KONG Puppy Dog Toy
• Best Teething Dog Toy: Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy
• Best for Aggressive Chewers: KONG Extreme Ball Toy
• Best Toy for Crate Training: Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy
• Best Rope Toy: Otterly Pets Dog Rope Toys
• Best Budget: KONG Tires Dog Toy
• Best for Multipet Households: KONG Jumbler Ball Dog Toy
• Best Flavored Chew Toy: Nylabone Power Chew Double Bone Bacon Flavored Dog Chew Toy
• Best Value: Pet Artist 3 Handles Jute Bite Pillow
• Best Disc Toy for Dogs: Chuckit! Paraflight Flyer Dog Toy
• Best Dispensing Dog Chew Toy: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy

Best Overall: Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy

Key Features:

• High bouncing ball
• Extra thick rubber core
• Bright color
• Compatible with Chuckit! ball launchers
• Comes in 2 sizes

If you are after a high bouncing ball for your energetic GSD buddy, consider the Chuckit! Ultra Rubber Ball Tough Dog Toy is one of your best choices. It has a thick rubber core and is made from quality materials for that extra durability. The ball is highly visible thanks to its bright color.

If you have the Chuckit! ball launchers, you can use these balls for extra fun. Watch it fly, bounce, and float while your canine buddy runs after it during a productive play.

Best for Pups: KONG Puppy Dog Toy

Key Features:

• Classic-bone shape
• Fillable with treats
• Made from soft rubber
• For pups up to 9 months
• Comes in 4 sizes and random fun colors

The KONG Puppy Dog Toy is one of the best chew toys for German Shepherd puppies. This bone-shaped chew toy is made from soft rubber that helps soothe the gums of your GSD pups. You can fill the ends with treats to make playtime a more enjoyable experience for your fur baby.

It is perfect for pups up to 9 months of age. This is one of those budget-friendly dog toys that you can get in random colors.

Best Teething Dog Toy: Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy

Key Features:

• Designed for positive play
• Promotes proper hygiene
• Vet-recommended
• Interactive, bright colors
• For pups up to 25 lbs

Vets love the Nylabone Teething Pacifier Puppy Chew Toy since it is designed to promote healthy chewing habits in puppies under 25 lbs. The bright colors keep puppies engaged while the nubs aid in promoting better oral health. Your fur baby will surely look cute while nibbling on this stylish chew toy for dogs.

Best for Aggressive Chewers: KONG Extreme Ball Toy

Key Features:

• Made from ultra-durable rubber
• Extreme bounce
• Recommended by vets
• Bets for aggressive chewers
• Comes in 2 sizes

The KONG Extreme Ball Toy is one of the most durable pet chew toys you can get from the market. Vets worldwide recommend this chew toy thanks to its durable rubber construction and extreme bounce. Your GSD will surely have the time of his life playing with this tough chew ball all day long.

Best Toy for Crate Training: Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy

Key Features:

• Easy to clean
• With pulsing heartbeat
• Disposable warming pack
• Comes in 4 colors

If you are having a hard time crate training your GSD, consider the Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Dog Toy as heaven-sent. It features a real-feel pulsating heartbeat while the disposable warming pack keeps your pooch warm at night. This gives him the illusion that he gets to cuddle up next to a warm companion at night.

This chew to is easy to clean since it is machine washable. You only need to remove the battery-operated heart. The AAA alkaline batteries are already included. The disposable warming pack, on the other hand, adds an extra source of comfort for your best buddy.

Best Rope Toy: Otterly Pets Dog Rope Toys

Key Features:

• Durable construction
• 100% non-toxic cotton fibers
• Comes in 5 different toy assortments

The Otterly Pets Dog Rope Toys come in a 5 variety of rope toys perfect for an exciting game of fetch, tug-of-war, and chewing.

Now, you can have that peace of mind that your aggressive chewer will have safe chew toys he can use when he gets bored and needs to burn some more energy. The toys are also washable, which makes cleaning and maintenance an easy feat.  

Best Budget: KONG Tires Dog Toy

Key Features:

• Fillable with treats
• Made with all-natural black rubber
• Comes in 2 sizes

Rarely will you find a chew toy that can withstand the strong teeth of German Shepherds. This chew toy is made from all-natural black rubber formula and is fillable with his favorite treats. The side walls are also made with durability in mind, so you don’t have to worry about them being punctured that easily.

This tire dog toy comes in medium and large sizes. This means you can choose one based on your GSD’s size and chewing preferences.

Best for Multipet Households: KONG Jumbler Ball Dog Toy

Key Features:

• 2-in-1 ball design
• Handles for effortless pickup and shaking
• Interior tumbling tennis place that squeaks loudly
• Comes in 2 sizes and random colors

The KONG Jumbler Ball Dog Toy is one interactive chew toy that won’t break your budget. Its 2-in-1 design gives you the best of both worlds. This means you and your GSD can use it for a game of fetch and he can use it alone for a chewing session.

This is one of those toys perfect for multi-pet households. This helps ensure that every playtime will be engaging, exciting, and fun for you and your favorite dogs in the world.

Best Flavored Chew Toy: Nylabone Power Chew Double Bone Bacon Flavored Dog Chew Toy

Key Features:

• Bacon-flavored
• Durable nylon construction
• Action cleaning nubs and ridge
• Vet-recommended
• Comes in 3 sizes

Rarely will you come across a bacon-flavored chew toy like this one. Its action cleaning nubs and ridge promote oral hygiene while the chew toy itself can stand against aggressive chewers. If you are after a dental stick and chew toy in one that is guaranteed to keep your pooch mesmerized for hours, consider the Nylabone Power Chew Double Bone Bacon Flavored Dog Chew Toy as your next best investment.

Best Value: Pet Artist 3 Handles Jute Bite Pillow

Key Features:

• Made from quality cotton, linin, and nylon materials
• tug-and-bite pillow design
• 100% satisfaction guarantee
• 9.5″x6.5″

If your GSD loves to chew on his pillows and enjoys a game of tug of war, then the Pet artist 3 Handles Jute Bite Pillow is guaranteed to be his next best favorite toy. Its unique pillow design is perfect for chewing, gnawing, and biting while the 3 handles make it a nice tug-of-war toy. You can get a 100% satisfaction guarantee with every toy, which shows the maker’s confidence in their creation.

Best Disc Toy for Dogs: Chuckit! Paraflight Flyer Dog Toy

Key Features:

• Multilayer construction
• Features 2 bright colors
• Made of soft but quality material
• Aerodynamic shape
• Comes in 2 sizes

German Shepherds are active dogs that require heavy-duty toys to help them burn their extra energy. Thankfully, durable dog toys like the Chuckit! Paraflight Flyer Dog Toy exists. With this aerodynamic flyer toy, your pooch will surely have fun chasing after the disc.

This toy features 2 bright colors, ensuring easy visibility. You can use this for long-distance fetch while out in the backyard, at the dog park, or while at the beach. Since it is fairly durable, you don’t need to worry about having to buy another disc toy for your canine buddy.

Best Dispensing Dog Chew Toy: West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy

Key Features:

• Grooves fillable with treats
• 100% recyclable
• Non-toxic
• BPA-and-phthalate-free
• FDA-compliant
• Comes in 2 sizes

The West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy is every pet parent’s favorite chew toy. You can insert your GSD’s favorite dog treats in its ridges, making every playtime fun and interactive. It is made with non-toxic materials and is perfect for dogs of all sizes.                  

How to Tone Your German Shepherd’s Energy Down

When you have a high-energy dog, they can be quite the handful. One of the most frustrating things is when you want to get something done, but your German Shepherd pup has other ideas.

One way that many owners cope with this – especially during hot summer months – is by giving their German Shepherds ice cubes or popsicles. This helps to keep them busy for a short time.

Another way to keep them busy and entertained (and tired!) is by playing with them! Here are some tips:

• If your German Shepherd isn’t great on a leash , try running with him. This will tire both of you out, but it also helps to build trust between the two of you too.
• Try putting your pup in their crate for a while. Your German Shepherd will usually accept this when they’re tired, and your house will have a chance to cool down without being destroyed!
• If you have somewhere that they can safely explore outside, try digging in the dirt or having a chew on a rope toy. These are both great options to help them work out their brains.

Things To Consider When Buying Toys for German Shepherds

Material

For German Shepherds, you’ll want to stick with strong and durable heavy-duty toys until your pup is fully grown (between 18 months and 3 years old).

At the same time, one of the great things about German Shepherd dogs is their durability. If they play with a toy that has been designed for a lighter dog breed, it’s likely that they won’t survive very long. They have a tendency to pick up their toys and play tough with them, so this is something to bear in mind!

This also means that you should be careful about what kind of rawhide bones or chews you give your German Shepherd pup. Since they’re more likely to rip a softer dog toy to shreds, they’ll definitely do the same with a softer chew or rawhide bone.

Size and Height

If your German Shepherd is still a pup, you can buy them slightly smaller toys that they can grow into. However, if they’re fully grown it’s best not to give them toys that are too small.

For German Shepherds, it’s best to look for larger plush dog toys or rope tug toys. If you can’t find one big enough, try buying two smaller ones at the same time! This way they can either play alone or put them together and have an epic battle.

Quality

As with any beloved pet, you’ll want to make sure that your German Shepherd’s toys are of good quality. This means no cheap plastic or plush fabrics that can easily rip and tear.

You should also check for stitching, especially if the toy has any padding materials inside it. If these are loose or falling apart then it’ll be a bad idea to let your German Shepherd play with it as they may swallow or choke on the stuffing.

Cost

Price is an important consideration. If you’re on a budget then it can be tempting to buy cheaper toys that might not last very long. However, the more expensive dog toys are usually also of better quality!

If your German Shepherd does destroy their plush or rope toy quickly, there are some things you can do to help them get more value for money. You can use it as a ‘treat’ when they go to their crate or try putting food in the toy to keep them entertained for longer!

Avoid Plush Toys!

Plush toys are cute, cuddly, and tend to be the first thing that owners will buy for their new pup. However, it’s actually not a great idea to give them plush-style toys because German Shepherd dogs have a habit of picking up their toys with their mouths and shaking them about. This often results in small parts of the toy coming off, which they’ll swallow or choke on.

Instead, safe toys for your German Shepherd will typically be made out of a much stronger material that can hold up to being chewed and shaken without damage. Remember to also be careful about what kind of rawhide bones you give them!

Frequently Asked Questions

What toys are good for German Shepherds?

All dogs need toys to play with, but German Shepherds are particularly enthusiastic chewers. This means that any of the types of toys listed above will be a great purchase for your German Shepherd dog!

How do I keep my German Shepherd entertained?

German Shepherds can be incredibly energetic and don’t like to sit still. One of the best ways to keep them entertained is by buying toys that will make them run around, such as a rope toy or frisbee! Making sure they get daily exercise is very important for them (and you), so this will help with their boredom levels.

What do German Shepherds love the most?

A lot of dogs love to play tug, but German Shepherds are particularly fond of playing with toys that involve some sort of battle.

What games do German Shepherds like to play?

German Shepherds are often happiest when they’re having a tug-of war with their owner, or by chewing on a rope bone!

Conclusion

So there you have it! Our list of the best toys for German Shepherds.

All dogs need to play, but if your German Shepherd loves to bite and chew on their toys then you should always make sure that they’re safe for them to use unsupervised. Be careful about buying plush or soft-toy dog breeds and look for something that’ll stand up to their chewing.