Border collies are a notoriously hardworking, intelligent dog breed. Originally bred to herd sheep, these dogs require dog owners who can commit to giving them the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
Make no mistake — these are working dogs. If you let a border collie get bored, expect destroyed belongings and undesired behaviors.
Unless you own a farm or ranch and require a border collie to work on the land, you need to find other outlets for it to burn energy and stay mentally satiated. The following types of toys are some of the best toys for border collies that’ll do the trick.
The Best Toys for Border Collies
These highly intelligent dogs need interactive dog toys to satisfy their natural instincts. The following Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound dog puzzle toys can curb destructive behavior by keeping your border collie doing what it does best — working!
MultiPuzzle
Let’s start off with the most challenging interactive puzzle. The MultiPuzzle is a level 4 brain game that will really test your dog’s smarts. Using problem-solving skills, your pooch will learn step-by-step how to uncover the kibble in each hidden treat compartment.
The level of difficulty of the MultiPuzzle can also be adjusted as your dog learns! Between the moveable green tiles, spinning wheel, orange locks, and center sliders, your doggy will stay busy working for a treat for a good while.
MultiPuzzle Interactive Dog Treat Puzzle Toy, Blue
The Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound MultiPuzzle level 4 interactive dog puzzle toy will keep your dog entertained for hours as they use their natural hunting skills to seek out the hidden treats! Your pups’ favorite dog treats or kibble can be hidden in the outer and central compartments by sliding the puzzle pieces and let the games begin! This puzzle is ideal for dogs who have already mastered levels 1-3…
The Snoop with Nook
One of the best dog toys for any breed is the Snoop treat-dispensing toy. Simply pop open the top, fill it with treats, and pop it back in before playing with your pup! For extra-smart dogs like border collies, pair it with a Nook rubber ball insert for an added challenge. You can also stuff it with a tennis ball.
Orbee-Tuff Snoop Interactive Treat Dispensing Dog Toy, Large
Planet Dog’s multiple award-winning Orbee-Tuff Snoop challenges the brain in fun and stimulating ways! This interactive dog puzzle toy is great for bored pups who need a rewarding brain teaser or to encourage slower eating habits in fast eaters. The Snoop is translucent and squishy with a deep crevice that conceals the treats. Just pop open, fill with treats, and pop back in before playing with your…
Orbee-Tuff Nooks (Can Pair With Snoop)
Planet Dog’s Orbee-Tuff Nooks are your pup’s new favorite treat-dispensing dog toy! Made with tough TPE materials, Orbee-Tuff Nooks are BPA, lead, and phthalate-free. Just stuff the Nooks with your dog’s favorite snack or treat before playing a game of toss and fetch or independent playtime. Combine with a Planet Dog standard-sized 5″ Snoop to have your dogs seeking treats in every nook and cranny…
Orbee-Tuff Balls for Interactive Play
The Orbee-Tuff soccer ball is a durable multi-purpose dog toy that can be used as a treat dispenser, chew toy, and fetch ball.
You can put it in a ball launcher for an epic game of fetch. Each ball comes with a hole to stuff your pup’s favorite treats for a tasty reward. It can stand up to aggressive chewers and is made of TPE material that is BPA, lead, and phthalate-free. It’s durable yet gentle on your dog’s teeth. Flavored with natural mint oil, this dog ball will also help freshen your dog’s breath as they bite.
Dogwood Chew Toy
A safe and long-lasting alternative to chewing real wood sticks, Dogwood has the taste and texture of a natural tree branch, but lasts much longer and won’t splinter and make a mess as your pup chews.
Super Dogwood Dog Chew Toy
A safe and long lasting alternative to chewing real wood sticks, Dogwood by Petstages has all the taste and texture of a natural tree branch, but will last much longer and won’t splinter and make a mess as your pup chews. With a variety of scents like the smell of real wood or a Mesquite BBQ, Dogwood combines real wood with synthetic strength, making it a tough and durable chew toy. This alternative chew…
Fattiez Sheep
Fattiez Sheep Plush Dog Toy, White, Medium
These lovable Fattiez plush toys by Outward Hound are an adorable collection of animals and holiday characters that are bound to become your furry friend’s new pals. Each Fattiez plush toy is designed to be stimulating and longer-lasting with minimal seams and a unique molar-rounded shape. Great for interactive play and cuddle time! The Fattiez plush toys come in a range of sizes for dogs of all breeds…
A squeaker sheep toy can’t replace the real thing, but it’s only fitting for a border collie!
Border Collies & Sports
Basic playtime with a squeaky toy isn’t going to cut it exercise-wise for a border collie. You can’t toss a plush toy or peanut butter-filled kong in its direction, or have a brief tug-of-war session and expect that to be enough. These herding dogs need to be active each and every day.
Try dog sports! Border collies are excellent candidates for dog sports like agility, flyball, flying disc/frisbee games, rally, herding competitions, and scent work. You could also test their intelligence by signing them up for an advanced dog training course.
In the meantime, you can find interactive toys, rope toys, tug toys, treat balls, and more for large dogs and small dogs alike on our website, Amazon, Chewy, or your local pet shop.
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