Combining the athletic ability and trainability of the Poodle with the sweet and friendly nature of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the Cavapoo is a fun, smart and loyal crossbreed. Although they may not need an excessive amount of exercise, Cavapoos do require plenty of playtime.
To help your Cavapoo stay happy and healthy, you will need to provide them with plenty of paw-some toys, that they’ll absolutely love playing with. Here we review the top 12 tried and tested best toys for Cavapoos.
- Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Dog Chew Toy
- Kong Natural Rubber Dog Chew Toy
- Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys
- Hipat Dog Pull Toy
- Goughnuts Dog Pull Toy
- Duckworth Duck Dog Cuddly Toy
- HuggleHounds Soft Dog Toys
- Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Soft Toy
- Chuckit! Classic Launcher
- JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy
- Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy
- Our Pets IQ Treat Ball
What do Cavapoos like to play with?
Cavapoos of all ages love playing with toys as they offer both physical and mental stimulation, relieve boredom, aid teething trouble and provide hours of entertainment.
But, with so many different accessories on the market, from teethers and pulleys to soft toys, squeaky toys, plush toys, fetch games and mental puzzles; just how do you know which dog toys are best for your Cavapoo?
Here we explain more!
Dog chew and teething toys
If you have a Cavapoo puppy in the house or a dog that is chew-happy, it is often difficult to keep a toy (or even your slippers) intact for long.
Chew toys are made from the toughest material and are designed to keep teething puppies and gnawing dogs entertained for hours, without breaking. Although no dog chew toy is indestructible, they should be able to withstand your puppy’s powerful jaws and sharp teeth.
Chew toys are a great alternative to rawhide, bones and sticks which can splinter and cause problems to your dogs tongue and gums, and in worst case scenarios even result in internal bleeding. But be warned, as certain rock hard chew toys may save you money on replacing ripped up furniture, shredded socks or chomped up cables, but can prove costly if they result in a trip to the vets for a broken tooth!
So, whether you have a naughty nibbler or a destructive destroyer, we recommend that you invest a safe chew toy that can withstand the strongest of chewers but wont grind the gnashes.
Best dog chew toys
Typically made from rubber material, chew toys are often more expensive than other dog toys. That said, they tend to withstand the test of time, so could be considered as an investment.
Here we list our top 3 recommended chew toys, available to purchase online.
1. Goughnuts Virtually Indestructible Dog Chew Toy
No products found.Made from the same rubber that astronauts use for spaceships, this tough chew toy isn’t particularly pretty but has been built with the specific purpose of being incredibly durable.
What we particularly like about this dog toy, is that in comes in multiple sizes and toughness in order to fit your Cavapoos jaw and chewing intensity. The more powerful Cavapoo chewers may prefer the harder feel of the Pro 50 rubber, whereas those dogs that prefer to nibble rather than bite, may appreciate the slightly squishier texture of the original Goughnut.
This chew toy may seem more expensive than most, however, it does come with a lifetime guarantee!
Pros:
- Comes in a variety of sizes and strength for all types of dog breeds and dog chewers
- Has a lifetime guarantee that allows you to upgrade between toughness if required
- Made from carbon rubber
- The original size can even float in water – great for Cavapoos that like to swim
Cons:
- Goughnuts rubber does have a unique taste than not all dogs like
- Not suitable for Cavapoo puppies
2. Kong Natural Rubber Dog Chew Toy
No products found.Probably the most popular chew toy on the market, the Kong comes in a variety of sizes, colors and can even wobble.
This beloved, classic, stuffable chew toy, is made from a hardwearing rubber, so offers both light relief for teething puppies whilst withstanding the constant biting of a renowned chewer.
What our Cavapoo particularly enjoys about her Kong chew toy, is that it fulfils a number of her doggy needs. It is safe for her teeth, provides hours of physical entertainment and is mentally stimulating too, especially when you add in a hidden treat or two!
Pros:
- Each color represents a different type of rubber
- Suitable for puppies and adult Cavapoos
- Great for physical and mental growth
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Does not float
- Rubber smell can be overpowering to sensitive noses
3. Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys
No products found.These small set of brightly colored keys are probably our Cavapoos most preferred chew toy. Made from a slightly softer material than other chew toys mentioned above, they are great for distracting naughty nibblers and the raised bristles are good for cleaning teeth.
If your puppy has an urge to gnaw, then the different textures on each key help to massage the gums whilst keeping your dog thoroughly entertained.
The only drawback to the Nylabone Puppy Teething Keys are that they are made of softer material, so older Cavapoos such as Rosie, can easily chomp through these in the space of a week.
Pros:
- Bacon flavored so more enjoyable for your dog to chew
- Small size is great for mini mouths
- Promotes dental health as well as soothing sore gums
Cons:
- Not very durable
Dog rope toys
If you have ever had to chase your Cavapoo around the house to claim back a sock, then you will know that these dogs like nothing more than to challenge you to a good game of tug-of-war!
But whilst your pup may be obsessed with dragging and tossing them around, there are many owners who believe rope toys to be dangerous for our dogs. This is due to the rope fibres coming loose or strands being chewed off and passing into your dogs digested system.
For this reason we would recommend steering clear of traditional dog rope toys. That said, there are some safer alternatives that aren’t made of synthetic rope materials and that allow you to play the same fun game.
Best Tug-of-War dog Toys
There are a number of dog toys on the market that aren’t made of rope, yet allow you to play a good game of tug-of-war with your dog.
Here are our tried and tested top 2!
1. Hipat Dog Chew Toy
No products found.Made from bite resistant solid rubber, this dog toy is not only durable but safe for your pet too. Easy to hold, with a handle at both ends, you can enjoy hours of fun playing with your furry friend.
I also like the that this dog pulley measures 13inches long, so I don’t need to worry about my fingers getting caught in my Cavapoos mouth during an epic game of tug-of-war.
Available in 2 colors the soft convex texture, not only feels nice in your dogs mouth, but is more effective at your cleaning your dogs teeth than a lot of other chew toys.
Pros:
- Safe for your dog to play with
- Promotes oral dog health as well as physical activity
- Easy to grip handles
Cons:
- Does not float in water
2. Goughnuts Dog Pull Toy
No products found.If you are looking for an indestructible dog tug toy then look no further than Goughnuts. Similar to the chew toy from the same brand, this pull toy was designed to address the simple but serious issue of safety – especially when it comes to chewing.
This two handled tug toy makes it easy for either owner or another dog to join in the fun, safe in the knowledge that both can be fully separated to ensure that no biting accidents occur.
This is not suitable for a Cavapoo puppy due to the size and durability of the Goughnut, but an adult dog is sure to have hours of fun playing indoors and out with this fabulous dog pull toy.
Pros:
- Safe and durable material
- Comes with a lifetime guarantee
Cons:
- Not suitable for puppies
Dog soft and cuddly toys
Cavapoos are incredibly cuddly dogs, but there may be times when you can not give them the comfort they crave. This is where soft toys can make the perfect companion for your Cavapoo as they are super-soft to snuggle up with in bed and are great for carrying in the mouth from room to room. And if they have a squeaker inside, all the better!
Therefore when it comes to picking a soft cuddly toy for your dog, you need to consider durability and clean-ability. After all, even a Cavapoo who is a soft chewer will slobber all over them and eventually create tears in the fabric.
Best soft toys for dogs
There are hundreds of soft toys available for dogs on the market that it can often be difficult to choose. Our Cavapoo Rosie, tends to tear them apart after a while, so I would recommend choosing one with ‘chew guard’ technology or those that are double stitched, especially if you have a dog that likes to destroy things.
Here are our 3 recommendations for reasonably priced cuddly toys.
1. Duckworth Duck Dog Cuddly Toy
No products found.It is easy to see why dogs go quakers for this duck. It has a rounded bottom and a narrow neck making it easy for both large and small Cavapoos to grip, and it comes with a small squeaker buried deep inside. This does not affect the quality of the squeak but make it harder for the dog to access.
It is also machine washable and plushly filled, which means it doesn’t matter if your pup wants to play with it, fetch it or cuddle it, as it can cleaned and reused.
The only downside to this duck is the stuffing. Therefore you should make sure that your Cavapoo is closely monitored when playing with this toy and if damaged, it should be discarded immediately.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Washable
- Smaller versions available
Cons:
- Not as durable as some other soft toys
2. HuggleHounds Soft Dog Toys
No products found.From a monkey to a unicorn, flamingo or moose, these knotted limbed cuddly toys are great for Cavapoos as they are extra durable.
Hidden behind the soft outer fabric are layers of material that add an extra level of protection from your dog’s bite, thanks to the finely woven, high density polyester mesh. Inside this plush toy, your dog will soon discover 5 different squeakers that are sure to keep them entertained during play time.
You will be pleased to know that HuggleHounds are also machine washable, so if your dog can bear to put this cuddly toy down, you can quickly give it a good clean.
Pros:
- Incredibly durable
- Washable
- Choice of sizes and design
Cons:
- More expensive then others on the market
3. Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Soft Toy
No products found.Outward Hound are probably best known for their automatic feeding bowls and dog puzzles but they also produce a range of soft, squeaky toys that are sure to amuse your pup. One of the best ones that we found available on the market was the Hide-A-Squirrel.
Although it is technically classed as a puzzle, it’s soft and snuggly material make it the perfect soft toy for Cavapoos to cuddle and play with. Made up of a number of different pieces, featuring a soft tree trunk with three (or more depending on the size of the toy) squirrels hidden inside. The squirrels can be removed from the toy via several holes in the tree trunk.
Dogs love yanking out the squirrels from their holes and making them squeak almost as much as they enjoy chasing them for real in a park!
Pros:
- 4-in-1 toy making it great value for money
- Gentle on the teeth and gums as it is made from a plush material
- Easy to wash
Cons:
- Squeakers are not reinforced -just hidden in the stuffing inside
Dog fetch toys
Did you know that every October, there is a national fetch day for dogs? In our house everyday is fetch day as our Cavapoo goes crazy for a game of ball.
This is because most dogs are pre-disposed to chase after things that move and once retrieved revel in the joy of bringing it back to show you. It also stimulates the reward regions of the brain and helps to put them in a good mood. Watch this fun video on why dogs like to fetch to find out more.
Best dog fetch toys
So, if you are looking for a more interactive way to get your dog to retrieve, then look no further than these 2 fabulous fetch toys.
1. Chuckit! Classic Launcher
No products found.We have one of these Chuckit launchers and it makes ball throwing so much easier – especially for the kids as they are unable to throw that far by hand.
The mere flick of your wrist sends this tennis ball flying, which means that you can just stand around and watch your dog bound off into the sunset.
The added benefit of using a luncher is that after a few throws, when you dog is all slobbery, you don’t have to worry about picking up a slimy, saliva coated ball. We thoroughly recommend this fetch toy, especially if you reguarly exercise your dog in a park or field where they can cover large distances.
Pros:
- Comes in a variety of sizes
- Long handle makes launching effortless
- Easy to carry around
- Allows you to throw without having to touch a slobbery ball
Cons:
- Cup sometimes fails to release the ball or pickup
2. JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy
No products found.This is another first favorite of ours and is great for indoor entertainment as well as outdoor. You simply roll the ball along the floor and watch as your dog goes bounding after it.
Made from a stretchable rubber material this fetch toy is incredibly versatile as it can be used as a chew toy, pulley or even be stuffed with healthy treats for some added mental activity.
The open design not only looks great but allows your dog to breath safely whilst its nose is buried deep inside and the treat dispensing action really helps intelligent breeds (such as Cavapoos) increase their mental abilities.
Pros:
- Chewable material that is stretchable
- Versatile so can be used in a number of ways
- Nontoxic
- Keeps your dog physically and mentally active
Cons:
- Not suitable for aggressive chewers as it relatively easy to rip apart
Dog puzzle and mental toys
We all like to be mentally challenged sometimes, and this is the same for our dogs who enjoy incorporating problem solving skills into their everyday routine.
Dogs of all sizes can benefit from interactive puzzles and games as they offer a way of stimulating and strengthening a dog’s mental and physical capabilities. They can also stop your Cavapoo from getting bored or feeling anxious and can be used as a great tool for training.
Best dog puzzles
There are a number of dog puzzles on the market – most of which dispense treats using hide-and-seek techniques such as lifting blocks or sliding bricks in order to retrieve food.
Here we list 2 of our best mental dog toys.
1. Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy
No products found.According to Nina Ottosson, the CEO behind this Swedish-based puzzle toy “dogs have four legs and one head, and all five need activity in different ways—every day – to prevent boredom.” This is why she came up with this simple, yet ingenious ‘hide n slide’ mental dog toy that does just that!
This interactive puzzle requires your Cavapoo to learn combined actions in order to swivel a flipper to release a tasty reward. This games come in a number of levels from easy to expert and requires your dog to figure out a number of sequential steps.
This puzzle toy is made from food safe materials so you can feel at ease knowing your dog is playing safely. It is also incredibly easy to wipe clean.
Pros:
- Different versions depending on your dogs ability
- Easy to clean
- Made from BPA, PVC and phthalate-free materials so safe
Cons:
- Not as durable as some and can breaks
2. Our Pets IQ Treat Ball
No products found.This was one of the first toys we bought for our Cavapoos, and I will be completely honest I didn’t love it at the time due to the amount of noise it made whilst rolling around the floor. Our Cavapoo, however, absolutely adored it.
What is great about this treat ball is that once stuffed it can keep your dog amused for hours. Using either their paws or their nose, they simply push it around the room and the treats fall out.
As your dog gets smarter, you can adjust the difficulty level making it harder for your dog to retrieve the treats and keeping them actively engaged for longer. This ball is made from a hard plastic and can be disassembled for cleaning purposes.
Pros:
- Can be adjusted for multiple difficulty levels
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- It can be noisy if you have a wood floor
Conclusion
Everyone needs to be entertained and your dog is no different. By introducing a variety of toys into your Cavapoos daily routine can help keep them active, simulate their brains prevent bad behavior from occuring.
Plus many toys even come with the added bonus of cleaning your dog’s teeth and can even help with training. When you step into our home you will find just as many toys, puzzles and cuddly toys on the floor for the dog as you will for the kids!