Do you and your dog, owned or borrowed, love to play a game of fetch? We absowoofly love the game because it’s a great fun way to challenge our pooches both physically and mentally! So let’s check out a selection of dog fetch toys you and your pup might enjoy playing with, and our top tips to help you choose the right toy to suit your dog’s pawsonality.

If they don’t know how to play, don’t worry, check out our guide on how to teach your dog to play fetch

Our borrowers, Tor and Lee, have even taught Gus to fetch, which he had thought was beneath him, and is still in some denial over it!

- Gus’ owner, Lynne.

National Fetch Day

National Fetch Day comes around every October, andfalls every year in October, and it’s the pawfect excuse to get out and enjoy a good old-fashioned game of fetch. ChuckIt! launched National Fetch Day back in 2018 and it’s been a pawpular annual event ever since. So this year, why not celebrate Fetch Day by putting on your most fetching outfit and don’t stop retrieving with your best puppy pal.

Lots of pups love fetch, and it's a great way to bond with your furry friend. Whether they prefer chasing a ball or a frisbee there are plenty of fetch toys to choose from. So this Fetch Day, why not treat your pooch to a game?

Fetching toys for dogs

Chuckit! Ball Launcher

National Fetch Day began with the the Chuckit! Ball Launcher. This toy allows you to launch balls long distances, so it’s ideal for energetic doggos who love to run. The Chuckit! Ball Launcher also comes with a variety of different ball sizes and types, so you can find the pawfect one for your pooch.

West Paw Zwig stick toy

If you have a pup who can’t resist picking up a stick when you’re out and about, the West Paw Zwig toy is a safer alternative. Its hollow design gives it a squishy feel which is great for catching and chewing. This stick toy also floats, so ideal if you have a pooch who loves to paddle.

iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher

The most expensive in our selection is the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher. This toy means your dog can enjoy a game of fetch without you having to do the throwing. You can program it to launch balls at varying distances, and it even comes with an automatic ball return feature. So whilst you’re busy hanging the washing out or doing a spot of gardening, your BFF can enjoy a game of fetch without you throwing the ball!

Tennis balls and frisbees

Lots of dogs love chasing a ball or a simple frisbee. However, be careful that these are the right size and material for your dog.

It’s really important that a ball is not too large or too small for your dog. Too large can mean they could hurt their jaw, or simply they might not even be able to pick up the ball to bring it back (which makes fetch a lot more work for you!). Too small and they could swallow it which can result in choking or gut blockages. Also if the ball is too heavy it can strain their neck, so go for something simple and light, that your dog can carry comfortably but should be too big to completely fit their mouth.

Fetching toys should be gentle on your dog’s gnashers too. Tennis balls can be great for fetch, but long term, especially for those dogs who love carrying a soggy tennis ball about, the fuzz of a tennis ball can wear down your pooch’s teeth, so ideally a rubber ball is what you’re looking for.

There are balls and frisbees designed specifically for dogs to enjoy a game of fetch safely. Here are some examples:

• Kong Squeeze Tennis Ball (felt-free)
• West Paw Zogoflex frisbee

Having met Tilly and her owner Victoria through BorrowMyDoggy, we are all enjoying spending time walking Tilly and playing a lot of fetch.

- Tilly’s borrower, Charlotte from Yorkshire.

So this National Fetch day why not spend some time with your best puppy pal and enjoy a fun game of fetch.  And as always, when you are looking for a new toy for your pooch, check it’s suitable for their size, chewing habits, and playing style, that you are always supervising them with any new toys, and that you have fully read all the safety instructions on the pack! This article is for information only, and should never replace any advice from your veterinary surgeon.

Do you have a favourite fetching toy for your dog? Let us know below! And be sure to sniff out our other posts for great tips and advice on all things dog. Until next time, happy fetching!

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