The Best Interactive Toys for a Shih Tzu Dog: Puzzle Toys, Talking Toys, and More
Overview
As a Shih Tzu parent, you surely know that this breed is lively, intelligent and one that loves to stay busy. They thrive on mental stimulation. And Shih Tzu puppies and dogs can easily become bored, restless, or even a bit down without proper enrichment. For those of you who are juggling a busy life, finding ways to keep your Shih Tzu entertained can feel like a challenge. But interactive toys might be just the solution you’re looking for!
From puzzle toys that engage their problem-solving skills to talking toys that respond to a dog's touch, there are some great options designed to keep puppies and dogs happy and busy. In this guide, we’ll explore the best interactive toys for a Shih Tzu dog, ensuring your cutie-pie stays mentally stimulated, physically active, and full of joy.
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#1 Spencer The Crinkle Monkey Dog
It may seem like a simple concept, but this monkey designed for lots of fun! The ZippyPaws Spencer Crinkle Monkey Toy is an adorable stuffed monkey that comes in a variety of sizes and colors, with the 'small' being best for most Shih Tzus. And the lavender one seems to be very well-liked.
It's made of a soft material that's great for mouthing, has crinkle paper all throughout the limbs which offers a satisfying crunch with each bite, and a small rattle inside as well. It's perfect for cuddling and carrying around.
#2 An Interactive Treat Ball
If you combine something that offers excellent chewing action, a beloved flavor like peanut butter, and a way to gradually dispense the tasty reward, you’ve got an interactive toy that most Shih Tzus will adore.
The Treat Dispensing Ball by Bojafa is one of our top picks. It’s available in a small 1.8-inch diameter size, perfect for older pups and adult Shih Tzus. For larger or over-sized Shih Tzus, the medium size may be a better fit. Crafted from sturdy and durable rubber, it’s designed to withstand eager chewing while promoting healthy teeth and gums.
Stuff this toy with smooth peanut butter for an irresistible treat. For added variety, try filling it with mashed bananas, soft dog treats or even kibble that your Shih Tzu can work to retrieve. To keep things exciting, you can layer the fillings; start with a smear of peanut butter, add a few pieces of kibble, and seal it with more peanut butter. This not only can keep a Shih Tzu entertained but also satisfies their natural urge to chew.
#3 A Snuffle Snail Roll-up Toy
Snuffle toys are an excellent way to provide mental stimulation for Shih Tzus who love to sniff and explore. These toys tap into a dog’s natural urge to forage by offering various hiding spots for treats, turning playtime into an enriching and rewarding activity.
The Injoya Snail Rollup Snuffle Toy is an ideal choice for beginners. Its soft, plush design is gentle on a Shih Tzu’s mouth and encourages curious play without being overly challenging. It's perfect for dogs just starting with this type of toy. The colorful snail shape and cleverly hidden treat compartments make for an engaging and satisfying experience.
A bonus feature? This toy is made from recycled PET materials, making it eco-friendly. Plus, it’s machine washable for easy cleanup after a fun-filled play session.
#4 A Snuffle Mat
As mentioned with the Snuffle Snail above, snuffle toys are a wonderful tool for mentally stimulating Shih Tzus and keeping them busy. For those that love a challenge and/or for extended playtime, one mat that we recommend is the Snuffle Flower Garden Mat by Meilzer. Its a vibrant, garden-inspired design made of fabric with a non-slip backing. It also has a carrying strap that can be attached to a table leg or other furniture to keep it secure.
The mat is machine washable for hassle-free cleaning, ensuring your Shih Tzu always has a fresh and inviting foraging experience. Whether your sweetie is a beginner or an experienced snuffler, this enrichment toy is sure to be a favorite!
#5 Fun Voice Buttons
Voice recording buttons for pets are an interactive toy that allows your Shih Tzu to "talk" and express their needs. These paw-friendly buttons, designed to be placed on the floor, let you record custom words or phrases like "treat," "outside," or "play," offering a fun and engaging way to bond with your pup while boosting their mental stimulation.
You might be surprised at how easy these are to use! With options like the 4 Color Recording Buttons by Artist Unknown, simply press "REC," say the word, and you're ready to go. Training is simple: guide your Shih Tzu to press the button and then guide them to associated activity or give the associated reward. Over time, they can learn to communicate their needs in a way that strengthens your connection.
This type of interactive toy that enhances communication with your Shih Tzu isn’t just fun, it’s a game-changer!
#6 An Interactive Puzzle Toy
Puzzle toys can be an excellent way to challenge a Shih Tzu’s mind and keep them entertained, while offering reward for a job well-done. In the beginning, you'll guide your sweetie on how to solve the puzzle, and later they can take on the job by themselves.
One we like is the Potaroma Dog Puzzle Toy, which is great for mental stimulation, offering two levels of difficulty. In level 1, your pup learns to nudge lids to uncover hidden treats, while level 2 adds complexity by requiring them to press the top cover to release treats into the base. This gradual progression helps keep a dog engaged and boosts their confidence as they learn to master it.
Bonuses are that this interactive toy also promotes healthy eating by doubling as a slow feeder (slowing down a Shih Tzu’s mealtime by as much as 10x), the base is non-slip, (so you can set it up on your kitchen floor) and it's made from food-grade materials.
#7 A Singing Shark (not the baby shark theme)
Some Shih Tzus adore the combination of music and plush toys, and the Multipet Deedle Dude Singing Shark Toy is a perfect example of why. This interactive toy combines soft, cuddly comfort with engaging sounds, captivating dogs who love a little auditory stimulation during playtime. The cheerful music it plays can spark curiosity, keep your little guy or gal entertained, and provide a sensory experience beyond regular toys.
To maximize fun, introduce this toy during interactive play sessions. Use it as a reward after training or hide it for a fun game of “find it.” If your Shih Tzu is timid about the sound, let them approach at their own pace, praising them for curiosity. This plush toy is ideal for Shih Tzus who enjoy variety in their playtime while offering a cuddly companion that’s also delightfully musical.
#8 Puppy Snuggle
If your Shih Tzu spends any time alone and struggles with that, then this interactive toy is a must-have. It has helped so many doggos!
Please note that we are specifically talking about the original SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy (as there are some copycats that are subpar). This is designed to provide comfort and companionship for dogs that feel lonely or isolated.
It's a good-sized plush toy dog with a heartbeat and a warming pack that mimics body heat, recreating the sensation of a companion. It's like giving your pup a loyal friend to cuddle, helping them feel safe and secure even when you’re away.
Its durable, hypoallergenic materials are machine washable for easy care, and the heat packs and heartbeat are removable for when you wash it.
Final Thoughts
We hope you found this list to be helpful. We're always on the lookout for new and helpful toys, so be sure to visit this article again to see updates.
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