Best Dog Tug Toys by Dog Size, and How to Play Tug Safely

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Tug is one of the simplest games you can play with a dog, and a good tug toy makes it safer for both of you. The right one depends mostly on your dog’s size and how hard they pull. This guide covers what to look for, three tug toys in our catalog that a named review site tested hands-on, and the rules trainers and welfare charities give for playing tug safely.

How we wrote this: the picks come from Canine Journal, where Amanda and the team tested more than 28 tug toys with their own dogs (guide first published in January 2019 and updated in September 2023; the page does not say whether units were maker samples). Product facts come from each maker’s own page, checked on 31 October 2026. The play rules come from the American Kennel Club, Whole Dog Journal and Dogs Trust. We did not test these toys ourselves, and we do not show prices or ratings.

The short answer

What to look for in a dog tug toy

  • Size and weight for your dog. Canine Journal found there was no single best tug toy for all dogs: large dogs can pull with great force and need a heavy-duty toy, while small dogs have small jaws and need a toy that is not too big for their mouths.
  • Length between your hand and their mouth. Dianna L. Santos, a trainer quoted by the AKC, says to pick a toy with some length, so that if your dog needs to re-grip, they will not get your hand by mistake. Dogs Trust also says to leave plenty of space between your hand and your dog’s mouth.
  • A material that is kind to teeth. Santos also says the material should be easy on your dog’s teeth and gums (AKC). Dogs Trust suggests a sturdy rope or ragger toy; the three picks below are rubber.
  • A grip for you. Canine Journal found a handle helps a lot with medium dogs, which can give a good yank, and that a rigid handle is easier to hold than a stretchy toy.
  • Tug toy, not chew toy. SodaPup and Goughnuts both say to supervise play with their tugs, and Goughnuts says its tugs are not for chewing (SodaPup, Goughnuts). If your dog chews everything, see our best dog toys for aggressive chewers guide for toys made to be chewed.

The tug toys we list

Best for small dogs: West Paw Zogoflex Bumi

The West Paw Bumi is an S-shaped tug made from Zogoflex, a firm, stretchy rubber that Canine Journal says is non-toxic and FDA-compliant. Its standout feature in the test was the stretch: it pulls to over twice its length, so the testing dogs could shake their heads side to side without yanking the tester’s arms around too much. The flex made it a little harder to grip than tugs with a rigid handle, which is why Canine Journal recommends it for small to medium dogs, which typically do not pull as hard. It comes in two sizes, is top-rack dishwasher safe and is made in the USA, and West Paw backs it with a guarantee, per the same review. We list the large size; for a small dog, choose the small one.

Best for medium dogs: SodaPup Pop Top Tug Toy

The SodaPup Pop Top is shaped like the pull tab on a soda can, with a handle for you and one for your dog. SodaPup says it is made in the USA from natural rubber, measures 5 by 12 inches and weighs 8 ounces; Canine Journal says it can go on the top rack of the dishwasher. The maker lists it for dogs of all sizes and adds that no dog toy is indestructible, so supervise play, inspect it regularly and replace it if it becomes worn or damaged.

In Canine Journal’s test, where it appears as the SodaPup Pull Tab, the rubber was a hit with every dog who pulled on it. The width and chewiness let medium breeds get a good grip, and the handle let the tester put up a good fight with breeds such as a Border Collie or Siberian Husky in mind.

Best for large dogs: Goughnuts Large Maxx Heavy Duty Tug Toy

The Goughnuts Large Maxx is two solid rubber rings joined in a figure eight: you hold one ring while your dog pulls on the other. Goughnuts says it is for medium to large dogs who are tough tuggers, and that its tugs are made in the USA from 100% natural rubber, are for interactive play rather than chewing, and are covered by its Lifetime Guarantee if damaged (Goughnuts tugs page).

Canine Journal says that out of all the tug toys it reviewed, this was the only one it felt confident would hold up to rough play. The tester found the smooth figure eight easy to grip with a clenched fist and easy to drop at a moment’s notice. Two caveats from the review: it has a mild rubber smell when new that fades over time, and it is much heavier than it looks, too heavy for a smaller dog.

Named without links

Canine Journal’s puppy pick, the Tuffy Ultimate and Mega Ring, is a soft, stuffing-free fabric ring with squeakers that held up well to sharp puppy teeth in its test. It also mentions the Kong Tug Toy, which had finger grips but did not make its top picks. We could not match these to an Amazon listing from an independent source, so we name them without links.

How to play tug safely

Tug used to be blamed for making dogs aggressive or dominant. The AKC says that many top dog sports competitors and qualified trainers see real benefits in well-managed tug games, and that scientific studies have found tug does not promote aggressive or dominant behavior. Whole Dog Journal‘s Pat Miller, a certified behavior consultant, agrees, with one caveat: the game has to be taught and played properly. Their rules, with those of Dogs Trust:

  • Teach a drop cue. Dogs Trust says it is important to teach your dog to drop a toy on cue, in case they get overexcited. Santos (AKC) says a dog that waits for the toy and drops it when asked is crucial to the game.
  • Teeth on skin ends the game. If you feel teeth on your skin or clothes, Dogs Trust says to end the game straight away by staying calm, quiet and moving away, without telling your dog off. After a short break, play again; your dog learns the fun goes on as long as their mouth stays on the toy.
  • Tug sideways, not up and down. Miller says vigorous up-and-down tugging can injure your dog’s spine. Dr. Erica Boling, a certified canine fitness trainer quoted by the AKC, says to keep the spine in neutral alignment and your dog’s feet low on the ground.
  • Keep it short. Santos (AKC) suggests short bursts of 10 to 15 seconds, two or three tugs a session, then a calm thinking exercise before the toy goes away.
  • Let your dog win sometimes. The AKC says letting your dog win does not let them dominate you, and Dogs Trust says taking turns makes for a balanced play session.
  • Invite, then play. Miller suggests teaching your dog to wait politely until you invite them to tug. If your dog is already an aroused tugger who jumps or grabs, she suggests playing from the other side of a baby gate or exercise pen.
  • Do not chase. If your dog runs off with the toy, the AKC says not to chase them, as this teaches them not to listen and could make them possessive of it.
  • Children and tug. Dogs Trust says its tug game is not suitable for children to take part in. Miller says children should only play under direct supervision, with a dog who knows and respects the rules.
  • Know when it is not play. Play growling is normal, says Miller, with a wagging tail and a loose, wiggly body. Intense growling, hard eye contact, a stiff body, or grabbing your hand means tug is not a good game for that dog; ask a force-free professional for help.

Puppies, seniors and dogs with health problems

Both Whole Dog Journal and the AKC say to tug gently with puppies and senior dogs, with only light resistance; your dog should always be doing more of the pulling than you. The AKC adds that dogs do not always show pain, so watch for subtle signs and get your dog checked by a vet if you have any concerns. If your dog has a neck, back or joint problem, or is still teething, ask your vet before playing tug. For teething pups, see our chew toys for teething puppies guide.

Not every dog enjoys tug. The AKC says it is usually the high-energy, focused breeds, such as Belgian Malinois and Collies, that love it most; for others, a different toy, food or praise may be a better reward. For treats, see our sister site inthekibble.com.

Looking after a tug toy

Check tug toys before each game, and replace one that is worn or damaged, as SodaPup advises. Put tugs away after play rather than leaving them out as chew toys, since both SodaPup and Goughnuts say to supervise play. The SodaPup and the Bumi can go on the top rack of the dishwasher, per Canine Journal, and Goughnuts says to wipe its tugs clean with warm water. Our guide on how to clean dog and cat toys covers the rest.

For a chase game that ends in a short hold instead of a pull, see our guide to using a flirt pole.

FAQ

Is tug of war good for dogs?

Played with rules, yes. The AKC says tug can build impulse control and confidence, strengthen your bond and burn off energy, and that studies show it does not make dogs aggressive or dominant.

Should you let your dog win at tug of war?

Yes, some of the time. The AKC says letting your dog win does not let them dominate you, and it gives them the chance to choose to bring the toy back to you. Dogs Trust says taking turns makes for a balanced game.

Is tug of war bad for puppies’ teeth?

Whole Dog Journal and the AKC both say to tug gently with puppies, with light resistance only. Ask your vet if your puppy is teething or has any mouth problem, and stop if your dog seems sore.

How long should you play tug with a dog?

Trainer Dianna L. Santos, quoted by the AKC, suggests short sessions of 10 to 15 seconds of tugging, two or three tugs at a time, followed by a calm exercise.

What is the best tug toy for a strong dog?

In Canine Journal’s test, the Goughnuts MaXX was the only tug it felt confident would hold up to rough play. No toy is indestructible, so supervise play and replace a damaged toy.

For more, read the dog and cat toys buying guide, best dog toys for aggressive chewers and how to clicker train a dog.

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