Best Swim Toys for Dogs

At the bottom of the pool, there’s a field of dog toys, all looking up to the surface. Wouldn’t it be nice if somebody hadn’t let them sink to the bottom? Maybe one day, a helpful hand will fish them out from the shimmering grave they lay in, next to all those dead leaves and broken pairs of goggles.  

Your dog just wanted to know if his favorite teddy bear would float. So naturally, he dropped it into the water, ears perked, head cocked to one side, and tail perfectly still as he watched his soft and cuddly friend see-saw further away. The shimmering surface refracted the bear’s body as he sank to the point where you couldn’t tell it was a teddy bear—just a shapeless, grey blob.   

It took a couple of toys dropping in the water for your dog to realize they wouldn’t float. But at least for this experiment, he was following the scientific method! Surely, he’s now able to deduce that plush toys aren’t meant for wa—welp; there goes another one.   

Did you know there are toys specifically meant for playing in the water? Toys that float, are water resistant, and are easy for dogs to spot and grab while water fetching. No longer do pools, lakes, or oceans get to claim your dogs’ favorite toys! 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN WATER TOYS 

1. They float: We’ve all dealt with dogs that, the moment a toy disappears under the surface, look at you like, “You expect me to get that?” Unless your dog is an amphibious natural in the water and loves going on underwater expeditions, you’re probably going to want to stick with toys that float. This makes them an easy target for water fetching! 
2. They’re easy to grab: For fetching and retrieving in the water, toys should be easy for dogs to grab and hold in their mouths. Toys that are textured, small enough to get their mouths around, or that feature a rope all meet this water toy qualification. Easy-to-grab toys also play a role in building dogs’ confidence in water! If they can’t manage to get it out, they may be less likely to dive in the next time you throw it. 
3. They’re easy to spot: When you’re swimming at a lake or in an ocean, sometimes the toys appear lost in the waves. And sometimes, when your dog loses track of the toy, they’ll opt to have you save the day by wading in and getting it yourself. A bright-colored, highly visible toy provides contrast against the water and will serve as a target for your dog to swim toward.  

Ready to make a splash? Here are five cool toys for warm weather fun!  

KONG^® Training Dummy

The KONG Training Dummy is no dummy when it comes to training and playing. It can be used as both a water toy and a training tool, whether on land or in the water. Designed to teach dogs to use a soft mouth for carrying, it’s particularly useful for hunting and other retrieval tasks. 

Why You’ll Love It: 

• Rope makes it easy to toss and retrieve 
• Highly visible orange color is easy to spot 
• Designed to withstand long-lasting training or play 

Best for:  

• Fetching, tugging, water play, training  

KONG^® AQUA

For dogs who love water, a KONG Aqua is the perfect toy! Made with easy-to-spot orange natural rubber, a floating foam core, and a rope for easy grabbing and tossing, this water toy will have your dog splashing and fetching all day long. 

Why You’ll Love It:  

• KONG Classic shape with rope for water retrieving
• Floats to easily find in the water 
• Rope helps you throw it further for healthy exercise 

Best for:  

• Fetching, tugging, water play 

KONG^® Wild Shieldz Trout

Our fish-shaped float toys are designed for epic water retrieval activities that hone hunting and dock diving skills. They’re heftier than most training dummies, ensuring greater durability and longer-distance throws. These realistic fish represent popular North American species, with attention to every detail—except for the fishy fragrance (you’re welcome). 

Why You’ll Love It:  

• Triple coated and sealed 
• Shaped for easy grabbing 
• Hefty design for long-distance throws 

Best for:  

• Fetching, water play, training 

KONG^® REFLEX

This toy is made from the same material as the soles of elite running shoes. It’s designed with bite-defying materials to withstand dogs’ sharp teeth and regain its shape when pressure is released. While this toy is durable enough to handle the strongest jaws, if your dog is a power chewer, you may want to try out KONG rubber toys instead. KONG offers a variety of Reflex toy shapes to suit different dog preferences: Football, Flyer, Tug, Tug ‘n Fetch, Stick, and Ball. 

Why You’ll Love It:  

• Bite-defying material stands up to rowdy play 
• Floats for water fetching 
• Endures exposure to the elements, perfect for all seasons 

Best for:  

• fetching, chasing, chewing, water play 

KONG^® FLEXBALL SPORT

This ball features deep ridges that provide an easy grip for both dogs and humans, making it a perfect companion for games of fetch and retrieve! Whether your dog prefers a classic ball shape or the dynamic spiraling of a football, we’ve got you covered with both. Built to withstand hours of enthusiastic fetching, this durable toy is sure to keep tails wagging on land or in the water. 

Why You’ll Love It:  

• Deep ridges are easy to grip 
• Made of durable material that floats 
• Dynamic bounce for interactive play 

 Best for:  

• Fetching, chasing, water play 

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Many dogs love the water—and even those that don’t can learn to enjoy it with gentle encouragement and fun toys. KONG offers a variety of toys specifically designed for playing in the water, so you’re sure to find one that your dog will absolutely love!  With KONG toys for nearly all play types, ages, and chewing styles, you can be ready for warm-weather adventures with your furry friend.  

It’s important to remember that even though your dog could fetch all day long, it’s a good idea to give them a break while playing in or around the water. Their instincts might push them to keep playing even when they’re exhausted. Dogs Need to Play—but they also need time to recover, just like humans do!  

Stay cool out there!