Playing and chewing are natural behaviors in dogs. While some dogs will play or chew more than others, dog toys are a must-have for all dogs. Behavioral problems arise when dogs don’t have a proper way to follow and unleash their instincts. The options for dog toys are nearly endless, so choosing a toy for your dog can be overwhelming. Some owners end up with a pile of dusty toys because they choose a toy that simply doesn’t interest their dog. How do you choose a toy your dog really likes? A dog’s toy preference depends on its play and chewing style. Try a few different types of toys for your dog and learn how she likes to play and chew.
- Ball toy balls for dogs Balls are an essential toy for any dog who likes to play catch. Ball toys for dogs come in many varieties, from basic tennis or rubber balls to glow-in-the-dark and glitter balls. Many balls contain squeaks. Others have openings to fill with snacks. Some balls are basic bouncers for retrieval. When choosing a ball for your dog, choose one that is large enough for your dog to carry without accidentally swallowing it, but small enough to fit comfortably in his mouth. Basic tennis ball sizes are available for most dogs, but there are also oversized tennis balls for larger dogs and miniature balls for smaller dogs. In general, avoid leaving tennis balls around for your dog to chew on. Believe it or not, the material in tennis balls can cause tooth wear. In addition, chewed pieces can cause choking or gastrointestinal obstruction if swallowed.
- CDs and other recycled toys Dog toys Frisbee laying fetches also tend to enjoy CDs and other retrieval toys. Discs are more versatile than balls when it comes to grabbing because you can change the speed of the disc and make it change direction. This breed can further challenge your dog and prevent boredom.
- Plush toys for dogs Many dogs like plush toys. They will carry them around like babies, or tear them apart like prey. Stuffed dog toys usually contain squeaks and some kind of stuffing. Dogs often tear them up and the stuffing is all over the place. Many dogs seem to try to “kill” their “prey” by destroying the squeak. After toys “die”, they still sometimes carry around and shake them.
- Toys that make sounds (non-plush) Dog toys Non-plush toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Usually, they are made of vinyl, rubber or plastic. Durability varies, so choose wisely based on your dog’s chewing habits. In general, thick rubber is best for aggressive chewers. Thinner vinyl or plastic toys are better for light chewers or when you’re supervising the game at all times. The nice thing about thinner squeaky toys is that they are usually very cheap. The downside is that they usually don’t last long.
- Rope toys Rope toys Rope toys are made of woven rope, sometimes with rubber or plastic parts. They can be used for fetching, tug-of-war or simply chewing. Many dogs love rope toys, while others have no interest. Be aware that many dogs can easily shred rope toys and may swallow the debris. This can lead to severe gastrointestinal obstruction. Never leave your dog unattended with a rope toy. When your rope toy starts to unravel, it’s time to throw it away.
Six, tug of war toys Dog tug-of-war toys Many dogs like to play tug-of-war. It’s a predatory display of health for the dog, plus it’s great mental and physical exercise. There are many types of drag toys on the market, in all shapes, sizes and materials. Often seen are tugboat toys made of rope and/or rubber. Choose a drag toy that is comfortable to hold and pull on, and easy for your dog to bite and pull on. Also, a drag toy should be durable enough to withstand the dog’s pull. Replace worn or worn tug of war toys so they don’t break off and injure others in a tug of war.
- Floating Toys Chewy Floating Toys Floating toys are perfect for dogs who love to swim. Usually made of foam, rubber or plastic materials, floating balls, rings and other toys are easy for your dog to find and grab in the water. Tip: Choose toys made specifically for water so they don’t sink or fill with water. Rinse them off after use and let them dry to prevent mildew.
Eight, Leaky Ball Leaky Ball Food and treat distribution dog toys should be in each dog’s home. They provide fun, mental stimulation, and are a great way for dogs to release energy. Food dispensing dog toys come in all shapes and sizes and are usually made of rubber or plastic. Perhaps the most popular of all the food-dispensing dog toys is the Feeder Ball, which can be filled with treats, kibble, peanut butter, and other treats. They can provide hours of fun for your dog. Tip: Try adding peanut butter or plain yogurt to the toy and freezing it for a refreshing but challenging snack.
- Interactive toys and dog puzzles Interactive toys are similar to food distribution toys, and interactive toys and dog puzzles will mentally engage your dog. Some interactive dog toys are just the food distribution toys mentioned above. Others involve you and your dog, and can be as basic as a drag toy or a fetch toy. Dog puzzles are designed to challenge your dog. They contain compartments and mechanisms to hide food or treats and require your dog to figure out how to get food. Interactive dog toys and puzzles are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated and teach her some cognitive skills. The built-in puzzle reward system really makes learning fun and easy.
