Puppy playtime is every dog owner’s favorite time of day. When our dogs play around with toys, bones, or ropes, we just have to laugh and smile!
However, every dog owner has gone through this experience…
You walk into the pet store after running an errand, just to scope things out. You stumble across the PERFECT toy for Bear and you rush home, excited to show him his new favorite toy! But when you drop it in front of him, he doesn’t even give it a second look!
Do you have a growing collection of dog toys collecting dust under the couch? If so, keep reading to learn how you can choose toys that your dog will actually enjoy!
First, Consider The Type of Dog You Have
Things like their age, jaw size, and personality will affect the types of toys they can (and should) play with.
- Age: Not all dog toys are one-size-fits-all. Younger puppies, for example, need softer toys to protect their baby teeth and gums. Once your dog develops a strong jaw, they may need harder toys to chew on.
- Jaw size: A small Yorkshire terrier will need a smaller bone, compared to a large German shepherd. Selecting a toy that is the wrong size for your dog’s jaw may lead to some discomfort (or disinterest). Furthermore, smaller toys can be swallowed, which leads to serious health consequences. I always recommend checking the recommended size range on each toy label, just to confirm.
- Play style: Every dog has their own personal play preferences. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, for example, you can give them hard rubber toys. On the other hand, many dogs also enjoy soft toys because they can carry them like babies (or… let’s be real, tear them into shreds like prey)!
Now, Think About The Types of Toys Available on The Market
- Ball toys: If your dog’s tail wags every time you say “fetch,” then a ball toy is a must! There are tons of ball toy varieties, from rubber balls, to plush balls, squeaky balls, and more! Also, contrary to popular belief, tennis balls are not recommended as toys. While they are fun to throw around, avoid letting your dog chew on them. The materials in tennis balls can cause tooth wear, and chewed pieces pose as choking hazards.
- Rope toys: Many dogs love a friendly game of tug-of-war. And tugging your dog around can actually get a great workout! Rope toys are often made of linen, rope, or leather. The thing to remember about these toys is that once you see damage or shedding, replace your toy as soon as possible. Before choosing these toys, you should also make sure your pet knows some basic obedience training. Tug toys can teach your dog to be aggressive, so make sure you keep things friendly.
- Chew toys: Vinyl, rubber, or plastic chew toys last longer than plush ones. Thick rubber is best for strong chewers, whereas thinner plastic is better for smaller dogs. Plush chew toys can also stimulate your dog’s hunter instincts, but don’t be surprised if your plushies are destroyed by the end of the week!
- Dog puzzles: Your dog needs both physical and mental stimulation. Puzzle toys are a great way to challenge your dog. They often contain a series of compartments and mechanisms to hide food or snacks, which requires your dog to figure out how to get to the food. And once they figure it out, they are rewarded with a delicious snack!
Make sure to supervise your dog while they run, chew, and fetch. Replace damaged toys as soon as possible. At the end of the day, as long as you are providing ample playtime for your pooch, they should be happy campers. When you choose the right dog toys, you allow your furry friend to have a safe and enjoyable playtime with you!
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