If you own a dog, you would have realized by now that these bundles of joy cannot stay in one place. They are a source of dynamic energy, and to satisfy their playful side, you need to keep them engrossed in the right kind of toy. Choosing a toy for your pet dog is not an easy task. Options like plush toys and rawhide bones have always been popular choices. We have to make sure that the play object helps the dog in his playing and chewing behavior.
If you think these toys are unnecessary cost add-ons, think again. In addition to mental stimulation and chewing habits, they also prove to be suitable outlets for following their instincts. Many experts support the fact that dogs can develop behavioral problems if owners do not occupy them enough with toys that help them run or chew.
Here are some types of toys you can consider for your pet dog –
1 – Rawhide Bones
Rawhide chews are commonly used by dog owners to maintain dog dental health. Continuous chewing actions help eliminate plaque or tartar formation on the surface of the teeth. They also provide hours of fun for the dog to laze around chewing on the rubbery bone.
If your dog isn’t a big chewer, don’t worry. Today we see rawhide chews available in different shapes and sizes. When you set out to buy rawhide bones, you will be amazed at the array of options available in different tastes, colors, and shapes. So, you can opt for rawhide chips which are well suited for dogs that are not aggressive chewers.
2 – Soft toys
Dogs love plush toys and carry them around when indoors. These types of toys are best suited for puppies or small dogs. The soft toys are shaped into different animals like a teddy bear and stuffed with suitable stuffing. Some toys may also have a squeaker that makes a sound when the dog presses it.
These toys are ideal for playing fetch as dogs love to chase and fetch them. It is essential to remember that these toys are not very durable. Many dogs with aggressive tendencies would rip the stuffing off the toy and tear it. You should be surprised to find stuffing strewn everywhere.
3 – Rope toys
Just like rawhide chew toys, rope toys also come in a range of colors, materials, and designs. Dog owners can see multiple applications for these rope toys. If its end is attached to a post or fence, it can provide excellent dental exercise for the dog, who will continually try to tug on it.
Some owners also use rope toys to play fetch. Others can also have two dogs at both ends of the rope toy playing tug of war. These rope toys can be partially or entirely made of plastic or fabric parts and offer a fantastic way for the dog to clean the dental mucosa by helping him chew it for hours.
4 – Balls
They are the universal favorite for dogs. It is not uncommon to see several balls lying around near the dog in a house. Dogs love to chew on the hard, rubbery surface of the item and derive satisfaction from hours of chewing. Many people also use tennis balls for playing catch. Since the dog can comfortably grip the round surface of a smaller sized tennis ball, the dog likes to pick it up between his teeth and bring it back in a fetch game. Others would opt for multiple options like glow in the dark or flashing light balls.
It is essential to choose the size of the ball so that the dog is comfortable enough to carry it. At the same time, it should not be so small that there is a risk of the dog accidentally swallowing it. While tennis balls are considered a decent medium-sized item, many larger dogs enjoy playing with larger balls. On the other end of the spectrum, smaller dogs would be more comfortable with smaller sized balls.
5 – Food Dispensing Toys
Treat-dispensing toys are a hit with dogs. These toys force the dog to strain to retrieve the snacks and treats from the box. Dogs can spend hours trying to retrieve their favorite treats. These types of toys are great for getting the dog to work a little to get the food it wants. The long period of hours spent by the dog helps to create mental and physical stimulation, thus avoiding problems related to boredom.
Make sure these toys are durable as they have to withstand the dog’s punishing gnawing and tugging. Also, some styles of toys are easier to clean than others. So choose one that is fairly easy to clean and remove crumbs.
6 – Interactive toys for dogs
Much like food-dispensing toys, these types of interactive toys require the dog to consciously exert effort to achieve a goal. When dogs are confined indoors, these items can provide hours of activity to keep the dog from getting bored. From teething puppies to slowing down the eating habits of a fast-feeding fogger, these interactive toys can serve many purposes for the dog owner.
Of course, the dog would need help in the beginning to learn how to use the toy. If the owner doesn’t take care of this step, chances are the dog won’t touch the object at all. You might want to put in delicious larger size treats and pieces of meat that the dog would love to extract from the toy. Once she gets used to the toy, the size of the nibble may decrease to her normal size.
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The choices for dog toys are virtually limitless. So it’s best to check out which toy will go well with your specific pet dog and work well to allow for hours of chewing or chasing fun.
