Why do dogs need toys?
There are a number of benefits to getting some dog toys for your pets to play with. Firstly, they occupy your dog and keep them from getting bored. A dog that is bored can have behavioural problems such as excessive barking and chewing. But toys give them something to focus this energy on, preventing your belongings from being wrecked and your neighbours from being bugged. Toys also help dogs relax and deal with stress, and it’s even better if you’re the one giving them the toy or playing with them. This will do wonders for your bond with a dog.
What kinds of dog toys are there?
A dog toy can be almost anything such as a ball or a plush toy, but some dogs are more inclined to enjoy certain toys than others. Here are a few ideas of what is out there:
Chew Toys
Whether it’s a teething puppy or a dog that has always loved to chew things, dog chew toys are a staple. They’re satisfying for the dog and gives them an alternative to chewing your favourite pair of shoes. You can get chew toys such as a plush toy or a tasty, long-lasting chew to snack on. Be sure to take into account your pup’s favourite flavours, their size, their age and their chew strength when choosing the right chew for them.
Tug Toys
Rope for dog toys is as simple as it gets, but if your dog wants to play tug-of-war with you there’s no better choice. This cotton rope chew toy is great for playing with your dog, but the DoggyTopia Outdoor Tug Ball can be played with solo in the backyard! Tug toys are often made from braided rope with plastic or rubber, so make sure to carefully monitor the toy because as it degrades and unravels your dog can swallow parts of it.
Treat Dispensers
Great for boredom and mental stimulation while simultaneously giving them a treat, dog toys with treats such as treat dispensers and snuffle mats are very engaging for a dog. Make sure to limit their treats to 10% of their diet though, as too many treats aren’t good for anyone.
What toy is best for my dog?
Sometimes, a dog’s breed might determine what sort of toys they might most be interested in. Some like to run as far as possible, so a ball to throw makes sense to get. Some want to chew anything they can get their paws around, while others might just want to test their might and play tug-of-war. But variety is good, and toys tend to wear down, so it’s good to get more than one or buy them a new one every now and then.
Things to avoid when playing with your dog
There are some things you should keep in mind as you search for a dog toy. Firstly, avoid wooden toys, as these can splinter and do all kinds of internal damage to a dog if they swallow. If you want to get a ball, make sure to get the right size, because if it’s too big it won’t be easy for them to play with. Squeakers for dog toys activate a dog’s predator drive from the noise they make, so they often like to tear them apart. Monitor the toy, because it’s not uncommon for dogs to pull out and then swallow the squeaker inside.
