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Types of Toys for Dogs
today. How should one begin? What will keep your dog busy, yet teach him something at the same time? When buying dog toys, these questions are always on the mind of every pet owner, and sometimes the answer is quite hard to find.
Your buddy will benefit from this brief guide, offering tips on the best dog toys for him.
Dog Toys
Your buddies love the best dog toys out there. If your dog isn’t playing with them, why pay a pretty penny for them?
Every dog is unique, just like each of us humans, therefore it is your responsibility to take the time to learn exactly what your dog appreciates. The good news is that you can provide your dog with entertainment and enrichment without breaking the bank.
Thinking about the breed or type of your dog is a good place to start. Each and every dog was bred for a specific purpose, and you can often learn a lot about that purpose from the games and toys that will suit them the best.
For example, most retrievers love to play with toys that you can throw and they can retrieve for you. Those dogs that are bred to follow scents using their noses prefer sniffing games, while terriers generally love to do ripping, tearing, and tugging stuff.
And although some dogs like to use their mouths, others prefer to use their paws.
Types of Dog Toys
Balls
Because they are inexpensive to purchase, easy to toss, and widely available, they have long been a favorite with dog owners and their pets.
If you have a senior or teething dog, you can get a tennis ball with a slightly rougher shell. For puppies, opt for a soft plush ball.
In order to add even more appeal, they can also be found with squeaks in them.
Rope Toys
These toys have a rope that is simple for your dog to grab hold of and chew on, should they so choose. You may also play some fantastic tug-of-war games by holding the toy’s rope end. Dogs adore these toys because they allow them to play in ways that suit their natural tendencies. And provide them options for how to pick them up and transport them.
Stuffed Toys
Your dog won’t get hurt by the soft toys, as long as they don’t have plastic parts or beads. They come in an assortment of sizes, shapes, and colors, and with or without squeakers. A dog may become quite attracted to these since they are frequently their first toys! They are not a good choice for other dogs as they like to rip them apart .Unless you can discover the indestructible ones that seem to be popping out on the market, however they are usually canvas rather than plush.
Chew Toys
Your dog will always have a natural desire to chew, even after teething is complete. Dog chew toys make sure they gnaw on something secure rather than your bed or couch. These dog toys come in a range of sizes and forms and are often constructed of rubber. To make them even more enjoyable to chew on, some of these can be filled with food and rewards. For pups, there are softer ones, and for power chewers, there are stronger ones. They are often long-lasting and completely washable.
Treat-Dispensing Dog Toys
These are toys that reward your canine friend. You will keep filling them with the preferred treat of your dog. Then, your dog needs to learn how to use the toy to get the treats. They will have hours of entertainment as they chew and twist the toy to reach to the delicious prize. Your dog may benefit much from this enrichment, but always make sure that your dog can remove the food, even if it requires some effort. Instead of being annoying, these toys are supposed to be enjoyable and engaging!
Puzzle Toys
These are toys that assist stimulate and test your dog’s cognitive abilities. To receive treats, they typically need a dog to solve problems of varying degrees of complexity.
They may use their paws, their lips, or a combination of both at different times to accomplish it. You can raise the challenge as your dog gains expertise.
Homemade Dog Toys
Dog owners whose dogs love to rip and shred can be reassured that dog toys do not have to be expensive. More often than not, you can also use things lying around the house that you would normally pitch in the trash to build a makeshift, spontaneous enrichment-style dog toy.
This could be lots of fun, stuffing treats or even kibble into a finished kitchen roll cardboard tube with the ends folded down. Your dog will gingerly remove the rewards or just tear them apart to get at the good stuff inside.
You can create a great game from a cardboard delivery box by hiding toys and treats inside.
Treats can be concealed within an old balled-up towel.
You can fill a plastic drink bottle that has had the top cut off with bits of kibble.
Benefits of Interactive Dog Toys
On the other side, dogs need both mental and physical activities in equal measure. Some were bred to work nonstop, solve puzzles, or perform specific duties that required both mental and physical strength. It means that if they don’t find an outlet to express their nature, it’s so easy for them to get bored or irritated. You may be a big fitness nut, but walking your dog alone isn’t sufficient!
Your dog can express himself through chasing, hunting, foraging, and problem-solving by using dog toys.
You can provide interactive and enrichment toys for your dog to engage in activities that fulfill their natural instincts and bring joy to both of you.
Also Read : How to Stop a Dog from Digging
Safety With Dog Toys
It’s crucial to select dog toys that are appropriate for your specific dog. A huge toy is inappropriate for a little dog. If they can’t move or bite the toy, it won’t be as enjoyable!
A toy designed for small dogs may pose a choking hazard to a large dog.
Moreover, you should also consider the health condition of your dog while selecting the toy. Ensure that your pet is going to get attracted by the ingredients of the toy.
Plastic treat-dispensing toys can be a real challenge for puppies, senior dogs, flat-faced dogs, and dogs with dental problems to use on their own. Most often, they require vigorous chewing to access the treat and break easily for avid chewers.
Finally, make sure you have age-appropriate dog toys. If yours is a puppy, provide it with a teeny toy or a stuffed animal to gnaw and help overcome its teething pains.
Conclusion
Your dog throws balls around as its favorite pastime, but exercise caution with this action.Repetitive fetch games can lead to severe joint and pain problems for dogs due to their abrupt stops, sharp bends, and strong acceleration. Additionally, some dogs develop a balloholic disorder, when they become fixated with playing out their predatory sequence. And experience an internal rush that leaves them unable to focus or think about anything else while out for a stroll.