Perhaps you let your dog play with anything; if he finds it, then it’s his. Or maybe, you buy your dog a new toy every time you visit the pet store. The question is: are the toys you buy appropriate for your pooch? Before you purchase the softest stuffed animal and raw hides, or before you hand your pooch a ball of yarn, consider what your pooch needs to keep him both safe and occupied.
First of all, don’t underestimate the power of dog toys. You may think that your pooch doesn’t need anything to play with, since he seems so occupied already. The fact is toys can help stimulate your pooch’s mind, provide a little exercise and play, and help keep him away from boredom and destructive behaviors. If you don’t provide toys for your dog, then everything in your home is fair game, including socks, shoes, and anything that ends up within his reach. It is a bad idea to let your pooch chew on old socks and shoes in the first place! He will not be able to differentiate between your worn out house slippers and your expensive work shoes, so it’s better to never let him start the habit.
Your dog needs a variety of toys to keep him occupied and keep him interested. There’s no sense in throwing twenty toys around the house; instead, rotate four or five toys (at a time) every week. Each toy should engage him in a different way. He should have a chew toy, a mind-stimulating toy, a prey toy, a comfort toy, and an active toy. Below are a few suggestions on engaging and interactive toys for your pooch.
If you have a puppy, then you probably need to find a suitable chew toy. Don’t choose anything that could pose a choking hazard. This includes materials that can be easily shred, torn apart, or swallowed. Many owners like to give their puppies raw hides and hooves. Before you hand one of these items over to your pup, talk to your veterinarian. Your vet can recommend which types of hides are safe. If you do choose to give your puppy one of these items, then only let him play with the item while under supervision. A great chew toy for your puppy (or adult dog) is a rubber Kong. The Kong is filled with a treat, and your pup must chew the toy to access the treat. This is also a great mind-stimulating toy that can provide hours of fun for your pet.
If your dog likes to attack his “prey,” then find him a toy that is an appropriate size. His prey probably won’t be the size of a tennis ball, so look for something a bit larger. Often, large, stuffed animals make great prey objects. If you choose a stuffed animal, make sure that is made especially for your pooch. Remove any items on the toy that could pose a choking hazard, such as ribbons or buttons. Sometimes, you pooch may enjoy caring for his toys. Stuffed animals make great comfort toys, too. Unlike his prey toy, the comfort toy should be easy for him to carry around.
Your dog also needs a toy that allows him to be active. Rope toys are great for this purpose! They are fairly durable and can be used to play fetch. Make sure the rope won’t shred; or, if it does shred, throw it away and get a new one. A tennis balls can also make a great, inexpensive activity toy. Your pooch will enjoy carrying it around, fetching it, and just chasing it. Once the tennis ball starts to fall apart, it should also be thrown away. If you choose a ball other than a tennis ball, then make sure it is large enough so that it can’t be swallowed but small enough to be carried around.
Finding the right toys for your pooch may require a little trial and error. Keep your pet interested by rotating the toys each week. Provide your dog with different types of toys, including a chew toy, a mind toy, a prey toy, a comfort toy, and an active toy. No matter what you choose, make sure the toys do not pose choking hazards!
This article was provided by pet-super-store.com a website featuring dog doors and orthopedic dog beds.
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