If you're a new dog owner, you may believe that dog toys are simply an added expense and something more to pick up around the house. Know that dog toys are much more than that. Dog toys, in fact, serve a crucial part in keeping a dog emotionally and physically fit.
Toys offer dogs a way to burn extra energy, preventing them from becoming bored or depressed. This can also help keep your dog from chewing on or messing with other items like the sofa or the rubbish. Dog toys can also aid with problem-solving ability, environmental stimulation, and the reduction of separation anxiety.
By promoting play and exercise, dog toys also help a dog stay physically fit. Chew toys can also benefit dental health by decreasing plaque and improving jaw muscles and can be extremely beneficial to puppies who are teething.
What Kind of Toy Dogs Like to Play Most?
When the time to buy dog toys come, many of us tend to get overwhelmed by the many options available on the market. I've put together this overview of the many sorts of dog toys available to assist you in making the best option for you and your dog.
Chew Toys
All dogs like chewing, but certain breeds take chewing to a whole new level! If your dog is a serious chewer, investing in a tough and long-lasting chew toy will save you several pairs of ripped shoes! Chew toys come in a range of forms and sizes, and can have different levels of durability. The most durable and strong toys are best for larger breeds, while small rubber toys and even plush toys are often sufficient for puppies and small dogs.
Throw Dog Toys
Throw toys are an excellent form of exercise and entertainment for your dog, and it's difficult to find a dog that can resist chasing a ball. A ball is a traditional toss toy, and it's even better when it bounces wildly for additional fun. Certain ball toys are hollow to allow them to go further when thrown and to assist your dog in breathing correctly while it is in its mouth. You may also want to get a launching stick to help you launch balls farther and prevent arm discomfort!
Frisbees are another popular toss toy, and your dog will love seeing them fly crazily through the air.
Puzzle Dog Toys
Puzzle toys offer a great way to stimulate your dog's mind and keep them busy while you're out. They are generally intended to hide treats within, and your dog will have to solve a series of increasingly challenging riddles to get to the hidden reward. Some puzzle toys have elaborate designs, with levers to pull and flaps to open that will keep your dog entertained for hours.
Treat-Dispensing Toys
Treat-dispensing toys, which are similar to puzzle toys but simpler, are an engaging method for your dog to get a treat. These toys can take the shape of balls that must be twisted in a specific direction to release the rewards, chew toys, or balls filled with treats. Some of these toys have varying levels of difficulty, so after your dog has worked out how to get a reward, you can raise the difficulty level. These toys are good for crates when travelling and are quite useful if you are away frequently.
Plush Dog Toys
Plush toys come in an almost unlimited variety of colours, shapes, and sizes, and are constructed with various materials and textures to keep your dog entertained. Some are designed to survive gnawing and include squeakers and other built-in sounds. Plush toys, which are frequently constructed of soft fabric, can keep your dog's smell after a while, which can provide comfort to them while you're away.
Rope Toys
Dogs love tug-of-war with ropes, and it is also a great way to get your dog moving. Rope toys come in a variety of styles, including those with several knots, connected balls, and even freestanding ones with stakes to put in the ground so your dog can tug on their own.
Water Toys
Water toys are a terrific way to add to the enjoyment on hot summer days for most dogs that enjoy swimming and playing in the water. Water toys for dogs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from floatable rubber "skipping stones" to retrieving toys and even floating beds. Basically, as long as anything floats, it's OK to go in the pool! There are also entertaining toys that hook to yard hoses, and your dog will have a great time chasing around the spraying water.
Toy Safety
When looking to buy dog toys, keep in mind that models with detachable pieces should be handled with caution. If you give your dog a plush animal, remove any elements that might be chewed off, such as plastic eyes. Squeakers may be hazardous as well. So, before leaving your dog alone with a squeaky toy, be sure he isn't tempted to do something harmful to get at the squeaker. Make sure to supervise all toys! Before leaving a dog alone with a toy, you must have complete trust in its safety and your dog's behaviour.