Dog toys are what the hype is all about! Canines of all ages and sizes go crazy for dog toys, but so do their owners. I mean, have you seen those cool dinosaur-shaped squeaky dog toys?
Little puppies find relief in chewing toys, adolescent dogs enjoy some quality tug of war, while adult dogs thrill to the sound of a squeaky toy. If you are a dog owner, then you know that dog toys are necessary items to have in your house all the time.
But, the majority of dogs end up completely destroying their toys that end up being less interesting and less important to them.
We may never know if our dogs destroy their toys out of play or maybe because they simply dislike them. But, maybe it is the quality of the dog toy that is not quite right?
To avoid your dog having a love-hate relationship with its new toy, we are going to show you how to choose the best dog toys!
Choose Dog Toys Depending on Your Dog’s Age
Dog toys vary in shape and size. This means that small and soft toys are more likely to be made for smaller dogs and puppies. Size and age are two main factors that determine what kind of dog toy you should buy.
For example, small puppies that have just started teething need quality and sturdy chew toys that are small enough to be chewed on, but big enough not to be swallowed. This is why dog owners should never choose rubber balls as chew toys for puppies.
Older dogs, on the other hand, may enjoy playing with plush toys and dog toys that are made of softer materials.
Also read: How To Find The Best Dog Breeders in The USA
Different Dog Breeds Require Different Dog Toys
Let’s compare a small Pomeranian with a large Cane Corso. Don’t you think that the Pom will have a hard time lifting a sturdy toy that is made for Cane Corso dogs? The Cane Corso will probably swallow a Pomeranian’s dog toy whole!
That said, different dog breeds require different dog toys due to their different sizes.
Heavy duty dog toys are made for larger and stronger dogs that are made out of durable and often heavy material. If you are a proud owner of a large or giant dog breed, you should search for the toughest and sturdiest dog toys in the market. You will basically need an indestructible dog toy to keep your large/giant pooch entertained!
The majority of medium-sized dogs are high-energy pooches that enjoy active playtime. Knot rope dog toys are perfect for quality tug-of-war play, durable rubber balls are great to play fetch, and energetic dogs enjoy some frisbee action!
While most of us believe that small dogs should be given smaller dogs, don’t let their tiny looks deceive you. I have seen many small dogs “steal” toys from large dogs! Small dogs do well with plush or stuffing-free dog toys, as well as squeaky dog toys.
The most important thing when choosing a dog toy is that it fits into its mouth perfectly. You don’t want a part or a whole dog toy to be stuck in your dog’s throat!
When Choosing A Dog Toy, Know Your Dog’s Personality
Most dog owners overlook this tip, but it is equally important as choosing your dog a toy depending on its size and age.
Due to the fact that each dog inherits a unique personality, each will play with its toy in its own way. Having said that, some dogs are rough with their toys, while others are pretty calm and gentle.
For dogs that are more on the rough side, it is best to choose dog toys that are made out of durable and strong materials. I believe that many owners of such dogs have had enough of picking up plush stuffing from demolished teddy bears! A great alternative to plush toys are stuffing-free dog toys that will save you from the mess!
Dogs that are heavy chewers require indestructible rubber toys over stuffed animals. Rubber chew toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The majority of laid back and calm dogs love comfort toys that ease their anxiety. These comfort toys can either be plush, rubber, hard plastic or nylon material.
Interactive dog toys such as dog puzzles and blocks are great for dogs that need constant mental stimulation, like the Border Collie.
Types of Dog Toys
Even though there are several different types of dog toys, our dogs seemingly enjoy all of them! However, different dog toys serve different purposes and that is why we must know what kind of dog toys there are:
- Rope dog toys are best for game of tug-of-war, good and safe for chewing
- Disc dog toys such as frisbee are great for quality game of fetch
- Chew dog toys aid puppy teething, keep good dental hygiene, and calm anxiety
- Treat dog toys are fun and rewarding, they keep your dog entertained
- Plush dog toys provide comfort and aid in separation anxiety
- Interactive dog toys help cognitive development and keep your dog busy
- Ball dog toys are great for active dogs to release pent up energy by playing fetch
- Squeaky dog toys are interesting, stimulating, and entertaining
Conclusion
When choosing the best dog toys, you should always search for the most durable one. Nobody wants to buy new dog toys each day because the previous ones got destroyed. You may notice that many dog toys look like small animals, balls, circles, hearts, and so on. In other words, they do not resemble any household items. Which is a good thing – do not choose dog toys that look like your household items.
Do not search for dog toys that are too expensive. Just because a certain dog toy costs a fortune, it does not mean that your dog won’t absolutely wreck it to pieces. More often than not, a good ol’ wooden stick will make the perfect toy for your pooch!
Also read: How to Determine a Dog’s Energy Level: A Beginner’s Guide
