Dogs love toys, but not all toys are created equal. When selecting toys for your pup it is essential that they match its personality, chewing habits, energy level and athletic prowess.
Plush toys may appeal to some dogs but could present a choking risk for those who chew aggressively. Puzzle and food-related games provide cognitive stimulation while comfort toys help soothe anxious or stressed-out dogs.
Choosing the Right Toy
As part of being a responsible pet parent, it’s essential that you provide your canine with toys that meet their instinctual needs. There are various toys on the market designed specifically to do just this – such as those which keep dogs active or can soothe anxiety and stress levels.
Your dog’s chewing habits and jaw strength may also influence which toys to select for him/her, for instance a plush toy might not hold up well against aggressive chewers but many dogs love playing with these toys (with supervision).
Kong Wobblers offer cognitive stimulation while slow-feed toys provide alternative feedings without filling your dog’s bowl with food at once. Any new toy, chew or treat should always be introduced under supervision to avoid risks of choking and ingestion.
Enrichment
Provide toys to your dog to provide mental stimulation. Doing this can keep their mind active and may prevent dementia in older pups.
Toys help alleviate boredom and stress. Many behavioral problems arise from boredom or excess energy; channeling this energy through play with toys may prevent or resolve issues like digging in shoes and chewing furniture.
Dogs love tug toys, and there are various varieties available. Some come equipped with handles so you can play alongside your pup, while others feature crinkly or squeaky noises for additional excitement. Some interactive models require your pup to solve puzzles or locate treats before being released from its holds.
Finding the appropriate toy for your dog depends on their age, size and activity level. Puppies enjoy plush toys they can chew while senior dogs may prefer more interactive, challenge-oriented toys such as treat dispenses or puzzle toys. When choosing toys for your pup it is important to keep in mind their individual personality so as to prevent issues like choking hazards or entanglement occurring.
Entertainment
Many behavioral issues in dogs are due to boredom or excess energy. Channeling that energy into play with toys can help direct it in constructive ways rather than destructive ones, like digging or chewing up furniture, shoes or shrubbery.
Pet parents often cannot spend as much time with their pets due to work or other obligations. Dog toys offer them something fun to occupy themselves with when home alone; therefore it is vital that these toys be both durable and safe.
Choose tug toys that can withstand your dog’s natural chewing behavior, such as plush toys with squeakers or balls stuffed with treats for play and engagement. Food dispensing toys and puzzle games offer mental stimulation while engaging your pup in natural hunting, foraging and exploring behaviors.
Safety
A toy can help keep your pup entertained when you are away, burn off energy and distract them from behaviors such as digging or chewing furniture. When selecting toys for your pup it’s important to take their breed, chewing habits, size and personality into consideration.
Working breeds such as retrievers can benefit from toys that stimulate both their athletic and mental capabilities, such as fetching and treat dispensing puzzles. Meanwhile, Zogoflex toys make excellent choices for strong chewers as they’re durable yet bouncy.
Look for toys without small parts that could break off and pose choking hazards or stomach obstruction risks if swallowed. Inspect the toys regularly for any signs of wear and tear. If your pet chews on rope ends of toys, immediately replace it as soon as the string frays as this poses a safety risk.https://www.youtube.com/embed/kcSTI6aXjng