No matter whether your pup likes to chew on toys or simply play with toys for amusement, soft and noisy options will hold his interest and help ensure his dental health.
Tennis balls may be good for fetching games, but they often don’t withstand chewing and can pose a choking hazard for dogs. Many dogs prefer feeder-style toys that they can paw, chew on and carry around.
Size
Consider your dog’s breed and age when selecting toys for him or her. Young puppies might gnaw on plush-stuffed toys to shreds while older dogs might prefer tough materials like rubber and latex toys. Teething stages also influence what kind of toy should be chosen – chewable toys may be ideal. Teething pups might benefit from toys designed to allow chewing or tugging actions such as tug-o-war.
Size matters when selecting toys for large dogs and puppies alike. Small toys pose a choking hazard for larger canines and dental issues for smaller puppies alike, so avoid toys with ribbons, strings, eyes or any other potentially swallowable parts like ribbons that could easily be chewed off and swallowed whole.
Working breeds such as retrievers are particularly fond of toys that require physical effort and endurance, like frisbees or tennis balls. Retrievers also love floating water toys as these provide them with extra resistance as a workout. It’s important to give your pup a variety of toys so they can discover their favorite one; doing this will prevent boredom with one particular toy over and over, saving time on trips to the store for new ones – try rotating between various toy types weekly to keep your pup entertained and engaged.
Texture
When selecting toys for dogs, it’s essential to take their chewing habits and activity level into consideration. A toy too small or soft for them may go ignored while ones made from materials they can easily tear apart could result in dental issues for their teeth.
Toys that feature different textures than your dog’s teeth can keep him intrigued for hours on end, making them great choices for active pups. For instance, this twisty Qwizl combines the movement of a frisbee with the challenge of chew toys to provide hours of amusement – perfect for active dogs! Plus its durable materials stand up well against aggressive chewers while floating in water so it can come along on outdoor adventures too!
Border collies and Australian shepherds can burn off excess energy with toys that encourage their instinct to herd, like this herding rope toy with its squeaker feature that engages herding breeds’ senses and keeps them interested for longer than a typical plush toy.
Working breeds such as terriers and hounds need toys to keep themselves mentally and physically busy during their long days of herding livestock or guarding against intruders, such as a sturdy rope toy or Kong Flyer with its squeaky noises, as well as food dispensing toys like Wobbler that’s gentle on gums and teeth.
Durability
Selecting an ideal toy for your dog requires understanding their breed and personality traits. Therefore, it’s crucial that you consider their chewing habits, energy levels, athletic ability and interests when selecting their toy(s).
As with choosing toys for children, be mindful of your dog’s size to prevent choking hazards and ensure they can easily play with it. Also avoid toys that resemble household objects or kid’s toys, which may make dogs associate those items with you and thus reduce engagement during play time.
Durability should always be your top priority when purchasing toys for your pet, such as rope toys made of strong materials like nylon or other synthetic fibers, like rope toys are an ideal option for many dogs. Also avoid soft, plush toys with filling which could become hazardous if your pup chews on or swallows any pieces.
This Sugelary Indestructible Fruit Rubber Toy is an ideal option for large and medium breed dogs as it’s made from non-toxic natural rubber with a fun fruit theme that will draw their interest. Plus, there’s the bonus of squeakers which add extra appeal while prolonging playtime! Just keep an eye out as even seemingly indestructible toys may contain sharp or jagged edges; therefore it is wise to inspect these toys regularly, discarding any that appear worn or damaged before giving it to your dog.
Safety
Safety should always come first when purchasing toys for your dog, and to do this effectively. Choose toys with sturdy construction that withstand your pup’s chewing habits while being free from parts that could become lodged in their throat or mouth (such as fraying rope toys), eyes, ribbons, bells or buttons that he might try to grab and swallow; additionally if broken toys appear worn out take them away temporarily until your pup is ready.
Working dogs such as herding breeds enjoy toys that stimulate their natural instincts to herd livestock or people, like toys that support herding or herding instincts. Since these active breeds may have predisposed teeth or gums that need gentle chewing activities such as plush toys, chew sticks or puzzle toys that test brain power or speed, toys that support these instincts may include plush toys like plush stuffed animals, chew sticks or puzzle toys to challenge brainpower or speed.
Small toy breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Maltese need toys sized according to their breed size. Large toys may pose a choking hazard while too-hard toys may become frustrating to handle. While these pups will still enjoy traditional games such as tug of war and fetch, you might consider including toys which require thought such as treat dispensers or snuffle mats to stimulate their brains while offering satisfying solutions to problems.
