How to Choose the Best Dog Toys

Toys are crucial to your dog's well-being, whether you're playing fetch with him or just watching him roll around for amusement. 

Choosing toys for your dog might be daunting because so many possibilities are available. Some owners find themselves with a collection of toys just gathering dust because the toys they selected are not appealing to their dogs. How do you decide which toys in the store your dog will genuinely enjoy?

The preferred toy of a dog is determined by how he prefers to play and chew. Learn how your dog likes to play and chew by giving him a few different kinds of toys to try. When selecting the best ones, what should you take into account?

How to Choose the Best Dog Toys

Age

When purchasing a toy for your dog, consider their age. For instance, dog toys for puppies one to three weeks old will differ from those for older dogs. Soft rubber, plush, and cuddly fabric dog toys are a few examples of dog toys that are excellent for pups.

A wide selection of chew toys will deter him from gnawing on your favorite pair of loafers because he'll chew on whatever he can get his hands on otherwise.

Your dog will have a strong enough jaw for harder rubber toys once the teething stage is over, and he has plenty of energy to play with balls or rope pulls. Your senior dog won't have the same jaw and tooth strength as he did by the time he is seven years old, but it's still crucial to provide him with some softer toys to chew on and encourage playing with toys that will keep him being active, such as easy-to-throw balls and sticks. 

Fortunately, many options are available that are developed specifically for dogs of different ages, all of which match your dog's age, size, and unique chewing patterns.

Dimension and texture

The small pug, even as an adult dog, is unlikely to chew as roughly as a Rottweiler; hence they frequently require toys that are thought to be more forgiving when squeezed in their smaller jaw.

Similarly, an overly soft toy might shatter into pieces and be swallowed or choked on, leading to gastrointestinal obstructions. It is usually recommended to replace a toy if you discover any symptoms of deterioration, such as a broken squeaker, fractures or tears in the fabric, or stuffing.

The proper toy size is also crucial. It is equally simple to swallow anything too small. As a general rule, make sure nothing choking-hazardous is small enough to fit behind your dog's back molars.

Ultimately, you'll need to choose the toys that keep your dog entertained the most. Like people, dogs will eventually be able to express their preferences for certain toys.

Various Toys

Finding your way around the toy section might be difficult even with this knowledge. You'll be well on choosing the ideal toy if you keep these four toy types in mind as you browse and think about what your particular dog needs.

Chewables and Treats

While anything can be used as a chew toy, some are intended for chewing; therefore, it's preferable to utilize them that way. These durable goods are typically composed of nylon or hard rubber material. Others are wonderful just as they are, while some can even be stuffed with treats for training and all-day fun.

They should be strong enough to resist quickly splitting into little pieces while still being soft enough to chew without risking tooth damage. But as your dog matures from a puppy to an adult, you may frequently need to adjust the size and toughness of the chew toys you buy. Use healthy goodies with your toys to keep him extra healthy and active.

Pull Toys

Most dogs love to play tug of war with their owners and other canines. Making sure your dog doesn't rip it to bits when using tug toys may be the most crucial thing to keep in mind. It's important to replace tug toys as soon as you spot damage, such as shredding, or discover missing pieces because they are often soft and made of linen, leather, fire hose, or rope. 

It's important to remember not to play the game of tug-of-war too aggressively oneself. Because doing so could cause your dog serious health issues, you should never be able to yank the toy out of his mouth.

You must teach him to comply with instructions like "drop it" or "release" if you want him to let go of the toy. Additionally, even though a dog's jaw is incredibly powerful, pulling the toy vertically to lift his feet off the ground is never a good idea. Jaw, neck, and spine problems might result from this.

Balls

There are numerous types of balls, including foam, rubber, plush, tennis, and squeaky ones. Every ball bounces differently. This time-tested option is a fantastic way to keep your dog busy.

Make sure the ball you choose for your dog is the proper size and made of a sturdy enough substance so that he won't tear it to bits while playing with it. Dogs love to play fetch or catch; thus, balls invite you as the parent to participate. Over time, this will also assist in building your bond.

Puzzles and interactive toys for dogs

Dog puzzles and interactive toys stimulate your dog's mind like food-dispensing toys. Some interactive dog toys are only food-dispensing toys. Others, which can be as simple as a tug or fetch toy, include you and your dog playing together.

The purpose of dog puzzles is to test your dog. They have chambers and other devices that conceal food or rewards, making it difficult for your dog to access the food.

The best approach to keep your dog intellectually engaged and help him develop some cognitive skills is with interactive dog toys and puzzles. Learning is made entertaining and simple by the puzzles' built-in incentive system.

Plush

Many dogs enjoy playing with plush toys, but they are frequently dangerous. Plush toys can still be enjoyable when properly supervised, despite how simple it is for them to be torn apart and swallowed. Plush toys are wonderful options for your dog to cuddle with at night before he enters his teething phase. Ensure your dog knows which stuffed animals and pillows belong to him and not to other family members.

The greatest dog toys provide safe, enjoyable playtime for you and your pet. Similar to treats, toys can be used as training tools. If your dog seems to favor a certain toy, try rewarding him with it after he follows a command you've given him, such as "sit." The training process also includes teaching him which toys belong to him.

By doing this, you can protect yourself from any destructive behavior from chewing on objects like shoes, furniture, or kids' toys. Consider his chewing age, size, and frequency before deciding what toy to buy. Remember that when your dog gets older, you'll transition from puppy toys to adult toys and even old toys. Even though safety should always come first, enjoyment should come next.

Change Up Your Dog's Toys

Dogs enjoy novelties, much like kids do. You may make your dog's toys appear much more intriguing by spinning them! For a few days, store some of your dog's toys in a cabinet, then switch them out to offer your dog something fresh to play with.

Remove Any Damaged Toys

A shredded plush toy or a piece of rubber that has broken off should immediately be removed from your dog and thrown away if you see any damage to their toys. Any size piece can be a choking hazard, but sharp objects like bits of rope or ribbon are especially risky for blocking the intestines or puncturing them.

Speak with Your Vet About Additional Advice

Consult your veterinarian for help if you have a fussy puppy or if you have questions about the safety of any of your dog's toys. They can offer more recommendations on dog toys.