Dogs are a major status symbol in many developed countries like America. Every year, billions of dollars are spent on veterinary care, and dog food supplies alone. At least half of dog owners are likely to purchase some sort of toy for their dogs.
Contrary to widely held belief, playing with toys is not the monopoly of children. Many pets of a different kinds such as dogs have their own playing time set of toys.
Some benefits of these toys
Besides being fun for your dogs, these toys have many health benefits and can aid with training. Some dog toys are designed to help strengthen their teeth, whereas others can help foster their intelligence. This list can help you identify the right toy for your dog before hunting for toys.
Chew toys
Usually made from latex rubber or nylon, these types of toys are durable, making them great for dogs that like to chew on everything in sight. So instead of having them chewing your furniture, you can buy them something they can really sink their teeth into.
The “KONG-Classic Dog Toy” is among the popular brands of chew toys. You can experiment by stuffing these toys with cheese spread or peanut butter and freezing them for 4-6 hours before giving them to your dog.
Squirrel Dude – Similar to KONGs, these durable and hollow; rubber chew toy takes on a new level in innovation. Four rubber prongs partially block the entrance to the toy provides an added workout for your dog’s jaw. This design makes it a little more of an exercise because the dog must work a little harder to get the goodies out.
Doggie “potato chips” is also a favorite. These “edible chips” can last to a minimum of an hour to a couple of days. They are available in different shapes like pig snout, ears, cow knuckles, femurs, hooves, and bully sticks. Others are bone-shaped made from a variety of vegetables such as carrots.
Rawhide is another good toy for your dog’s chewing pleasure. These are non-consumable, skin-like toys made from natural ingredients. A variety of Rawhides are even basted with a variety of flavorings to stimulate your dog’s interest. When they are soggy, you simply dispose of them and give your dog a new one.
Some rawhides are processed using chemicals so be sure to check the information on the label and avoid any that contain preservative flavorings that are harmful to your dogs.
Squeaky toys
These little noisemakers are a suitable alternative to stuffed toys because of their durability. Moreover, dogs are less likely to ingest the rubber material compared to the synthetic kind found in stuffed toys.
Besides being less likely to disintegrate, squeaky toys are good for training your dog’s hunting skills.
Retrieving toys
Toys such as Ball Launchers and Throwers are excellent for dogs that like to chase and retrieve objects. Besides that, dogs enjoy these toys because they get to play with you. Your dog will get a good workout and so is your arm.
Use Balls and frisbees designed particularly for this type of activity for best results.
“Planet Dog” orbee-tuff frisbee and balls are all-time favorite dog toys, especially the soft version; fold to fit in a pocket; comes in blue and orange colors, size six to nine inches, and prices at eleven to sixteen dollars. Likewise, the round orbee ball is a tough ball hallow design.
Tug toys
Distinguishable by their rope-like designs, these toys are best suited for dogs that like to grab hold and never let go.
These puzzle treats are best for dogs that get limited interaction or are left alone a lot. Food cubes and Biscuit balls are notable examples of toys that require the dog to solve a puzzle to get a treat.
Conclusion
When buying toys for your dog, you may want to match them with your dog’s needs, demands, and even personality. Is your dog the type that enjoys chasing and retrieving games, or chewing, sitting, and sprawling? You may want to try experimenting first to find out which toys make your dogs the happiest.
Most of these toys are especially beneficial when combined with a series of training classes with the experts. Although dog toys are especially useful it important to remember that, like people, dogs are very sociable. Interaction with their companion or sibling is important in avoiding behavioral problems in the future.
