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How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Dog

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Are you having a hard time picking the best toys for your cuddly friend? Not to worry! There are countless types of toys that are specifically designed for your dog’s playtime and training. However, while shopping for dog toys can be exciting, it’s super important that you choose the right ones. The best dog toys […]

Are you having a hard time picking the best toys for your cuddly friend? Not to worry! There are countless types of toys that are specifically designed for your dog’s playtime and training. However, while shopping for dog toys can be exciting, it’s super important that you choose the right ones. The best dog toys are safe, durable, and most of all, fun! Of course, it all comes down to your dog’s size, energy level, and their preferences.

Some dog toys are too small for your furbaby to play with. Other toys are too hard for your dog to chew. This can make playtime very boring. It can even make training difficult if you use toys as a reward. 

Here are a few tips on choosing the right toys for your dog:

  1. Size. Your furbaby’s dog toy should be appropriate for your dog’s size. A ball, for example, should be small enough (but not too small!) to fit in your furry friend’s mouth. A Yorkie will be able to play with a toy size that may not be appropriate for a larger size breed like a German Shepherd. You should also avoid purchasing toys that have ribbons, strings, feathers, and other objects they can choke on. Even if your dog is a small breed, these small items can come off and become a choking hazard. We recommend removing these bits from the toy or just buying another one, just in case. 
  2. Texture. Many puppy parents tend to overlook texture when searching for dog toys. Your dog’s toy shouldn’t be too soft nor too hard. A hard toy can be difficult to chew and play with. It can also cause damage to your furbaby’s teeth and gums. On the other hand, a soft toy can break into pieces, which makes it easier for dogs to ingest or choke. That’s why it’s a good idea to ensure that your dog’s toy has the right texture. 
  3. Age. Remember to keep your dog’s age in mind when choosing a toy. Your furry companion should always have a toy that’s age appropriate. A young puppy, for example, will need soft or plush toys due to their baby teeth. Their baby teeth are very delicate so it’s highly recommended to buy toys that they can easily grab and play with without lasting damages. As your puppy matures, they will begin teething so they will need a chewable toy to distract them from your furniture. When a puppy has a distraction, they will be less likely to chew on priceless objects in your home. Once your puppy has grown up, their jaws and teeth are usually strong enough to play with balls, rope, and hard rubber toys.
  4. Toy types. There are many types of toys that you can shop for your pooch! Some of these toy types include:
  • Balls: There are many varieties of toy balls: rubber balls, plush balls, tennis balls, squeaky balls, and more. When shopping, consider your pet’s preferences and age. That way, you can choose the right size and texture for your dog. Once you have purchased a ball, be sure to play games like fetch or catch.
  • Tug toys: Many dogs love playing tug-of-war games! Tug toys are usually made of linen, rope, or leather. Once you see damage or shredding, it’s important to replace the toy as soon as possible. Just make sure to avoid being too aggressive when playing tug-of-war. Some puppies may learn this behavior and display it in their adult years.
  • Chewable toys: Chewable toys are likely the best (and fun) toy that your puppy will play with. Most chewable toys are made from nylon or hard rubber. This means they can last for a long time. You can use chewable toys as a distraction or even to play games like fetch.
  • Plush toys: Unless you supervise them during playtime, you should avoid plus toys for your dog. Plush toys are easy to tear apart and ingest so it’s important to keep these away!

Note that as your puppy grows, you’ll likely switch from puppy toys to adult toys. You may even transition to other toys when your furry friend grows into their senior years. It’s important to keep yourself updated on the kind of toys your pet needs. This can help your furry friend continue their play time while staying completely hazard-free the entire time. When you choose the right dog toys, you allow your puppy to have a safe playtime with you!