Shopping For Dog Toys?

By Author: Hans Lynch
Total Articles: 13
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Dogs have always been a major part of our lives but in recent years dogs are becoming less of a pet and more a member of the family. As such, dog toys continue to evolve to address this new dynamic. Dog toys come in all shapes and sizes these days. They are made from a variety of materials and degrees of toughness to meet the needs of almost every dog. Not only do they help with you dog's physical fitness they also improve your pups mental well being as well.

What Kind of Dog Toy?

When choosing dog toys for your dog you should keep in mind a few things. Is your dog one of those high energy dogs? If so, a simple ball is often the best choice. If you need a little extra throwing power there are the Chuck It toys, that will let you throw a ball pretty far. How destructive is your dog? If yes you should look for those ultra hard rubber toys or triple stitched plush toys that will stand up a little longer. Look for Kong, Planet Dog, Tuffies or Bamboo toys, as they set the industry standard for toughness. If it is typical for your dog's breed to have a high prey drive, you might want to look at animal themed ...
... plush toys, especially ones that your dog can shake in their mouth. How old is your dog? If your dog is still a puppy or an old dog, then you want to make sure that the dog toy you buy is designed for a puppy. Generally those dog toys will be a little softer and allow your dog to get a good bit of chewing in without being too hard. Puppy toys are also perfect for teaching a new dog what they can and can not chew on.

Interactive Dog Toys

A relatively new trend in dog toys are toys that are interactive. What makes these toys different is that they do not just simply emit a noise or are something you can play fetch with. Interactive dog toys are able to bring more fun and excitement for the dog especially for dogs that get bored easily and a little mischievous.

Treat Stiks

Treat Stiks are a good example of interactive dog toys that add a little something extra to your dog's day. It is a great toy because it dispenses the kibble you have put inside the toy as your dog pushes, rolls or otherwise interacts with the Treat Stik. If you have a dog that is prone to eating their food way too fast, the Treat Stik can be especially helpful. This simple problem solving will keep your dog entertained and mentally engaged for a good bit of time, every day if you like.

The Leo from Canine Genius

Another example of a great interactive dog toy on the market today is the Leo from Canine Genius. It is similar in some ways to the Treat Stik as it dispenses your dog's food that you have put into it. The major differences is that it made from rubber, rather than plastic, like the Treat Stik and as your dog becomes more adept at problem solving multiple Leos can be put together to form a larger, even more interactive toy. Even with just two of the Leos you can have a wide variety of configurations providing a new puzzle for your dog every time.

Safety

Dogs need some supervision during playtime. Keeping an eye on the dog while playing can prevent accidents. If have a dog that is a heavy chewer, do not leave toys with your dog for extended periods, especially those with a rope attached as they might swallow it. Paying a little more for a quality dog toy from a reputable manufacturer will save a lot of time with clean up and prevent unnecessary danger to your dog while playing.

Finally, all dogs are different, so try out a few different toys on your dog. You might be surprised by what they like and what they do not.