Every dog is different, but what they have in common is that they all love toys. Regardless of whether they are a puppy or an older dog, they enjoy toys as much as children. If you use the right products and apply the right techniques, you can also use toys to add educational value to their activities. For example, you can use the toys to keep dogs entertained, to help them socialize, to solve problems, and a whole lot more.
Dog toys are also very helpful for owners who are always away from home. Since your dogs spend a lot of time alone and unsupervised at home, their boredom can sometimes mean broken chairs, messy food trays, and a whole lot more. If you want to keep them from ruining stuff at home and making a mess, toys are also a good solution to keep them busy.
The market now offers a lot of toy options for pet owners. Whether you are shopping online or at a physical store, you may feel overwhelmed with the number of toy options you have. To help you sort out which toys to keep dogs entertained, here are some of our recommendations:
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Things to Consider Before Buying a Dog Toy
Tennis balls may be a popular choice for dog toys but they don’t always work. Just like when choosing toys for kids, there are many factors you need to consider. While we recommended different toys to keep dogs entertained, there are many different types of dogs you can choose from. If you check online or visit a nearby store for dogs, you will find everything from chew toys to smart and interactive toys. You may feel overwhelmed with the number of options at first, but with this guide it will be a lot easier. Below is a list of things you need to consider before you buy a toy for your furry friend.
Buy Based on Your Dog’s Age
One of the best things about dogs is how much they enjoy playing. While puppies and older dogs love playing, you should still keep their age in mind when buying a toy. This is because old dogs may not be able to enjoy soft and plush chew toys as much as puppies would do. Keep in mind that puppies that are three to ten months old are teething. Thus, you need to avoid giving them toys that have hard rubber. It is best to buy your pup toys that are designed for teething. Remember that during this stage he will be chewing on anything he can grab.
If you don’t want to go home on your slippers, phone chargers, or shoes all chewed up, it is best to leave your teething pups with the right toys for their age. The teething phase will eventually stop and this is when you can start introducing toys that have hard rubbers. By this time, the dog’s teeth and jaws will be stronger for rope pulling and other games that are perfect for older dogs. As for dogs that are seven years and older, they will still love to play but be sure to provide them with softer toys.
Check Your Dog’s Size and Breed
A small poodle will not have as much energy as Labradors or German Shepherds. Thus, small dogs like Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers need toys that are designed for smaller teeth and jaws. You also don’t want to give Labradors and German Shepherds small toys as they can easily break them to pieces and then ingest them. Regardless of their size, if you notice that your dog’s toys are starting to have tears, it is best to replace them as they can pose hazards to your dog’s health if ingested.
Having a hard time choosing the right toys to keep dogs entertained? Remember that as a rule of thumb, don’t buy toys that can fit behind a dog’s rear molars as they can become a choking hazard.
How to Choose the Right Toy Type for Your Dog?
Even if you already have your personal preference and tips above, you may still feel unsure which toys to buy for your dogs. This is especially true if you are already in the toy aisle and you see all the cute and adorable options you have for your furry friends. Besides considering your dog’s age and breed, you also need to check the types of toys available in the market.
Treats and Chewables
Treats and chewables are two of the most common toys pet owners (especially new fur parents) but for their dogs. While most dogs see any kind of toys as chew toy, there are those that are specifically designed to be chewed on. These are made from hard rubber or nylon and they are designed to withstand non-stop chewing of dogs. You’ll find some of these toys to have treats inside which you can use as a reward for a good pup or just to keep them entertained for longer hours. Choose toys that are soft enough for your dogs to enjoy chewing on but aren’t hard enough not to break down easily.
Balls
Another toy type that many dogs love is rubber balls, tennis balls, squeaker balls, and more. You’ll find many of the online and on dog toy aisles. This is the easiest option if you want to keep your dogs active by teaching them how to play catch or fetch. Just make sure that these toys are durable and are not easy to break into pieces. If they learn how to play catch or fetch, then it is a good way for you and your dog to bond.
Tug Toys
If you want another toy which your dog can enjoy with you and other dogs, tug toys will be an ideal choice. For this toy option, make sure that you buy one which is of good quality so they don’t tear into pieces. Keep in mind that when your dog is playing with the tug toy, try not to rip it out of their mouth as it can cause neck, jaw, and spine problems. If possible, train them to let go of the toy when you say command words like release or drop it.
Plush Toys
Plush toys are great toy options for dogs, especially for pups who are not yet teething. However, they are easy not as safe as other toys as they can easily rip apart and get ingested. That’s why it is best to buy plush toys that are well-constructed. This way, you can be sure that the plush toys will not easily be broken even if your dog starts teething. However, if they start to break or you find a tear at a seam, it is best to replace them. Aside from the fact that the toy’s stuffing can end up all over your room, it can also get in your dog’s stomach.
These are just some of the factors you need to consider when buying toys for your puppies. If you’re having a hard time deciding, let us narrow down your choice with some of our recommendations below:
OUR #1 CHOICE
[su_service title=”Trsmima Spring Pole Dog Rope Toys” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Dogs love the swing, pull, and traction in this Trsmima Spring Pole Dog Rope Toys. The rope is fun to chew and tug, making it a dog entertainment staple. Ideal for puppies and chewers, this toy consists of braided or knotted ropes, that are made to withstand teething. It can withstand both medium-sized and large dogs who love playing tug of war. When the ropes are released, the spherical toys will be fired and let them chase like a fight.
Specifications:
The Trsmima dog spring pole made of rustproof stainless steel, which comes in 2 different weight capacities. The first size is for medium and big dogs. It can hold up to 136 kg or 300 pounds. On the other hand, the other size is made for small dogs and puppies. It is easy to use and comes with a sturdy outdoor safety cord which you can hang from a wood beam or a tree branch.
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✔️Comes in 2 sizes for small and big dogs
✔️Rustproof spring pole
✔️Easy to use
✔️Easy to install
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❌ No negative reviews
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RUNNERS UP
[su_service title=”Mewajump Dog Chew Toys” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Mewajump Dog Chew Toys is designed for aggressive chewers as it is made of durable indestructible rubber. This toy is a common choice for paw parents who want to train their dogs who are heavy chewers. Mewajump Dog Chew Toys is made of 100% natural rubber material. It is non-toxic and comes with no odor, making it safe for any dogs. Mewajump Dog Chew Toys has layered textures so your dogs can play with it for as long as it likes. These layered textures also help reduce plaque and tartar and clean their teeth. With this toy, you are not only keeping your dogs entertained but you are also helping to keep their teeth clean as they play.
Specifications:
Mewajump Dog Chew Toys is made from carefully select premium soft and elastic rubber materials. this is to ensure the durability of the product which can support longer-lasting for heavy chewers. Our strong chew toy has been tested and approved by different breeds such as Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and other breeds of heavy chewers.
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✔️Made of 100% safe material
✔️Layered texture helps with teeth cleaning
✔️Indestructible and Tough Dog Toy
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❌ Heavy but not a deal breaker
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[su_service title=”Emarth Snuffle Mat for Dogs” icon=”icon: star” icon_color=”#2D3092″ size=”32″ class=””][/su_service]
Emarth snuffle mat is a great toy that can serve as a dog nose work training treat puzzle toy as well. This toy is perfect fir training dogs to eat more slowly and encouraging natural foraging skills. If your dog is eating too fast, it can lead to health problems. That’s why this snuffle mat can effectively help in prolonging your dog’s eating time. They can even release extra energy as they sniff around the mat to find their treats. With Emarth snuffle mat, you are offering your dog a toy, a training bowl, and a treat in just one product. If you’re looking for toys to keep dogs entertained, this one is ideal for both puppies and old dogs.
Specifications:
Emarth snuffle mat has a portable design and can be easily stored. When not being used as a training toy, it can be adjusted into a slow food bowl. This snuffle mat is made of felt, waterproof cloth, and a non-slip pad. It is safe and ideal for any type of dog.
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✔️Portable design
✔️Can be used as a slow food bowl
✔️Safe and ideal for any type of dog
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❌ No bad reviews yet
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Final Thoughts
One of the best parts of being a pet parent is playing with your dogs. All dogs love playing with their paw parent. That’s why choosing the best toys to keep dogs entertained and healthy is an important part of your role as a paw parent. This will also be of great help if you are always away as the toys will help keep them busy. With this guide, it will be easier for you to choose the right toys for your dogs. As always, it is best to check with your veterinarian if you have any questions or doubts about the use and safety of a dog toy. This way, you are 100% sure that you are giving your dog toys that will not only keep them entertained but will keep them safe as well.
