10 Essential Tips for Choosing the Best Dog Toys
Dog toys are big business, with endless options available from pet stores and online retailers. With so many choices, how can you determine which toys are right for your pup? Consider these 10 tips when selecting safe, durable, and engaging toys that match your dog’s temperament and needs:
- Evaluate your dog’s chewing habits. Delicate chewers do best with soft toys like plush animals and rope toys. Powerful jaw muscles require ultra-tough rubber or plastic toys that can withstand aggressive biting and chomping.
- Prioritize safety. Verify that a toy is nontoxic and contains no lead, phthalates or other dangerous chemicals. Avoid toys with small, removable parts that could detach and pose a choking risk.
- Choose the right size. Toys too small can easily lodge in your dog’s throat. Oversized toys may be difficult for smaller breeds to pick up and play with. Select toys approximately the size of your dog’s head for safety.
- Look for durability. Low quality toys must be frequently replaced which can get expensive. Spend a little more on tough, long lasting toys from reputable manufacturers.
- Opt for interactivity. Dogs love toys that make noise, move unpredictably, or can be stuffed with treats. Texture and sensory variety also keeps dogs engaged.
- Consider your dog’s motivations. Does your dog prefer to chase and pounce or settle in for a long chewing session? Provide toys that align with your dog’s play style.
- Manage playtime. Supervise your dog with new toys and replace any that become damaged. Rotating toys maintains novelty and prevents boredom with the same few toys.
- Clean toys regularly. Both hard and soft toys accumulate dirt, saliva residue, and even mold over time. Follow cleaning guidelines to keep toys hygienic.
- Stimulate their mind. For intelligent breeds like border collies, incorporate puzzle toys that challenge your dog’s problem solving skills. Food puzzle toys that require manipulation to access kibble or treats are excellent boredom busters.
- Cater to specific needs. Toy preferences vary by breed, age, and ability. For senior dogs, gentle stuffed toys may be ideal. Puppies need teething toys and adult dogs require dental health promoting chews.
Following these tips helps narrow down the endless toy possibilities, so you can provide appropriate, high-quality toys tailored to your dog’s preferences and needs for both fun and safety. Check out our top toy recommendations that cover all play styles and chewing habits!