There is such a confusing array of toys available for purchase today. Which ones are worthwhile for you to purchase and safe for your dog? Each individual dog’s chewing style and play preferences must be considered. There is no one type of indestructible toy for all dogs. What one dog shreds in minutes can last another a lifetime. Homemade toys can be used if proper precautions are taken. Size of toy must be large enough so there is no risk of getting lodged in your dog’s throat. When pieces are at risk of breaking off they must be discarded. The material that toys are made of must obviously be non-toxic. Sturdy soft toys are available but even those should be watched as they are not to be digested.
There are three main types of toys. Alone busy toys that most dogs can be left safely alone with, toys that need supervision to ensure safety and special interactive toys that are reserved for play-training with the owner. Rotating your dogs’ toys weekly can help keep their interest.
Alone Busy Toys
* Depending on your dogs chewing style some may be supervised toys
Kong and similar toys - stuffed with food and maybe even frozen!
Nylabone type chews
Marrow bones, antlers, hooves
Rope toys
Planet Dog makes excellent products
Busy food puzzle toys (Buster Cube, Tricky Treat ball, etc.)
Supervised Toys
Inspect toys regularly and discard when damaged and if pieces get chewed off
Squeakies - Good Cuz toys,
Chewies especially “Bully Sticks”, depending on your dogs’ chewing style tendons, rawhides, etc. (check with your vet, pigs ears usually not recommended)
Soft stuffies
Be creative! Cardboard box, towels, magazines, tubes, ball in a sock,
Interactive Toys
Play with your dog and always leave him wanting more. Put the toy away between sessions and your dog will look forward to more play training!
Frisbee - dog safe plastic or soft ones
Tug toys - skineez, braided fleece,
Balls
squirrel on a string type lure toys
A good source for unique toys is http://www.cleanrun.com/
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