Buying Tips For Dog Toys

As a dog owner, you may have had your own share of torn blouses, chewed shoes, broken vases and dishes and torn sofas, all because of your pet's natural, yet unwanted, chewing behaviour. In fact, such behaviour plays a vital role in your dog's physical development. Just as human babies learned and exercised their chewing prowess through toys, dog toys are equally helpful in allowing your dogs chew their way to healthy growth and development.

Purpose

Apparently, toys are not a necessity for dogs. However, these toys are helpful tools in training and educating your pets. For instance, toys make excellent company for your dogs, especially during your absence. Toys help to lessen their separation anxiety whenever you leave for work or need to go out of the house. Some toys can be stuffed with healthy treats and facilitate fun learning activities that will keep them busy. Dog toys are excellent training aids, especially to dogs that need some fine-tuning in the behaviour department. Also, toys are great for teething pups. Dogs are essentially social animals. You can even play along with their toys to bring more fun to their activities.

Types

Similar to children toys, many types of dog toys are created to serve a variety of fun activities. Floating toys are great to play with when you take your dog to the lake. Brightly coloured floating balls, rings and just about anything that floats on water, can be used to play fetch or find and give them the exercise that they need. Squeaking toys allow your dog to go crazy over chasing and learning the source of the sound. Pull toys such as ropes and handles will involve a lot of fun for you and your dog. Playing tug of war will help you strengthen your dog's teeth and it gives you both a nice workout. Lastly, stuffed animals are an all time favourite. Dogs tear them apart or carry them around for company.

Buying Tips

Making sure that a toy is dog proof is essential in keeping your pet from potential harm. Buy him the right size of toys. Small toys do not suit breeds with bigger mouths because they might be swallowed and choke your dog or cause other problems internally. Toys with moving or detachable parts are never safe for dogs. Hard rubber balls with hollow holes on the side may get your dog's tooth caught in the hole and lock his mouth open. Be wary of painted toys for it may have lead. Hard plastic toys and toys made from soft latex are a big no-no because hard plastic might break or shatter and create sharp edges that may cut the paw, mouth or throat of your dog and soft latex can easily be destroyed and ingested by your dog.

Reminders

Keeping up with your dog's activities, training and education can be a tedious job. However, these are essential in helping them develop good behaviour and maintain health. At any age, playing with your dog and their dog toys will only strengthen the bond between you and your pet.