Which Type Of Toy Is Right For My Dog?
Has your dog lost interest in his toys? Do they lie all around your house and your dog ignores them and you wonder what you spent all that money for while he gets excited at plastic bottles, tissues and strange household objects? If you are running out of ideas on how to keep your canine entertained or you just want to stop him playing with random things you should figure out whats the issue.
Chances are, if you remove the toys and re-introduce them only for fun playtime, he will regain interest. But it's also possible, that those particular toys are not his cup of tea.
Dog toy-preferences vary just as much as their characters do: Whether your dog is a snuggly pup that needs a cozy toy for naptime, or he is teething and needs a chew toy to bite on or maybe your dog is inclined to use his mind rather than chasing a ball and a smart toy is the right pick for him. Here are some great ways to think outside the box on what category of toy to get your dog. Maybe this will be the solution:
Toys that divert a dog’s attention are a crucial part of training and play time. Also when you go to work, you want your dog to be busy with his toy rather than your shoes, right? Good news is, that your furry companions are easily redirected by yummy scents and fun noises. Toys that contains treats or make squeaky or rattling or giggly noises are effective distraction toys. The treat-hiding toys will keep a dog absorbed for hours, motivating him to chew through the toy to get to the yummy rewards in the middle. Squeaky toys are exciting to pounce on, play with, and chew on, however they might annoy you and everyone around you to death after a while. Also a filled (and even better frozen) toy will work magic in keeping your dog busy. You can also try this easy 1 minute DIY toy:
Take an empty plastic bottle (1-2 liters for a big dog and 0.5 for a small dog) and remove the label and the cap. Cut a hole, or a few holes in the bottle and soften the hole edges with the flame of a lighter (so your dog won't cut himself). Now fill the bottle with a few treats and see if your dog figures out how to get them out.
These toys present an opportunity for your pet to get active but often the only way they are interesting is if you participate in playing with them. If you can teach your dog how to fetch a ball, this game is an ideal way to get all the energy out. And you can do it almost anywhere. However you should always take care that the ball is big enough not to pose a choking threat to your dog. Similarly, Frisbees, and soft fetch toys are great to play catch with so your dog can have a chance to run around. Also tug of war rope toys are a great way to interact with your dog and many canines are crazy for this game. When in doubt, go for fetch toys that are made of rope so you have both options but also because the rope helps to keep your dog’s teeth clean whenever he chews on it.
These are generally gentle toys made of fabric, fleece or plush stuffing. Like a teddy bear to a child, soft toys often become nostalgic for the dog and will make him feel home wherever he is. The more he plays with the toy, the more it begins to smell familiar to the pup and it can comfort him in sickness or when you are away. These are great for young dogs, and can act as nap-toys or even double as a cushy pillow. Some dogs, however are more passionate about shaking them and destroying them until you find teddy bear pieces all over the house. Of course that is also a legitimate way to have fun, but for the sake of your expenses and the state of your house, better look for a un-stuffed one or a more durable version of a soft toy.
Distraction toys
Toys that divert a dog’s attention are a crucial part of training and play time. Also when you go to work, you want your dog to be busy with his toy rather than your shoes, right? Good news is, that your furry companions are easily redirected by yummy scents and fun noises. Toys that contains treats or make squeaky or rattling or giggly noises are effective distraction toys. The treat-hiding toys will keep a dog absorbed for hours, motivating him to chew through the toy to get to the yummy rewards in the middle. Squeaky toys are exciting to pounce on, play with, and chew on, however they might annoy you and everyone around you to death after a while. Also a filled (and even better frozen) toy will work magic in keeping your dog busy. You can also try this easy 1 minute DIY toy:
Take an empty plastic bottle (1-2 liters for a big dog and 0.5 for a small dog) and remove the label and the cap. Cut a hole, or a few holes in the bottle and soften the hole edges with the flame of a lighter (so your dog won't cut himself). Now fill the bottle with a few treats and see if your dog figures out how to get them out.
Active toys
These toys present an opportunity for your pet to get active but often the only way they are interesting is if you participate in playing with them. If you can teach your dog how to fetch a ball, this game is an ideal way to get all the energy out. And you can do it almost anywhere. However you should always take care that the ball is big enough not to pose a choking threat to your dog. Similarly, Frisbees, and soft fetch toys are great to play catch with so your dog can have a chance to run around. Also tug of war rope toys are a great way to interact with your dog and many canines are crazy for this game. When in doubt, go for fetch toys that are made of rope so you have both options but also because the rope helps to keep your dog’s teeth clean whenever he chews on it.
Comfort toys
These are generally gentle toys made of fabric, fleece or plush stuffing. Like a teddy bear to a child, soft toys often become nostalgic for the dog and will make him feel home wherever he is. The more he plays with the toy, the more it begins to smell familiar to the pup and it can comfort him in sickness or when you are away. These are great for young dogs, and can act as nap-toys or even double as a cushy pillow. Some dogs, however are more passionate about shaking them and destroying them until you find teddy bear pieces all over the house. Of course that is also a legitimate way to have fun, but for the sake of your expenses and the state of your house, better look for a un-stuffed one or a more durable version of a soft toy.
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