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Toys for your Dog

Toys for your Dog

Dogs need to be kept mentally and physically stimulated, and dog toys are an ideal way of doing this. When your dog is not enjoying a walk, play is the next best way to keep your dog active. Playing with toys is a good form of exercise, particularly a game of fetch with a throw toy. Dog toys will entertain your dog, and ensure that they remain happy.

Dog toys help to ward off boredom and enable your dog to release excess energy. Dogs have a natural instinct to chew and to bite, and toys provide a suitable object for this.  Access to dog toys will help to prevent your dog chewing your furniture and other belongings.

The bond between dog and owner is strengthened through play. Toys help to teach your dog to share, and to establish your ranking order. You should be able to take a toy off your dog whenever you want to. Toys can be used in dog training and can be given as a reward for good behaviour.

Dog toys are also important for when the dog must be left home alone. They will help your dog to stay occupied. It is a good idea to have a variety of different kinds of dog toys available in order to keep the dog interested. You can alternate the toys that the dog has available to play with, as when you present toys that have been hidden for a few days they will become very exciting again.

Types of Dog Toys

There is an amazing variety of dog toys available. This means that you have a large selection to choose from, and can find a few that your dog will love to play with.

Soft plush dog toys are available shaped as birds such as pheasants or ducks, or look like cuddly animals. They can come with squeaky sounds inbuilt. Soft toys are used for gentle play and are not suitable for dogs that chew toys. Soft toys are good companions and can give comfort and cuddles to your dog whilst it is resting.

Squeaky dog toys make a sound when the toy is pressed. These toys can be made from a range of different materials, and come in different shapes and sizes. Squeaky balls are a popular example. The sound stimulates interest from the dog, and this keeps them playing.

Kong dog toys are possibly the most well known brand of dog toy. They are made from a very tough rubber and are truly durable dog toys. A Kong toy can be safely left with your dog when you go out, as the dog will not be able to break this toy. The traditional Kong toy is shaped like a snowman (three balls merged together) and is hollow inside. A treat can be placed inside through a fairly narrow entrance, which will take quite a long time to come out again. This will keep your dog entertained as they try to get the treat out of the toy. The Kong dog toy is designed to bounce at unexpected angles when thrown, which makes them very interesting for the dog to play with.

Throw dog toys are toys that are thrown for the dog to retrieve. A good game of fetch is excellent exercise for your dog. These toys include a large variety of balls made from different materials in different sizes. Some balls have rope attached, and some come with a throwing aid. Frisbees also make a fun throwing toys. Floating dog toys are a kind of throw toy that are used for retrieving from water. These toys float in water and are usually made in bright colours so that they are easy seen on the water. Floating toys are good fun to use with water loving dogs.

Chew dog toys are often bone shaped, and are toys specifically designed for chewing. Both bone and ring chewing toys are made especially for teething puppies, as chewing will relieve the pain of teething. Dental toys are also available, and are chew toys that help to keep teeth and gums healthy.

Rope dog toys are excellent for a game of tug of war. As well as being fun for playing with, these toys are good for dental health. The rope material helps to remove plaque from the dog’s teeth.

Interactive dog toys range from treat toys to games. The treat toys are toys such as the Kong that you can hide a treat inside. Games also usually involve finding a treat, but are more complicated and are meant to be a mental challenge or puzzle for the dog.

Puppy toys are made to be gentle on the puppy’s teeth and gums. They will help to keep your puppy occupied and exercised, and play will aid your bonding with the puppy.

Toys should be matched to your dog’s size, personality and energy levels. The size of the toy should be appropriate for the size of the dog. Solid rubber toys are best for dogs that like to chew and will destroy softer toys. Vinyl or latex toys are preferable for older dogs as they are gentle on weaker teeth and gums. Always look out for signs of wear and replace the toy if it is no longer fit for purpose.

Buy Dog Toys - Recommended Shops

We think these are currently the best shops for dogs toys in terms of choice and price.

PetPlanet

A huge choice of dog toys from PetPlanet. All types including Kong, Ruff Dawg, throw toys and much more. See the range now.

Seapets

A vast range of toys, balls, bones and rope toys from Seapets. Take a look now.