Dog toy options are nearly endless and we know that choosing toys for your dog can be overwhelming. It may take a little trial and error before you find that perfect toy for your dog. So how do you choose toys that are right for your dog and that they actually like? To begin, ask yourself, “How does my dog like to play?” Does Buddy like to chew? Maybe Reese loves to chase and retrieve. Ruby might like to simply cuddle stuffed animals while Charlotte loves treats but is otherwise uninterested in interactive toys. Well, no matter your dogs’ interests, there is a toy just for them!
When it comes to dog toys, size matters. You wouldn't buy an oversized chew toy for a teacup poodle. Likewise, a toy that's too small for a larger dog could be a potential choking hazard. Find the right size of dog toy for your pet to maximize safety and enjoyment. For example, balls should be large enough to carry, but not too small. Balls and other toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your dog’s mouth or throat.
Not all dogs play the same way. Is he achewer? A tugger? A chaser? Or asnuggler? All of the above? Well, we’ve got toys for all different play styles. Check out ourdog toy finder to see which toy will suit your dog the best.
Always supervise your pet when they are playing with toys. Unsupervised play can lead to that great plush toy that you just bought being ripped up, de-stuffed, or worse: Swallowed. It is your responsibility to watch out for your pet’s safety.
Remember the differences in chew toys and interactive toys during playtime, and keep these toys separate. If you see your dog begin to rip up a toy that is only for fetch, take it away and give her a chew toy. Correcting behaviors and getting your pet to focus on the right toy at the right time is important to curbing destructive behavior as well as protecting your dog toy investments.
Every dog plays differently and, since not all toys are created equal, it's always best to keep a close watch on your pup in case things get ruff. Supervised play will help toys last longer and most importantly keep your pal safe. No dog toy is truly indestructible, so always remove the toy from playtime if pieces begin to break off.