What Kind of Toys Do Dogs Prefer?

Many behavioral problems in dogs are caused by boredom or excess energy. Toys provide mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. Focusing your dog's energy on playing with toys can prevent or help solve problems such as digging and chewing furniture, shoes, or shrubs.

The following are the interactive toys we recommend. These toys would be even better if the owners participate!

1. Fetch toys

Many dogs enjoy chasing balls and Frisbees. Weirdly shaped rubber toys bounce erratically, making the game more interesting. Frisbees come in many shapes and sizes, including floppy discs that are easier to place in a dog's mouth. The throwing device increases the distance the dog has to run to get to the toy.

Rope toys are ideal for pets and owners to interact and pull. These toys can keep your dog busy when you don't have time to play.

2. Food delivery toys:

Designed to be used with kibble or small treats, the dog must manipulate the toy with their mouth and/or paws to get the food to fall out.

3. Chew toys:

Hard rubber toys with hollow holes at both ends, such as King Kong, are good chew toys. To make these toys more attractive, they can be filled with kibble or treats. You can also encourage chewing by placing a small amount of peanut butter or cream cheese inside the toy.

Dental chew toys are hard toys that dogs can chew on and safely ingest small particles. Chew challenge toys are toys that make edible chews more challenging for dogs.

4. Comfort toys:

Stuffed toys serve many purposes, but they are not suitable for all dogs. For some dogs, a stuffed animal should be small enough to carry around. For dogs who want to shake or "kill" a toy, the size of the toy should be the "prey" size for that size dog (mouse size, rabbit size, or duck size).

Dirty clothes, like old T-shirts, pillowcases, towels, or blankets can be very comforting for your dog, especially if he smells like you! Be forewarned, this item may be destroyed by diligent fluffing, handling, and sniffing.

Get the most out of your toys

Rotate your dog's toys weekly, offering only four to five toys at a time. Keep all types easily accessible. If your dog has a favorite comfort toy, such as a soft "baby," you should probably keep it away at all times. Provide toys that serve multiple purposes - at least one toy for carrying, one for "killing," one for rolling, and one for "baby." "Hide and seek" is a fun game played by dogs. "Found" toys tend to be more attractive. Creating interactive games by searching for toys or treats is a great rainy day activity for your dog that burns off energy and doesn't require much space. For example, spreading a handful of kibble on grass or a patterned carpet will require your dog to use his nose to find the food.

Many of your dog's toys should be interactive. Interactive play is important for your dog because it needs active "people time." By focusing on a specific task, or playing "hide and seek" with treats or toys, your dog can burn off pent-up mental and physical energy for a limited time. and space. This greatly reduces stress caused by confinement, isolation, and/or boredom. For young, energetic, untrained dogs, interactive play also provides opportunities for socialization and helps them learn appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, such as jumping up or opening their mouth.