How to Choose the Right Dog Toys?
Plain and simple, hoomans aren't unable to give the kind of time dogs deserve and if it wasn't for this job, I'd probably be back home playing with mine too. Anyway, dog toys were probably invented to keep them entertained. Point is that mental stimulation of dogs is as important as taking them out for walks or runs! Unfortunately mental stimulation of dogs is very underrated. Sometimes lack of mental stimulation even leads to the dog looking hyper or aggressively reacting to things.
A good dog toy will always help your dog stay mentally and physically stimulated, and it'll help to prevent them from getting bored and destructive.
When choosing a dog toy, there 6 main things you need to consider:
- Size: The toy for dogs should be large enough for your pet to play with comfortably. It should be something your dog can easily pick up and carry with their mouth. How else do you suppose they will greet the guests who come over? One of the most important dog traits is to bring their favourite toy over to the hoomans being welcomed.
- Material: nowadays there are a variety of materials to choose from, including rubber, plastic, fabric, and wooden. Get a mix of them to figure out what your dog loves more. Just to give you a sense of how they are – rubber toys are quite durable and can withstand a lot of chewing. Some hoomans also buy plastic dog toys, but they could be toxic and not as durable as the others. We feel the best bet is fabric toys or plush toys for dogs that are soft and cuddly, they're a safer bet and if stitched well they can be much more durable. Plush toys are soft and cuddly and your dog may love interacting with them especially if there's a squeaky inside. Click here to see all the plush dog toys on our online store.
- Shape: The shape of the toy is also important. Some dogs prefer toys that they can chew on and carry, while others prefer toys that they can chase or fetch.
- Activity level: The activity level of your dog is also a factor to consider. Active dogs will need dog toys that can withstand more wear and tear. Less active dogs may be content with simpler toys.
- Age: Puppies have sharp teeth and may chew on toys more aggressively than adult dogs. Adult dogs may prefer toys that are more challenging to play with.
- Breed: The breed of your dog can also affect the type of toy they prefer. Some breeds, such as retrievers, are natural fetchers and will enjoy toys that are designed for fetch. Other breeds, such as terriers, are natural chewers and will enjoy toys that are designed specifically for chewing.
Once you've considered all of these factors, you can confidently shop for a dog toy.
Here are a few expert tips to help you find the perfect toy for your furry friend:
- Try a variety: the best thing about dog toys is that by spending a little bit you can let your dog try a lot of them. Your dog will eventually get bored of the toy you bought, so it’s best to keep bringing a new one every now and then. Try different ones and that way you'll know what your dog likes more and that way you can get that happy and excited look on your dog every time without fail.
- Check the description: before buying if you carefully go over the card of the toy and the description mentioned for the product, you'll note a lot of things that work or may not work for your dog. For example: A lot of dogs like the toys to be squeaky so some of our Dog toys from the Tom and Jerry range have as many as 3 squeakers in them (two of such toys on our store are here and here)
- Hooman requirement: some of the toys for dogs need a hooman to pull from the other end for the toy to be as exciting for the dogs. See if that's something you'll love doing then go for that.
With a few tries and some purchases we are sure you will find the perfect kind of dog toy for your best friend.
Bonus tips you might want to consider when choosing the right dog toy:
- Consider your dog's chewing habits. Some dogs like to chew hard, while others like to chew soft. Choose a toy that is appropriate for your dog's chewing style.
- Think about your dog's age and health. If your dog is older or has joint problems, choose a toy that is easy on their joints.
- Make sure the toy is made from safe and durable materials that can withstand your dog's chewing and scratching.
- Choose a toy that is easy to clean. This is especially important if your dog has accidents or gets dirty.
Do also note that whichever toy you choose, it's best to supervise your dog while they play with them to avoid any choking hazard or injury.
With these tips in mind, you can find the perfect dog toy for your furry friend. A good toy will provide your dog with hours of entertainment and keep them happy and healthy. Good luck!
