Dogs are quite possibly the most joyous creatures on the planet, and there’s a special place in our hearts reserved just for them. Your dog looks up to you as his or her leader, and that means your responsibilities include providing him or her with the best life possible, including plenty of high-quality toys to play with. But with so many different kinds of toys out there, how do you know which ones are best? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about choosing the right toys for your dog from age, to breed, to size, and more!
1) Understand your dog's personality
Dogs are individuals, just like people, and their personalities vary widely. Some dogs are shy while others are outgoing; some are couch potatoes while others have boundless energy. It's important to understand your dog's personality before choosing toys, so you can pick something they're sure to love.
2) Types of toys that dogs love
From interactive games that challenge their minds to squeaky toys that get their attention, there are all sorts of different types of toys that dogs love. You just need to find the right one for your pup. Here are some of the best options:
2.1) Chewable Toys
Dogs love to chew, and it's important to give them a toy that satisfies this urge. Look for a toy that is made of durable material that can withstand some serious chewing. Also, make sure the toy is the right size for your dog; you don't want them to choke on it.
2.2) Teeth Cleaning Toys
As a dog owner, you know that one of the most important things you can do for your pup is to keep their teeth clean and healthy. But did you know that there are special toys designed specifically for cleaning your dog's teeth? These toys can help remove plaque and tartar build-up, keeping your dog's smile shining bright. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your furry friend? Here are a few things to look for when choosing a toothbrush toy for your dog:
- Size - Make sure the toy is big enough to fit comfortably in your pup's mouth without obstructing their breathing or swallowing it. If it becomes lodged in their throat, they won't be able to cough it up like they would if it were just stuck in their mouth.
- Durability: You want something that will last longer than two minutes before they tear it apart! You also want something made out of safe materials like silicone or nylon rather than rubber, which could cause intestinal blockage if ingested.
- Easy Cleaning: Some toys come apart easily and allow you to sanitize all parts individually; others have crevices where bacteria can hide out even after washing. Be careful not to choose a toy that isn't dishwasher safe or can only be washed by hand.
- Price: Check what the return policy is before purchasing a new chew toy because sometimes buying cheap means buying twice! It's worth investing in a good-quality toothbrush toy that lasts instead of going through cheap ones every month.
2.3) Toys to Catch up
If your dog loves to play fetch, there are a ton of different toys out there that they're sure to love. From Frisbees to tennis balls, there's something for every pup. If you have a smaller dog, look for toys that are easy to carry and won't be too heavy for them. For dogs who love squeaky toys, there are plenty of options out there with different shapes, sizes, and colors. And if your dog is more of a cuddler, there are stuffed animals and plushies galore.
2.4) Plush Toys
Dogs love plush toys because they're soft and cuddly. But not all plush toys are created equal. Some are made with cheap materials that can fall apart easily, while others are designed with durable stitching that will hold up to repeated use. When choosing a plush toy for your dog, look for one that is made with high-quality materials and stitching.
2.5) Toys with Treats
Dogs love toys that have treats inside them. The best way to find out if your dog will like a toy is to try it out yourself. Put a treat inside the toy and see if your dog can figure out how to get it out. If they can't, they may not be interested in the toy
Best Toys with Treats available on amazon
1- Buster Cube
2- StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy
3- OurPets IQ Treat Ball
4- Treat-Dispensing Teeth-Cleaning Ball
5- Pet Zone IQ Treat Dispensing Ball
6- Kong
7- West Paw Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
8- IQ Dog Treat Balls
9- PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone
10- Dog Treat Dispensing Toy
1- Buster Cube
2- StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy
3- OurPets IQ Treat Ball
4- Treat-Dispensing Teeth-Cleaning Ball
5- Pet Zone IQ Treat Dispensing Ball
6- Kong
7- West Paw Treat Dispensing Dog Toy
8- IQ Dog Treat Balls
9- PetSafe Busy Buddy Bristle Bone
10- Dog Treat Dispensing Toy
2.6) Toys for Pulling
Dogs love to tug on things, so finding the right toy to satisfy this urge is important. Look for a toy that is durable and can withstand some serious tugging. A rope toy is a great option, as long as it's made of sturdy material that won't fall apart easily. You'll also want to make sure the toy is the right size for your dog - not too small or too big.
Best Toys for Pulling available on amazon
1- West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Tug
2- GoughNuts MAXX Black TuG Toy
3- LECHONG Dog Rope Toy
4- Pacific Pups Products 11-Piece Toy Set
5- SodaPup Tug War
1- West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Tug
2- GoughNuts MAXX Black TuG Toy
3- LECHONG Dog Rope Toy
4- Pacific Pups Products 11-Piece Toy Set
5- SodaPup Tug War
2.7) Squeaky toys
Dogs love the sound of a squeaky toy, and it's often enough to get their attention. If you're looking for a toy that your dog can carry around with them, try a plush squeaky toy. One such example is the Hide-A-Squirrel by Kyjen, which comes with six colorful squirrels made from soft fabric. The squirrels are perfect for tugging and tossing too!
Best Squeaky toys available on amazon
1- Gnawsome 4.5” Spiky Squeaker Ball Dog Toy
2- Nerf Dog Squeaker Tire Ball
3- Outward Hound Firehose Squeak N Fetch Dog Toy
4- Wobble Wag Giggle Ball
5- Playology Squeaky Beef Chew Stick
1- Gnawsome 4.5” Spiky Squeaker Ball Dog Toy
2- Nerf Dog Squeaker Tire Ball
3- Outward Hound Firehose Squeak N Fetch Dog Toy
4- Wobble Wag Giggle Ball
5- Playology Squeaky Beef Chew Stick
2.8) Toys that match your dog's energy level
Not every dog is high-energy. Some breeds (like pugs) have lower levels of endurance than others (like Labrador retrievers). When choosing a toy, consider how energetic your pup typically is before buying anything. For example, if they're an energetic breed like the Labrador retriever then go ahead and get an extra large bone puzzle or an interactive treat dispensing ball to keep them busy; but if they're more mellow like a pug then go for something simpler like a small plush squeaked toy instead. You can also test out your dog's reactions to certain toys and see what they gravitate towards. Just watch closely as they play so you know what type of toy will work best for them! Remember to always pay attention to safety guidelines when choosing any kind of toy, especially ones that involve stuffing food inside. Make sure the pieces are large enough not to pose a choking hazard and make sure you check regularly for wear and tear on any stuffed animal-type toys.
Best energetic toys for dogs available on amazon
1- Babble Ball Dog Toy
2- Bubbletastic Bacon Bubble Machine for Dogs
3- Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole
4- Hyper Pet Dura-Squeaks Stick Dog Toy
5- iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs
1- Babble Ball Dog Toy
2- Bubbletastic Bacon Bubble Machine for Dogs
3- Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole
4- Hyper Pet Dura-Squeaks Stick Dog Toy
5- iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs
3) Finding your dog's special toy
It's no secret that dogs love toys. But with all of the options out there, how do you know which ones your pup will love the most? Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing toys for your dog.
- Not every toy is appropriate for every age group. Younger puppies should have very different toys than adult dogs and senior pets should be handled with special care because their teeth and gums may not be as strong as they once were.
- Determine what your dog enjoys doing the most: retrieving, chewing, or cuddling, and then choose a toy accordingly.
- Is your dog an aggressive chewer? Then you'll want to avoid rubber or latex material because they can create sharp edges when bitten off.
- Always supervise playtime so that your pup doesn't eat too much of their new toy!
- Pay attention to any warning labels on the packaging- if it says keep away from kids then your pup probably shouldn't be playing with it either.
- Many pet parents find success by getting two toys- one that they think their dog will like and one surprise.
- Keep an eye on prices- some brands may cost more but last longer, while others are less expensive but break easily.
- And finally, make sure the size of the toy fits comfortably in your hand- if you're able to hold it without straining, chances are your pup won't have any trouble either! If you're still feeling unsure about which toy to get, try visiting your local pet store. That way you can actually see them in person before making a purchase. So now you know how to find the perfect toy for your pup! Remember these tips and don't forget to let us know which types of toys your dog likes best in the comments below.
4) Expand your dog's toy collection over time
Just like people, dogs can get bored with the same old toys. That's why it's important to expand your dog's toy collection over time. This way, they always have something new to play with. Some of my favorite interactive dog toys are treat balls and puzzle feeders that challenge them to work for their food or treats. Plus, these kinds of activities keep their minds active and stimulated! The best part is, you don't need to break the bank on all those fancy pet store toys. Remember, a box is also a great toy when your pup needs some brain break from all those mental puzzles. Give them an hour or two in a cardboard box every day and watch how much more energy they have. Trust me- we're not talking about turning into a crazy cat lady here- this is just good exercise and healthy fun for your pup!