Many dog owners treat their dogs like their children. While this may be scoffed at…
Choosing the right dog toy
Dogs love to play with toys. I own a gorgeous Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Eddie. He is very much part of the family, totally spoiled and very loved. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a lovely breed, eager to please and happy to snuggle up close to you for hours. Eddie likes nothing better than chasing a ball or throwing about a cuddly plush. He is really happy when he has a chance to play.
What toys do for dogs
- Allow them to release their energy and get exercise
- Provide entertainment, stopping them getting bored
- Allows them to release their natural chewing instincts
- Provides a reward for good behaviour
There is a range of toys on the market and it can be confusing which is the right one to buy. It is difficult to find a toy that your dog is interested in and that is not ripped to pieces in seconds.
How to choose the right toy for your dog
Think about your dog’s personality. Every dog is individual. Some dogs love to chew, others love to chase and retrieve. Maybe your dog spends ages trying to figure out how to get that little piece of food from under the sofa or likes to curl up next to a teddy. Each of these should give a clue to the best toy for your dog. Whatever toy you choose make sure that you supervise your pet when they play with it and worn toys should be thrown out for safety reasons. You do not want your dog swallowing a bit of stuffing or a squeaker.
Toy ideas for dogs
Balls and throwing toys – for dogs that love to chase and retrieve balls are great fun. My dog would play fetch for hours if I let him. Toys that bounce irregularly provide your dog with a challenge as they can not predict where they are going.
Plushies – these are great for dogs that love to carry toys around and baby them. They also lend themselves to games of chase and tug of war, provided they are durable. My dog loves this mallard toy from Feedem and can happily chase it for ages. When it quacks at him he chases it with more enthusiasm, but once he is tired he will cuddle up around it and go to sleep
Interactive toys – puzzle toys where treats can be hidden behind sliding panels are great for some types of dog. They provide a challenge with a reward at the end. If your dog finds these complicated you can also get balls where treats can be hidden inside and the dog needs to work out how to get them out.
It is a good idea to have two or three different toys. These can be interchanged so your dog does not bored. If he has not seen a toy for a couple of weeks when he sees it again he will think it is new and play with it for ages. What toys does your dog like to play with?
I was sent the dog toy for my dog to review but my opinion are my own.
I love your photo of Eddie, he looks like he has done something naughty!
He does look a little sheepish