Chew Toys and Play Toys

A common question I am asked by clients is "what kind of toys and bones should I buy for my dog?".  There is a wide variety of toys to choose from these days.  Of course, when choosing the right toy for your dog, many factors need to be considered.  This includes your dogs size, if he is or is not an aggressive chewer, as well as the type of toys he typically shows interest in, It is important for you as a dog owner to be educated in providing an appropriate chew toy for your dog because chewing is natural in dogs.  Toys are grouped into 2 categories:  chew toys and play toys.     

Chew Toys

​Providing appropriate chew toys gives your dog constant mental stimulation, allows them to burn energy, and satisfy their chewing instinct.  Just like we get lost in a good book or movie, dogs can get lost with a good chew.  Anytime your dog is working on a chew toy, it is important to supervise the dog.   

Play Toys

​Keep in mind that each dog will react differently to a variety of toys.  If you have multiple dogs, one may be very interested in one toy and the other dog shows no interest at all.  Of course, you can always teach a dog to have interest in a toy by simply using the toy during playtime and ending playtime by taking the toy away before the dog loses interest. 

​In this new series I am going to talk about the different chew toys and play toys.  I will list the pro's and con's of each, and how to use each one properly.