Dogs are a lot like children. If you don’t give them something fun to do, they will make their own fun- and often not in ways you approve of. What’s more, dogs that get plenty of mental exercise are happier, calmer, quieter and less likely to rummage through the trash or attack couch cushions. All terrific reasons your dog should have toys and this is the season for placing a special toy of two under the tree for your beloved pooch! But do not limit your dog’s toy box to one of two toys. Dogs have distinctly individual toy preferences, depending on the day, time and situation. Do some detective work and find out what truly tickles your dog.
The best toys have a purpose. They deliver food, present a challenge, squeak, or make themselves interesting in some other way. If you are new to the world of dog toys, here are some classics to begin with: Rope toys, plush toys (with or without squeakers), Hide- A-Bee (or squirrel, bird etc.), tricky treat balls, soft rubber toys or hard rubber toys filled with tasty treats like Kongs. Once you have a good selection, develop a toy strategy. Designate a popular toy for use only when your dog will be left alone, like when you need to leave your dog in her crate, confinement area, or a spare room- stuffed Kong toys are a good bet. Then, rotate the other toys daily to keep the novelty factor high.
Some dogs are dissectors, another word for toy destroyers. Messy as it can be, it’s perfectly normal canine behavior- dogs are predators, after all, and need an outlet for those pounce and shake urges. If your dog is a dissector, provide legitimate things for her to attack and let her indulge her hobby. Don’t worry; she will not graduate to your possessions. Spare your budget by collecting the stuffing and putting it back in the toy- your dog doesn’t care is she splits apart the same stuffed alligator seven times! Or sue hand me down stuffed animals that your friends’ children no longer want, or buy in bulk from a goodwill store- just be sure to remove choking hazards like eyes and buttons. Many pet supply stores sell bags of squeakers that you can then insert for added entertainment and allure. Remember, dogs get busy. Make it with toys not trouble.
Ha Ha...great post. I saw the box of toys and it reminds me of my house. We have two pugs. We have a giant toy box like this, and they only like one or two toys. However, the love pulling out each and every toy (like 20 of them) and just drop them all over the house. No sooner do I pick them all up, I turn around, and they are scattered everywhere again...not sure what the point of this is.
ReplyDeleteI also like the term dissector!
Karl