Be sure to read the manufacturers’ size recommendations. Having toys that are an appropriate size for your dog’s mouth will help prevent a toy from turning into a choking hazard and also ensure the toy is easy enough for your pup to engage with it in an enjoyable way. Large dogs require larger toys and small dogs require small toys. For example, hard chews for prolonged chewing, a ball or Frisbee for exercise, and tug toys or rope toys for playing with your pup one-on-one. In fact, Navarro says you should have an assortment of toys for various objectives. You can certainly mix different toy types together. Get more advice on how to stop destructive chewing here.) Mix and Match Different Types of Toys (Chew toys are especially great for enthusiastic chewers. In moments of downtime, give your pup a hard chew toy that’s much more durable. Have a good game of tug-of-war or fetch, then put those types of toys away until next time. Never leave tug toys or soft toys with your dog, Navarro warns, because excitable pups will quickly shred them and could swallow the pieces, leading to an intestinal blockage. ![]() Be Mindful of Access to Certain ToysĪ good way to make your dog’s toys last longer is by supervising your dog’s play. Navarro says that consistent boredom might also be a sign you should switch things up with their dog training or general exercise. This also gives you a chance to wash soft plush toys to give them a fresh look. “I always found it helpful to put some toys away in the closet, and when the dog got bored with the toys that were used for a while, I would switch them out for the ones in the closet.” “To conquer this, take the toys and rotate them so the dog always feels there is a new toy in play,” she suggests. Sally Grottini, a dog behavioral expert, notes that, over time, dogs can and will get bored with the same toys. This can help keep your home tidy and minimize bacteria and contagious disease (a potential issue when toys are shared by pets). ![]() You won’t be able to keep them pristine, by any means, but do wipe down hard-surface toys weekly, and give soft toys a good washing once or twice a month. Keep Toys Cleanĭog toys get slobbery and dirty really fast. Follow these best practices for toys to ensure your pooch is living their best life. Toys keep them physically engaged and mentally stimulated, and provide comfort when they’re resting. Though the term “toy” connotes a certain unseriousness, dog toys are actually a crucial part of your pet’s health and happiness. (Call first to confirm.) Best Toy Practices for Pet Parents Toys that they’re consistently disinterested in can be packed away to try again someday later or donated to a local animal shelter or rescue, provided the toy is still in good condition. You’ll be able to tell pretty quickly which are your dog’s favorite toys by the ones they gravitate toward most often. Specific toy examples include tennis balls, ball-launching toys, and dog Frisbees. “Certain toys can be thrown, creating a greater cardiovascular volume for your dog and keeping them healthier,” Navarro says. The Best Types of Toys for DogsĪs for which types of toys your dog needs, Navarro recommends having one toy on hand that promotes each of the following: Exercise Toys You can also keep a few more on hand for travel and park playtime. Instead, stick to just a few types of toys that your dog really likes and then let your pup enjoy them until it’s time for them to be replaced. “You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on an excessive amount of toys that will likely end up thrown around your house,” Navarro says. Rather, it’s about making sure your dog actively engages with and enjoys the toys they have, and that they’re getting the physical and mental stimulation they need for an enriching, healthy life. So, what’s that magic number of how many toys your pup should have at their disposal? There’s no specific minimum or maximum to aim for, according to Nick Navarro, a dog trainer and the founder of K9 Concepts in Naples, Florida. How Many Different Toys Should My Dog Have? ![]() The longer answer to this question is a bit more nuanced, though. ![]() There’s not much harm in your dog having lots of toys, as long as none of them are choking hazards and you’re OK with them being scattered across your living room floor. But after looking at the colorful collection you’ve already amassed, you might find yourself wondering, “Umm, does my dog have too many toys?” If you’re anything like lots of pet parents out there, you probably feel tempted to pick up a new toy for your pooch whenever you find yourself browsing dog products online.
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