How to Pick Out the Right Dog Toy

Not  having had a pet dog before, I've never really given much thought about how to select an appropriate toy for one, until my last column "A Note On Dog Toys". So, it got me thinking and wondering how you do find the right toy for a pooch. I discovered a couple of things I hadn't considered.

In order to find a toy for your dog, you need to know what kind of activities your dog likes. Is he a chewer, a chaser, a cuddler or likes rewards?

The Chewer -  A dog that chews lightly may not need quite as durable a toy as a dog that likes to go to town on his chew toys. Find one that is made of rubber and that doesn't have small pieces that can come off and become a choking hazard. Toys made of fabric or strings are not ideal for dogs who like to chew a lot.

The Chaser - For those who like to run like the wind, retrieving toys are ideal. Find a throw ball or flying disk that can be thrown and doesn't require too much work on your part so that you can play longer without you getting exhausted before your pooch.

The Cuddler - These guys like plush and stuffed toys that can be great little toys during alone time. Remember to dog proof them by removing ribbons, buttons and loose strings before giving it to Fido.

Rewards Seekers- toys that can be stuffed with treats or food are great mental simulators for these dogs. Anything to get them working and figuring out how to get their reward will keep them busy for hours.

Now that you know what kind of toys you need for your dog, don't forget to look for these safety features:

• No small pieces or loose ends that can become choking hazards or foreign bodies in the gut. 
• Make sure the toy is made of durable materials such as rubber, latex or vinyl
•  Buy a toy that is the right size for your dog (i.e. not too small that he will choke on it and not so  big that he can't play with it)
• If the toy begins to fall apart, chip, or crack at any point, throw it away immediately and get a new one
• Offer your dog toys that are specifically designed for dogs 

Toys have so many benefits for dogs, such as discouraging destructive behavior, but it is important to make sure you have several toys on hand and offer a variety each week so that boredom does not ensue.

Good luck in your search for the perfect toy for your furry companion. 

Thanks for reading, 

Mel, RVT