Not All Dog Toys Are Created Equal: A Guide to Playtime
Affiliate Marketing Disclosure
This blog contains Amazon affiliate links to pet products. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the running of this blog and allow me to continue providing valuable content to my readers.
Click here for more information on affiliate links and programs.
Thank you for your support!
Have you ever come home from work only to find that your dog has gone completely wild, tearing apart your toys and leaving a mess that looks like a stuffed animal crime scene? If so, you’re not alone! In this post, I will discuss the do’s and don’ts related to your dog’s toys, sharing tips on how to make them last longer while also providing your dog with enjoyment and stimulation at the right times.
Before I share my recommendations, it’s important to note that not all toys should be given to your dog or left out all the time. Your dog shouldn’t have access to all of them 24/7, especially stuffed animals. There are specific times when you should reward your dog with a certain toy or chew, and there are also occasions when a toy or chew can be used as a correction for unwanted behavior.
If your dog tends to chew on shoes or furniture, you can stop this behavior by offering them a durable chew toy. This way, they will learn what is appropriate to chew on after your correction. I recommend using a Kong Extreme filled with peanut butter and then frozen for added durability! Avoid giving them a soft, plush toy as a correction for unwanted chewing behaviors, as that will only encourage your dog to destroy the stuffed animal. Providing your dog with the right toys at the appropriate times will save you money and protect their toys. Although some training may be required, you'll be glad you did it in the long run.
It's important to remember that you should only allow your dog to chew on a toy or chew for about 10 to 15 minutes. Chewing for longer than that can lead to tooth fractures or jaw pain. To maintain your dog’s interest in the toy, only give it to them when needed. By setting aside a specific time each day for your dog to use a designated toy, you can help reduce their anxiety and urges to chew destructively. This practice may even save your furniture while you’re away.
Lastly, you might be wondering how you can participate in your dog's playtime. Playing with your dog is a wonderful bonding experience, and it can even serve as a reward instead of treats, helping to keep your dog engaged and healthier!
To keep toys rewarding, it's important not to leave them out all the time, as this can diminish their novelty, leading to boredom and restlessness in your dog. Similar to the 10-15 minute rule we established for chew toys, the same principle applies to toys used for playtime.
Ropes and tug toys provide excellent opportunities for bonding with your dog without relying on treats. However, remember to use these toys only when you plan to play with your dog. Do not leave ropes unattended, as they can become shredded and your dog may eventually lose interest. Let’s keep the excitement alive during playtime!
Add in some new elements
Sometimes, your dog may look at their toy and let out a sigh. That's when you know it’s time to introduce something new. Here are some ways to make a toy more appealing during playtime.
1. **Add Treats**: Enhance your dog's interest in its toys by adding treats! Instead of just using one type, try layering 2-3 different kinds. For example, start with peanut butter, then add a training treat of your choice, followed by some broth. Finally, freeze the toy. This variation will keep your dog guessing about what treat they’ll find next.
2. **Freeze the Toy**: Freezing the toy can create a new challenge for your dog, especially when it has treats frozen inside. This extra challenge will encourage them to focus on getting the treats out instead of destroying the toy, providing new mental stimulation. This method is particularly effective for moderate to heavy chewers.
3. **Soak Toys in Broth**: Soaking your dog's toys in broth can give them a new flavor and scent, which may help stimulate your dog's appetite. This technique is especially beneficial for dogs that may be having trouble eating or showing little interest in food.
Know your dog.
One of the most important things to remember is to know your dog well. Understand their size and chewing habits, as well as their destructive tendencies and anxieties. The more you know about your furry friend, the better you can make informed decisions about which toys they will enjoy, including the right size and shape for their mouths. Dogs often have preferences for different textures and flavors, so take the time to discover what they love, which will also end up being enjoyable for you!
Always monitor your dog while they are playing with toys. Ensure that the toys do not break apart into small pieces that your dog could swallow, or that could injure their gums or teeth. If you notice any blood, splintered pieces of the toy, or if your dog suddenly seems lethargic, discard the toy immediately and seek veterinary assistance to assess any potential health issues.
Start when they’re young
Establishing boundaries when your dog is a puppy can significantly improve the likelihood of raising a well-behaved and less destructive dog. I learned the importance of teaching commands like "leave it" and "drop it" from my friend and coworker Mariah, who is a professional dog trainer and has three service Labradors. Prior to dog training, she worked as a marine mammal trainer for over 15 years.
Mariah emphasized that these basic commands are essential for preventing your dog from chewing or swallowing unwanted items, and they can also reduce the chances of guarding behavior and food or toy aggression. During a demonstration with her three-year-old Labrador, Salish, she showed how effective training can be by dropping chocolate in front of him. When she commanded him to "leave it," he completely ignored the treat!
To achieve this level of training, it is best to start when the dog is young, but it's important to note that no age is too old to begin training.
This is Mariah, my amazing friend and coworker. She is a former marine mammal trainer with more than 15 years of experience and is currently the dog trainer at my pet store. Over the years, she has taught me a great deal about dogs and their behavior. Mariah has three service labs of her own, as seen above, and they are the sweetest and best-trained dogs ever!
The oldest is Mako, her black lab. Next is Salish, her yellow lab, who is my best buddy! Finally, there's Nalu, her sweet red lab, who is the youngest of the trio. Each of them has a unique personality and brings a different element of joy to every day.
Toy recommendations
Now that we’ve gone over when and how to play, now I will be giving you a list of some of the toys I recommend and that customers have given me great feedback on.
Kong Extreme (Via Amazon)- Great for heavy chewers, especially filled with treats and frozen
Starmark Everlasting Sprocket (Via Amazon)- Great for medium chewers. The center of the toy is a sunken treat. One that your dog will have to work at to chew! You can buy replacement treats as needed. Great for a bit of a challenge.
Outward Hound Tough Skinz- These toys are soft yet seem to be one of the only durable soft toys on the market! These toys are harder to puncture due to the puncture-resistant fabric, they also have a squeaker. These toys are pretty popular amongst my regular customers.
TUFFY Ultimate Tug-O-War- This tug-of-war toy is pretty tough! The material is harder to puncture than most, just make sure you only use the toy when playing together and not just as a chew.
Joyhound Large Ball Dog Toy- This ball is great for hiding treats to create a stimulating game or can be used for regular games of fetch. The material is more durable than standard tennis balls, increasing its longevity! A ball that can be used for both fetch and interactive games is a plus.
Toys for puppies
Because puppies have sensitive teeth, it's important to avoid giving them anything too hard or tough, as this could break their teeth. While some adult toys may be suitable for puppies, make sure they are softer and specifically designed for young dogs, rather than for adult chewers. If you have a large breed puppy that chews heavily, you can try adult toys, but be sure to monitor them closely. Additionally, do not give them real bones to chew on until they have their adult teeth. Here are some puppy toys that I have received positive feedback on!
Nylabone Teething Puppy Chew Freezer Bone - Peanut Butter Flavor- This toy is one of the most well-received by puppy owners. Great for young puppies who are teething and need something soft and squishy with bristles to massage their gums. It's also peanut butter flavored to peak interest and it's also freezable to add some extra strength and soothing element for their gums if needed. You want to make sure you dip it in water or broth before freezing.
Nylabone Puppy Starter Kit Chew Dog Toys - 3 Pack- This variety pack allows you to try different strengths of chews for your puppy. If you aren’t sure how strong your puppy’s teeth are, start with the rubber bone. If your puppy is quite the chewer go for the stronger one. There is even a treat bone inside! (Disclaimer: Do not let your tough chewer pup chew the rubber one, that is for teething. He will destroy it if you let them!)
Playology Puppy Teething Ball Dog Toy - Peanut Butter- This ball is made to be tough yet enticing for puppies. The peanut butter smell keeps them engaged and the knobs on the ball help with teething. A very popular pick amongst my pet parents! Playology is also one of the brands that has pretty tough toy options.
Make playtime fun again!
Although it can be stressful picking out toys and finding ones that will last, I hope this post inspires you to try some different things during playtime. If you do it correctly not only will playtime be fun for your pup but also rewarding for you. Let’s make playtime truly a bonding experience with our pets and make it fun again, these moments don’t last forever!
