How to build the perfect toy collection for your dog
In the past, most dogs lived outside and roamed freely. They got plenty of stimulation and entertainment from smells, sounds, sticks and their natural environment. Times have changed, and modern pets spend more time inside the home than ever before. With all those hours spent inside, it's important to provide your furry friend with a solid collection of dog toys to keep them occupied.
Why Your Dog Needs a Good Toy Collection?
Make sure your toy collection accommodates several different games and activities. Rope toys great for tug. Dog-friendly tennis balls fit comfortably in the jaw and are the perfect toy for fetch. Squeaky toys tap into your dog's inner predator by imitating the noises of prey animals (like rabbits) when squeezed. It's a good idea to have toys for more active, exercise-oriented games like tug and fetch since these will help keep your dog fit and healthy. It's also important to have toys, like rubber bones, rawhide, and stuffed animals, for your dog to snuggle up with and chew on.
Puzzle Toys and Slow Feeders for mental stimulation:
Dogs are naturally curious and playful. And like us, mastering a new skill can drain their mental and physical batteries, which is a win for all involved. There are so many amazing puzzle toys available - from plush ‘burrow’ style toys where you can hide squeaky characters to more complex treat-dispensing toys and even slow feeders. Stuffing these toys or bowls with broken up dog treats or kibble satisfies your dog’s scavenger and predatory instincts while also stretching out meal times.
If your dog spends a lot of time inside the house, a good toy collection will help keep her happy - and out of trouble. Make sure to provide your dog with plenty of different styles and textures of toys. This will help your dog stay content, engaged, and less likely to chew your furniture. However, please don’t leave your dog unsupervised with toys, especially those that are showing signs of wear or fraying (especially rope toys).