Dog Toys

Keep Your Pooch Happy With Dog Toys

If the only dog toy you know is a simple ball, think again. A good toy can be stimulating and fun, helping your dog's mind, coordination, dental hygiene, and more. Look at the eBay listings of toys for dogs, and find the right one for your four-legged friend.

With so much choice, it can be hard to know where to start. There are many different types of toy available, all with their own advantages. Here are some tips to help you decide what to get.

• The toy must be the right size for your dog. A ball, for example, should be large enough for your pet to carry, but not small enough to present a choking hazard. If you have a very young dog, look for specific dog toys for puppies.
• Consider your dog breed. Retrieving dogs like Labradors or Goldens will enjoy plush toys that they can gently carry in their mouths. Terriers, on the other hand, might rip these toys apart.
• Interactive dog toys are great for intelligent dogs like Border Collies or German Shepherds. Look for puzzle-style toys that offer rewards. This style of toy will keep super-smart dogs engaged.
• Some dogs love chasing balls. Special rubber dog toys that bounce in unusual directions are great for these pets - but if your dog doesn't like playing fetch, look for something else.

A dog toy with a squeaker buried inside can delight and entertain canines. However, it's important to take care. If you have a destructive dog, then this toy may end up ripped to pieces - and squeakers are often a choking hazard. This type of dog will prefer dog chew toys. Look for something that's suitably hard, as it can keep your pet busy for days.

It's not a good idea to let your dogs play with regular toys. Teddy bears, for example, often have plastic eyes or noses that can become a choking hazard. Dogs may also chew a tennis ball in half, so a hard rubber ball makes a better choice. Remember that a dog is likely to damage a toy more than a child. That's why toys for dogs are usually sturdier.

Once a toy is showing major signs of wear, it's time to look for a new one. This is partly for safety reasons, and also to keep your dog happy. A new toy provides fresh and exciting stimulation for your pet.