Introduction
Your dog probably has a favourite dog toy or two and watching them play is perhaps one of the best parts of your day. However, did you know that dog toys play a significant role in ensuring the overall well-being of our furry friends?
Dog toys are not just about fun and games - they are essential tools contributing to a positive impact on our pup's mental and physical health. In saying this, let's explore the importance of dog toys, the various types available in the UK, and how they can benefit our pooches.
The Importance of Dog Toys
You heard it here - dog toys are vital for several reasons. We all know that dogs who lack mental and physical stimulation are more likely to develop behavioural issues. So having a dog toy that provides an endless source of entertainment for our pups helps to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.
Another important point is that dog toys are actually excellent tools for training and reinforcing positive behaviour, which is important for reactive dogs that need additional support. Notably, they also promote physical exercise, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and overall fitness.
Types of Dog Toys and Their Benefits
Dog Toys for Mental Stimulation
Similar to humans, dogs need mental stimulation. It's actually just as important as physical exercise for dogs - that's why allowing your dog to sniff during a neighbourhood walk exhausts them more than the walk itself.
Dog toys that challenge your pup's mind can help prevent boredom and reduce their overall anxiety. Below, we've identified some of the best types of dog toys for mental stimulation.
- Dog Toys Puzzle: Puzzle toys require your dog to solve a problem to receive their reward. These are especially useful for food-motivated dogs. This type of toy can keep dogs engaged for long periods, which can be important for those who have separation anxiety and need an outlet.
- Dog Toys with Treats Inside: Similar to dog puzzle toys, some dog toys can be stuffed with treats and are great for keeping dogs busy. Although generally easier to solve than a puzzle toy, your dog can still be kept busy while they figure out how to get to the treats, which provides extra mental stimulation.
- Interactive Dog Toys: Interactive dog toys, like those that respond to your dog's actions, are highly engaging and mentally stimulating. Snuffle mats are a great example of this style of toy, or even edible bubble machines that you can use in the garden with your pup.
Dog Toys for Physical Exercise
A physically exhausted dog is usually a happy dog (the same statement goes for mentally exhausted pups, too!) Toys that encourage your dog to move can help maintain their healthy weight and improve cardiovascular health. Did you know that it is estimated that 15% of dogs in the UK have heart disease? So, here are some of the best toys for your pup's physical exercise.
- Dog Toys that Move: You know those battery-operated fish that kind of flop around? Yep, we kind of mean something similar to that. There are a tonne of moving dog toys on the market that can intrigue dogs and encourage them to chase and play.
- Dog Toys for Tough Chewers: Any type of dog toy that is designed to withstand strong chewing can provide physical and mental exercise for your pup. The toy's toughness works as an exercise for your dog, almost like having a job, to break the toy down. However, don't let your pup eat any tiny bits!
- Balls of all Sizes: It sounds a bit silly saying it like that, but balls are classic dog toys that are fantastic for fetch games. Balls encourage running and jumping, and objective-related focus, which are excellent exercises for your pup.
Best Dog Toys for Different Needs and Popular Dog Toy Brands
Best Dog Toys for Different Needs
Dog Toys for Puppies
They're cute but they need a lot of attention and maintenance! Not only do they need specialised food, but puppies also require special toys that are safe and suitable for their developing teeth and gums. Here are some tips for choosing puppy toys and a few recommendations:
- Safety Tips for Choosing Puppy Toys: Always choose toys made of non-toxic materials and avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or broken easily. Green and Wilds offers a fantastic range of eco-friendly dog toys that are made from pure jute and split leather.
- Recommended Dog Toys for Puppies: Soft plush toys like KONG's Cozie Marvin Moose and chew toys designed for teething puppies are excellent choices.
Dog Toys for Boredom
Our pups can sometimes get bored easily, especially when left alone for extended periods. Investing in a few dog toys that are designed to combat boredom can help keep your pup occupied and importantly, may help prevent destructive behaviour in the house while you're gone.
- Dog Toys for Boredom: Puzzle toys like the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Brick Puzzle, treat-dispensing toys such as the Starmark Bob-a-Lot, and interactive toys can provide hours of entertainment.
- Dog Toys to Keep Them Busy: We've previously discussed our love for the KONG Stuff-a-Ball. However, you should look for toys that require your dog to work for a reward, such as the Stuff-a-Ball or even the KONG Gyro.
Durable Dog Toys
Some dogs are naturally (and extraordinarily) strong chewers and can destroy even the toughest toys quickly. It's important to purchase durable toys that are designed for tough chewers that can last for longer and provide a safe outlet for chewing. As we mentioned regarding puppy toys, you must avoid dog toys that have smaller parts that can be broken off and swallowed.
Neither of our dogs are extreme chewers so we can't speak from first-hand experience. However, Amazon has a section on their website that provides a list of products labelled "Aggressive Chew Toys for Dogs." This is a good place to start. Check the reviews and read the materials of the products to ensure that the toys are non-toxic and safe. Strong rubber or nylon are often more durable.
Popular Dog Toy Brands
KONG dog toys are among the most popular and trusted in the market. They are known for their durability, versatility, and focus on creating objective-driven fun:
- Why KONG Dog Toys Are Popular: Many KONG toys are made from tough, durable, natural rubber, and are purpose-designed to be filled with treats and food to keep our dogs entertained. The idea behind KONG products is that they are mentally stimulating, which offers enrichment by helping satisfy dogs’ instinctual needs.
- Top KONG Dog Toys: Some of the best KONG toys include the Classic KONG, the KONG Stuff-a-Ball, and the KONG Jumbler Ball.
Other Popular Brands
Aside from KONG, several other brands offer high-quality dog toys on Amazon. These brands include Nylabone for tough chewers, Outward Hound for all your favourite puzzle toys, and Chuckit! for dogs who love to fetch.
Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Toys and Dog Toy Subscriptions
Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Toys
Sometimes choosing the right toys for your dog can be challenging with so many options available. There are countless brands and products out in the market, so here are some of the main factors you should consider:
- Your Dog: Consider your dog’s size, age, chewing habits, and overall preferences when selecting toys. If your dog doesn't fetch, there's no point in purchasing a ball designed for throwing and fetching.
- Safety Considerations: Always choose toys made from non-toxic materials and ensure they are the appropriate size to prevent any choking incidents.
- How to Introduce New Toys to Your Dog: Ensure that you supervise the first time your dog plays with its new toy. You might not be expecting any issues, but there's always a chance that your pup gets its teeth caught, breaks something, or accidentally swallows part of the toy.
The Convenience of Dog Toy Subscriptions
I think we all have the lockdowns to thank for this, but dog toy subscription services are as big as ever, and can be a convenient way to keep your pup's toy collection fresh and fun.
These services typically deliver a box of toys and treats to your door each month, or bi-monthly, and offer variety, convenience, and often cost savings compared to buying toys individually.
Some popular dog toy subscription brands in the UK include BusterBox, Woof Box, and UltiMutt Dog Box.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you understand that dog toys are more than just playthings. They are essential tools that contribute to your pup's mental and physical health. By providing a variety of toys to your pup, you can keep them entertained, mentally stimulated, and physically active.
Have some fun with the choices you make and maybe even consider taking your pooch to their local pet store so that they can help you explore the wide range of dog toys available. If you can't do this, Amazon is a great option, and perhaps consider subscribing to a dog toy box to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
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