For dogs, toys are not a luxury; they are a necessity! Below are some tips for choosing toys that your dog will love.

Safety First!

Be sure to buy toys of appropriate size for your dog. Toys that are too small in size can be easily swallowed or lodged inside your companion's throat. Avoid or alter any toys that are not "dog-proofed." Remove any eyes, ribbons, strings, or other pieces that could be chewed off and ingested. We also recommend discarding any toys that have begun breaking into pieces or are torn. And always check the labels on your dog's toys. They should be labeled safe for children under three and state they do not contain any dangerous fillings.

Toys for Active, Playful Dogs

Balls

Balls are a must-have toy for any dog who loves a good ol' game of fetch. When choosing a ball for your dog, always pick one large enough for your dog to carry without accidentally swallowing it. At the same time, it should be small enough for her to comfortably carry in her mouth. The primary tennis ball size works great for most dogs. However, there are also extra-large balls for giant dogs and mini balls for tiny dogs. In general, tennis balls should not be left around for your dog to chew on as the material can wear down their teeth with time.

Discs

Dogs that love playing fetch will also love playing with discs. When it comes to fetching, the disc is more versatile than the ball because you can vary the speed and change the direction.

For younger, high-energy dogs, interactive toys such as frisbees, balls, and tug-o-war ropes offer an opportunity for socialization and help them learn about appropriate and inappropriate behavior such as jumping or biting.

Rope Toys

One cool thing about rope toys is that they can actually serve as teeth cleaning devices. The action of chewing on a rope toy is similar to brushing teeth, which can help slow down tartar buildup, keeping your dog happy and healthy.

Toys for Dogs Who Like a Challenge

Puzzle Toys

We love puzzle toys, and we know your dog will too! Many dog behaviorists recommend interactive toys to keep your dog busy while you're away and stimulate their natural curiosity. Kong's classic dog toy is an interactive go-to for many dog owners. This bouncy rubber toy can be stuffed with dog treats like peanut butter and so much more. It's reliable and great for keeping dogs entertained. Other treats dispensing toys such as West Paws Quizl puzzle toy are fantastic too. The highly durable toy can be stuffed with carrot sticks, apple slices, jerky strips, or whatever healthy snack your dog desires. Keep your dog mentally stimulated while improving her cognitive skills with puzzle toys. The built-in reward system is what really makes it fun and easy for your dog.

Toys for Gentler Dogs

Squeak Toys

Squeak toys come in many shapes and sizes. Typically they are made from vinyl rubber or plastic. Durability varies, so make sure to choose based on your dog's chewing habits. You can also find plush toys with squeakers inside them. Some dogs may feel they must find and destroy the source of the squeaking, leaving an opportunity for ingestion if left unwatched. Because of this, we recommend purchasing squeak toys for gentler, lower energy dogs. If your dog loves squeaking toys, but the sound of them drives you nuts, look for toys with "silent squeakers." Their squeaking is at a higher pitch, so our human ears barely pick it up, but our dogs stay happy.

With a seemingly endless list of options to choose from, trying to choose the best toy(s) for your dog can seem like a daunting task. Our experts here at Dog Training Elite in Columbia, SC compiled this list to make your job easier and by using the tips provided, you should be able to find the perfect toy for your dog in no time! If you ever need help with training for your dog(s), feel free to reach out and contact us , we'll be happy to help.