TOYS FOR YOUR DOG   

There is no toy that is “the best” for your dog. What is safe and fun for one dog might not be for the next dog. These are only my opinions – your mileage may vary.

Rawhide: Rawhides provide good chewing for most (but not all) dogs. Regular rawhide comes in many shapes and sizes to suit your dog. Some dogs can make a rawhide last for days and weeks, some for ten minutes. Depends on the dog and how it chews. A possible problem: some dogs break off a large piece and swallow it whole, which could cause an obstruction. For those dogs, try pressed rawhide. Look for those made of sheets of rawhide pressed tightly together, not chips. Look carefully. Dogs can gnaw on pressed rawhide bones but usually cannot break off pieces. Use caution -- supervise rawhide chewing. There are a few brands of rawhide advertised as made in America – some feel these are safer as they may have less chemicals used in processing (I don’t know this for a fact). I only give rawhides when I am right there with my dogs. Remove the rawhide when it is down to a small nub so the dog won’t choke on it. Basted rawhide can stain your carpets. 

Nylon bones: One brand is Nylabone. These are hard, and safe to leave with the dog when you are going to be gone. (There are also softer chewy ones so be careful.) Most dogs cannot break off pieces. It can be sterilized by boiling if necessary. Nylabones come in various flavors. 

Kong toy: Peculiar shape makes it bounce in unpredictable directions to keep it interesting. Hollow end can be stuffed with dog biscuit or packed with different types of edibles. I use leftover mashed potatoes among other edibles. If you choose a size appropriate for your dog, Kongs are safe to leave down while you are gone. Catalogs carry more sizes than you can usually find in a store. You can get tiny ones for toy dogs, and gigantic ones for giant dogs. A stuffed Kong is great to occupy your dog and prevent boredom. Kongs are one of the best dog toys in my opinion. Red is for normal dogs, black ones are made of a tougher material for aggressive chewers. You can put Kongs into the dishwasher – and if a bit of food remains inside you can use a chopstick to push it out.

Cow Hooves: These are real cow hooves sold as chew toys. There have been some reports of damage to dog's teeth and gums from pieces splintering off, and blockage to intestines. Use caution.

Pig ears: These can be very fatty, and may cause upset tummy for some dogs. Since they are the equivalent of a giant potato chip, my dogs don’t get these.

Bully Sticks, Macho Stix: These go by different names but are the same thing – a very personal part of a bull! Usually they last much longer than a rawhide. They are more expensive too, but my dogs say they are worth it. My dogs consider these the ultimate chew treat.

Squeaky toys: Dogs love them, but don't leave your dog alone with a squeaky if he is a chewer. If a piece gets swallowed it could cause an obstruction. Keep an eye on your dog while he has one, and when playtime is over, put it away for next time. It is a good idea to get two of the same identical toys, to play the “Two Toy Game”. 

Fake lambskin toys: Machine washable. Some dogs will carry around a favorite "Chewman" for a long time and never chew it up, but be on the alert if he is a destructive chewer.

Balls: Many, many kinds available, but look for "hard rubber". Make sure the ball is large enough that it can't be swallowed. Never leave a tennis ball with an unattended dog. Some dogs are okay with tennis balls, but some dogs can eat the cover off and swallow it. Tennis balls can be abrasive to dog’s teeth – our Rottweiler wore her teeth down – in hindsight I think it may have been all the tennis balls she chewed on. I have heard of using “street hockey” balls instead of tennis balls, but I have not seen them yet, and I don’t know if they would be safe for a dog to catch. 
Ball-on-a-Rope: I got mine from KV-vet catalog. It is a stick with long rope and ball attached. You can swing it around, make it ‘dance’ and your dog chases it. Great toy for exercise – my whippet boy loves it.

Boomer Balls: Too large for dogs to grasp, they push it around with nose or paws, playing "soccer". Super exercise toy for active dogs. Made of rigid plastic - almost indestructible! Also known as canine exercise balls or “Woofer balls”. About the size of a bowling ball for large dogs, comes in smaller size too. Most brands have a plug, so you can add sand to make it heavier if you want to prevent the ball from sailing over the fence. Our Rottweiler Becca loved her Boomer Ball so much that in hot weather I had to take it away from her so she wouldn’t overheat. Most Labs love these things, especially if you play “dog soccer” with them.

Giggly Wiggly Toys: This is a toy that makes a really funny noise when it moves. The original was a ball, now they come in different shapes. The original ones had a zinc piece inside – zinc is toxic to dogs. I think they have stopped using zinc for the inside piece, but I would still use this toy only under supervision, since it is not chewproof. My Rottweiler Leonard loves to chase his large Giggly Wiggly ball in the yard; we pick it up and bring it inside when supervised playtime is over.

Buster Cube: This is a great toy for mental stimulation. It is a treat dispensing toy. You put kibble inside, and your dog learns to nose and shove it around to make food pieces fall out. There are similar toys, such as a Roll-a-Treat ball, by different makers. The Buster Cube is pretty sturdy, but I had one student whose German Shepherd chewed it up, so use with supervision if your dog’s name is “Jaws”. Caution – these can be hard on your woodwork if your dog slams them around in the house.

Molecuball: Another food dispensing toy to combat boredom. (And we all know how much trouble a bored dog can get into!) These are made of a rubbery material that won’t hurt your furniture. Very easy to put treats into, this has become one of my favorite toys. They come in two sizes. Hint: measure out your dog’s kibble, and use part of that to stuff into the toy, so you are not overfeeding.

Rope toys: Fun for tossing and tug-of-war (only if your dog can play by the rules!), but do not leave unattended with your dog. There have been instances of dogs swallowing strings and then needing surgery.

Tug toys: Never play tug games if you are having a relationship or mouthing problem with your dog. If you play tug games with your dog, make sure he responds to the cues “Give” and “Leave it”. Begin and end the game on your terms. This can be a great game if you play by your rules – it can actually help teach self control. Keep a special tug toy put away and bring it out when you want to play. See my article Playing Tug.

Flying Discs: Many dogs love playing with a Frisbee, and it is fun to watch the dogs leap in the air for a dramatic catch. But if your dog is young, old, or out of shape, keep the throws low. Those dramatic flying leaps have injured some dogs. Make sure the flying disc is made of fabric or soft material. One product that looks like great fun is the “Chuck It Flying Squirrel” which comes in three sizes.

If you have more than one dog, watch for signs of possessiveness. You may have to keep them separated when they have a special toy to avoid an argument. If you have trouble taking a toy away from your dog, read my article “Teaching Give”.

Keep in mind that a chew object is either softer than the dog's teeth or harder. If it is softer, it will eventually disappear; if it is harder, it will eventually wear down the dog's teeth. All toys need to be carefully inspected to avoid your dog ingesting pieces of it. Take the toy and replace it when it starts to be destroyed.

Check out the Catalog link on my web site for ordering information.

© Pat Scott    www.k9webs.com/patscott 

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