The Best Toys for Your Dogs

Dogs is a major status symbol in Americandesigns.
pet-keeping. Every year, over 12 billion dollars haveBRAIN TEASERS. Best for dogs that is left alone a
been spent on dog food and veterinary care alone.lot. "Biscuit balls" and "food cubes" are great
According to the American Pet Productsexamples. These toys require the dog to solve types
Manufacturers Association's 2003-2004 Pet Owners'of puzzle in order to get a treat.
Survey, more than half of dog owners purchase toysVarious toys of these forms are available in the
for their dogs.market.
Playing with toys is not the monopoly of little kids1. For Chewers of all Sizes
but also pets of different kind. Dogs have their ownSQUIRREL DUDE - tough, durable and fun too; this
sets of toys to enjoy during their playing time.hollow rubber chew toy takes on a new level in
Dogs benefit from these toys, health and traininginnovation; this helps to exercise your dog's jaw a
wise. There are dog toys that can strengthen theirlittle more with the four little rubber prongs blocking
teeth or build their intelligence especially if they alsothe hole slightly that the dog has to work a little
attend a series of training classes with the experts.harder to get the goodies out.
Like man, dogs are very sociable. Interaction with2. Ball Launchers and Throwers (Retrieve Toys)
their companion or a sibling dog is very important inFRISBEES - is an all-time favorite dog toy especially
avoiding behavioral problems in the future.the soft version; fold to fit in a pocket; comes in blue
When buying toys for your dog, you may want toand orange colors, size six to nine inches, prices at
match them with your dog's needs, demands andeleven to sixteen dollars.
even personality. Is your dog the type that enjoysTHE ROUND ORBEE - a tough ball hallowed with
chasing and retrieving games, or chewing, sitting and½ inch thick membraney surface and it's softish;
sprawling? You may want to try experimenting firstit is flexible, durable, grippy, bouncy, and buoyant and
to find out which toys make your dogs the happiest.has a peppermint scent; good for
Before going on a toy hunt, take a look at this list ofsniffing-and-getting-the- ball game; prices at five to
toys that may help you identify the right kind of toytwelve dollars depending on the size and form you
for your dog.choose
* CHEW TOYS. These are perfect for the dog that3. Squeaky Toys
likes to chew a lot. Instead of your dog chewingSQUEAKERS - available in packages of ten each;
your furniture, why not buy these TOUGH littledogs that love to silence squeakers are the best for
babies for them. These types of dog toy are usuallythis toy; excellent as attention and pocket squeaker
made of nylon or latex rubber. The "King Kong Toys"as well; prices go lower if you buy in packages, from
are among the popular brands of chew toys. You canfive to three dollars each box/package.
experiment by stuffing these toys with peanut4. Tug Toys
butter or cheese spread, freeze them and give themLEATHER TUGS - great for tug-of-war games with
to your dog for hours of licking and chewing fun.your dog; made of high grade leather, 3/8 inches
Doggie "potato chips" is also a favorite. These "ediblethick, tanned and not-treated; dogs like them a lot
chips" can last to a minimum of an hour to a coupleespecially those with active lifestyle.
of days. They are available in different shapes like pigTHE MONGO FETCH TOY - a chew and tug toy
ears, snouts, cow knuckles, femurs, hooves and bullycombined in one; the natural rubber bar is vanilla
sticks. Others are bone-shaped made from a varietyscented; rope running through the center gives you a
of vegetables such as carrots.grip for tug games and the soft tasseled ends are
Another good toy for your dog's chewing pleasure ismade for exciting action with your dogs; medium to
the rawhide. These are non- consumable, mummifiedlarge in size, from five to seven dollars each.
skin-like toy that you have to throw away when5. Brain Teasers
they get soggy, and give your dog a new one. SomeI CUBE - this is a toy that challenges and develops
rawhides are basted with a variety of flavorings. Beyour dog's intelligence and puzzle solving skills; be sure
sure to get the "USA rawhide" with a little flagyou are there for supervision; available in junior and
sticker on the label because these do not containjumbo sizes, six to eleven dollars.
preservative flavorings that are harmful for yourDUCK EGG BABY - egg Babies are a plush toy with
dogs.three squeaker eggs inside; there is an opening on
SQUEAKY TOYS. For these toys, choose the rubberthe bottom of the toy so your dog can get the
over the stuffed toys for durability and to avoidhidden treasures inside; this is a toy that challenges
synthetic materials. These little noisemakers are goodand develops your dog's intelligence and puzzle solving
for training your dog's hunting skills.skills too.
RETRIEVING TOYS. These are perfect for theToys are a fun way to enjoy with your dog in a
chase-and-retrieve types of dogs. Dogs enjoy thesesunny day at the park. But be sure to apply proper
toys because they get to play with you. Frisbees andsafety measures especially when playing with balls,
balls made specifically for this activity, are the best tosticks and stones. You do not want to harm them in
be used. Your dog will get a good workout and so isany way. Remember, this is a dog-eat-dog world!
your arm.Even as harmless as playing can cause indestructible
TUG TOYS. These toys are best for dogs that likedamage to your dog.
to grab hold and never let go. Available in rope-like