Not Everything is the Dog's Play Toy

By Sharon Marie Bay

For thousands of years, dogs have been used as hunters, scavengers, and best friends to humans. They instinctively need to have something to occupy their attention. Getting the right toy for your dog is a way to ensure that your friend isn't hunting your shoes or furniture when you aren't around.

Dogs chew on things. This is a natural state of affairs. It helps their dental care and should be encouraged with the right toys. If your dog is a "chewer" make sure you get hard rubber or nylon toys for them. Even rope and canvas toys are better then the thin plastic toys that will be destroyed in a matter of moments. There are also toys on the market that allow you to place treats inside of them as an extra reward for the dog chewing on it instead of your books.

Remember that no toy is indestructible. If you believe your dog may have swallowed a toy, contact your vet. Sharp edges can perforate the intestines which can lead to a life threatening situation.

Playtime is critical to ensuring that your pet knows how to play and what they are allowed to play with. Spend time with your dog and their toys, it will help you bond with your pet and help to control much of the negative chewing behavior later on. Also remember that being alone in the house can make a dog nervous and excitable. If you teach your pet how to play alone, they will not suffer from separation anxiety. Use specified departure times if at all possible, and give them activity toys to keep them occupied.

Toys can also be an aid in training for behaviors such as learning to sit. Giving them a toy to play with after they have demonstrated the proper action, is just as much a reward as a treat.

Do not leave your dog alone with a toy the first time you bring it home. Watch their behavior or even play with them with the toy. While it may seem fun to play "Tug-of-War" with your dog, it can lead to aggressive behavior later on.

Whoever said "Size doesn't matter" was not talking about dog toys. If you have a puppy, make sure to get softer toys and upgrade into the harder plastics. As the dog ages, you can get some larger items. However it is important to keep in mind that your dog may become attached to a toy almost like a security blanket. Do not try to remove a particular favorite from a dog unless it is beyond repair. In this case, try a similar replacement.

Some pet stores allow you to bring your dog in to the store. This can be an opportunity to have your dog sniff out the different toys and find one of interest to them.