How to buy safe and fun toys for your dog!

Walking through the pet aisle can sometimes be over whelming and confusing. So many different toys out there and no idea if your puppy will actually enjoy it- or if it's safe. This article will give you tips on the best and safest toys for your dogs!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Squeaky toys
• Rope toys
• Rawhide and Chews
• Plush toys
• Rubber chews/bones

1. All dogs need and deserves toys. During your dogs life time, many toys will come and go. Only time will be able to help you with finding which toys are their favorites and which ones are easiest for them to destroy (so you don't buy it again). A few of the safest options have been placed in this article for you to understand each one and what may be best for you dog.

2. 
   Squeaky toys

   Squeaky toys are rubber toys that come in several shapes and sizes with a squeaker inside. These are safe (non-toxic) and always a favorite with dogs. However, the noise may be tiresome at times, so be sure to take it away when you are not supervising them directly. I've learned with personal experience that my own dog tends to chew them apart when left alone with a squeaky toy. However, if you spend a few extra bucks, or find one that has a very tough rubber for the squeaky toy, it may prove the best bet. Some personal favorites are: 99cent squeaky fishes from Target and a very ugly black and purple cat from Petsmart.

3. 
   Rope and chew toys

   Ropes. Ropes are a great toy for your dog as it helps them stimulate their minds, helps with raising their ears (the chewing and jaw muscles help with this), and cleans their teeth! All great things in one toy. They're affordable and keeps their mind busy when they are bored. However, be sure to watch out for when you will have to buy another one as they can wear out easily with constant chewing.

4. 
   Rawhide chews

   Rawhide chews. Rawhide chews are not an actual toy, however, this is also a great and healthy way for your dog to have something appropriate for them to chew on and keep their minds busy. One thing to remember is that too much rawhide is not good, so be sure to keep an eye on your dog when they have a rawhide chew with them.

5. 
   Large juicy bones!

   Rubber chews and bones. These great toys are safe for your dog and excellent for chewing and not needing to replace for a long while (even with regular chews). Even better, with the bones that are hollow inside, they are a great place to stick some peanut butter inside for the dog's entertainment and a tasty treat.

6. 
   Plush Toys

   Plush toys. Plush toys are an excellent companion for your dogs when they want to cuddle with it and are lonely and a great toy for them to chase after. Plush toys are safe and soft enough for puppy teeth. The only down side is that they can be expensive and are easy to be destroyed and gets dirty very quickly if brought outside often.
   
   Dogs love their toys and the toys prove to be very useful for you pet's growing mind and health. In time, you will learn to find which ones are your dogs favorites and which ones will last the longest.

Tips & Warnings

• So your dog does not become bored with their toys, you should switch them off every other day so it will seem like a new toy for them every day.
• Always supervise your dog with a new toy as you will not know how they will react to it and how well the toy will hold up (if your dog is more rough on plush toys, etc).

[acole]

on 6/10/2008 Great article. Thanks!