When it comes to choosing a gift for dogs, even the most long-standing dog parents can be at a loss. Whether it’s the holiday season or a pup’s birthday, every paw-parent wants to get the best present for their fur child. But doing so is not as easy as it sounds because dogs can be pretty hard to please.
If you think you can just buy the first toy you lay eyes on at the pet store for your canine companion, and they’ll love it, you’re nothing but mistaken! Just like kids, dogs can be too picky about their toys. So, you want to make sure you get your fluffy little bud something they would actually cherish and not toss aside.
Have we unsettled you with our sermon on buying-the-right-toy-for-your-dog? Well, don’t fret because we are here to help. In this comprehensive guide, we will go everything you need to know when buying toys for your doggie.
Then, let’s begin!
Bright colors are immensely stimulating for the mind. This means vibrant hues are beneficial for intelligent species, and dogs are nothing if not that! Therefore, you must scour the pet toy store for the brightest, most appealing toys for your sweet little bud!
The size of a dog toy can make a world of difference in how your fur baby will take your gift. Dogs aren’t exactly the gentlest beings out there, which is why giving them a small toy would be rather unwise. Plus, it can be a choking hazard for your fur child. Hence, when you venture out to purchase a dog toy, choose something that has enough mass and presence so that your little fellow is actually able to enjoy it.
Aside from being a bit weighty, a dog toy should also be a one-piece accessory. That is, don’t get your snuggle bear a toy that has adjuncts or any removable parts that can be a choking hazard.
It goes without saying that a sharp toy can maim your fur friend, and you don’t want that. So always go for soft, gentle toys without any pointy edges or toxic materials.
Many dog folks prefer to get plushies for their fluffy kids as they are too squashy to hurt a dog. Simply put, a stuffed toy is an ideal gift choice for dogs, but it can get a little repulsive over time. How? Well, dogs love to chew on things, which means copious amounts of drool will soak through any plushy you get your four-legged friend. So, if you are not the kind that is grossed out, only then consider buying a stuffed animal/character for your dog.
Energetic dogs need every excuse they can get to blow off some steam. If you are a parent to such a spirited fur child, you should look into sturdy latex toys that can make for high-intensity workouts without wearing out. Some examples of such toys are frisbee, rope toys, and latex balls.
Does your dog get bored quickly? No matter how many toys you give your canine companion, they always end up on the floor, curled up, signaling their apparent listlessness? If so, then you need to get complicated treat toys for your little pal.
Treat toys are excellent at keep dogs busy for hours. They come with smaller accessories shaped as dog treats that can only be accessed if the outer layer is penetrated. And don’t worry, the smaller items inside a treat toy are only comparatively smaller and don’t pose a choking risk to a dog.
That said, you still need to be careful when choosing a treat toy. Consider your pup’s size and skill level to dismantle things before going out to the toy store.
As a general rule of thumb, we’d say go for sizeable treat toys to prevent any unpleasant incident from occurring.
Are you a bit of a neat freak? Or can you stand dirty toys decorating the floor in your house?
If you are Monica friends, then perhaps you need to buy toys that are easy to clean. This means you need to steer clear of plushies. We’d suggest you choose latex toys as often as possible.
Stuffed animals can bring incredible comfort to a dog. Because stuffed toys are typically shaped like a character or animal, dogs love to throw them around and play ‘predator.’
If you want to give your cuddle partner a taste of the wild, you should consider getting them a plushy shaped like an animal. But be sure you keep an eye on your little buddy’s behavior. If things start getting a bit too wild, you might want to rethink the whole plushy for comfort scheme. Remember, you are getting a faux prey for your bud to trick and subdue their predatory instincts. But if your plan begins to backfire on you, you need to throw out the toy you so lovingly got your fur child.
If you want to keep your canine companion engaged and content with their toys for a while, make multiple sets out of their toys. In each set, place some soft toys along with some latex accessories. Doing so will help you create the illusion of change for your fluffy pal; otherwise, they’ll grow bored playing with the same toys every day.
Aside from sorting all your dog toys in small assortments, you can also invest in interactive games to break your four-legged companion’s toy-monotony. Interactive games, such as catching and returning the ball, or looking for a shortcut to treats, will not only keep your cuddle bud engaged but also stimulate their mind. But of course, you will have to be with your best friend to monitor their progress and keep them safe.
If you are short on time, you can play challenging games with your dog on weekends, while during the week, you can keep your pet engaged with other toys.
A pet dog is much more than just that; it’s family. If you also believe that, then you wouldn’t mind putting in at least a little thought in your canine companion’s gift. Be sure you make them feel loved and cherished with the next toy you get them!
by Maria A Davidson || You can’t buy love, but you can rescue it™ .
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