Why do puppies need toys?
Games play a practical role in a puppy's life; they help the pet prepare for adulthood. Toys of various designs help sharpen the physical and mental skills of even the smallest puppies. The main reason why puppies need toys is for fun.
When thinking about purchasing toys for your puppy, consider the fact that they need to be updated and replaced periodically. Once you find out which toys your pet likes best, purchase several similar ones. Swap toys every 3-5 days, this will help maintain your baby’s interest in games, even if he is prone to phlegmatic behavior.
Website about dogs
Any modern pet store offers a large selection of different toys for dogs.
What types of toys are there, what are they made of, what are they intended for and how to choose the right toy for your pet? First, let's note that dogs are not suitable for children's toys. Children's toys are not designed to withstand the strong jaws and sharp teeth of dogs. Dogs easily bite through and tear apart balls, gnaw off the heads of dolls and... choke on small parts.
It is better not to give your dog any toys at all than to take risks with ones that could harm him. The exception is very small puppies who do not have enough strength to “take apart” a children’s toy.
Types of Puppy Toys
When entering a pet store, many inexperienced owners become confused, since the range of toys for puppies is very wide. Almost all toys are made for some purpose. It is extremely important for the owner to learn to distinguish between safe and useful types of toys, since absolutely useless, rather expensive accessories can be found on the counter of a pet store.
Stuffed toys are an accessory that is suitable for either very small puppies or adult miniature breed dogs.
All toys stuffed with padding polyester pose a danger to dogs, who can tear them apart. Please make sure that the soft toy does not have unnecessary stripes, buttons, plastic parts, etc.
Soft rubber toys in the form of animals, rings, swords are universal accessories that are suitable for puppies of different sizes and ages. It is important to pay attention to the quality and density of the rubber. Large and medium-sized dogs are capable of tearing objects even made of very dense rubber, and this can be dangerous, since the pet runs the risk of swallowing a fragment of the toy.
Dogs' attitudes towards toys vary greatly. Some pets treat their property with care; they do not try to tear toys, take them to their resting place and protect them. The second type of dog sets itself the task of crushing a toy, no matter what it is made of.
Important! If you are not sure whether your pet can tear the toy, he should not play without supervision. You'll be surprised how strong puppies can be when they destroy their first toy in minutes.
Tug of war toys include a variety of ropes, ropes with and without balls. This is an excellent toy for competitive play and independent leisure time for your pet. However, all “towing” toys are prohibited until the puppy’s teeth change. If your pet really likes to tug on toys, but his teeth have not yet changed, you need to play carefully .
Just hold the rope or rope and let your puppy pull it. The pressure of your own weight, provided that the puppy is not hanging on the toy, will not harm the formation of the bite.
Types of dog toys
- Chews are a favorite of very young puppies. They are made from rubber or rubber. To prevent your pet from chewing what is not allowed, let him play with chewing, this is good for growing teeth. High-quality toys do not spoil the bite and will not injure the jaw.
- Squeakers are not only interesting, but also make sounds. Choose ones that are not too loud, otherwise the puppy’s cheerful play will cause discomfort, and the pet itself may get scared.
- Balls are interesting for dogs of all ages, including puppies. An excellent toy for active pastime. There are balls for indoors, for outdoors, and for water games. A good ball is durable and fits the size of your baby's mouth.
- Frisbee – only a special plate for dogs is suitable, as the others are too fragile. There are different models on sale, choose one that suits the size of your pet. You may have to learn Frisbee throwing skills. Such a toy is contraindicated for too small puppies; bones and joints must form.
- Toys with tug-of-war ropes are useful for older puppies with a formed bite and grown permanent teeth. The dog will love to pull such a toy from the owner’s hands. This is especially true for fighting breeds.
- With a secret - toys where something is hidden inside. The puppy will be interested in being able to reveal the secret and reward himself with a treat that is found inside.
- Edible toys are healthy and tasty. The puppy will happily entertain himself with the bone and then bite it. The toy will also brush his teeth.
Many puppies love soft toys. They are used as a heating pad, played with and even slept with at night. It is better if the dog plays under supervision to make sure that he does not tear the upholstery fabric or start eating the filling. Small parts are also dangerous - eyes, nose, which can come off. Many dog breeders do not recommend soft toys for a puppy, so that he does not start playing with prohibited soft objects.
A separate category of toys is for fetching. If you teach your puppy to fetch an object, then choose all kinds of rings, balls or strings. You can buy a toy with a smell or a hole where you can put the food. If your pet loves to swim, then a water play toy will come in handy.
How to choose the right toy
Considering the assortment, the difference in materials and modifications, a completely logical question arises: how to choose the right toy for a puppy? If you are just going to buy a dog, it is advisable to have 1-2 toys of each type.
The most useful toys are those made of hard rubber, which can be filled with treats. These can be balls or animal models with small holes. The ability to place a treat in a toy is invaluable at the stage of accustoming the puppy to the rules of behavior in the house.
Note! Whether you like it or not, your pet will try to chew shoes, wires and other objects in the house. A toy that smells attractive and makes your pet think to get a reward is a great alternative.
A tug toy is also purchased immediately, but cooperative games in which you make an effort are not recommended until the teeth have completely changed. The tug toy can be mounted on the wall, allowing the puppy to simply carry it in his teeth, chew it while at his resting place, or use it as a fetch while walking.
Regardless of the age or breed of your pet, be sure to buy him a ball. Tennis balls are ideal for medium breed dogs. You can also make a small hole in the tennis ball at any time to place treats in it.
Tip: Take a good look at the tennis balls you're considering buying, as many are made from soft, low-quality rubber.
Buy one interactive toy to see how interested your pet is in it. The experience of owners shows that toys with squeaks keep the pet occupied for a long time and distract him from damaging property.
For small puppies and small breed dogs, it is better to immediately purchase a soft toy. Accessories with a fragile coating and synthetic padding are usually used to train a puppy to sleep. Immediately after weaning from its mother, the puppy will feel more confident if there is something large and soft next to it.
What types of educational toys for dogs are there?
There are a wide variety of toys for small puppies and adult dogs. They come in several types:
- Training ones - for active games. These are balls, rings, plates, ropes, etc.
- Soft - soothe and warm your pet. Miniature breed dogs and all puppies especially love them: they sleep on them and carry them around the apartment.
- Rubber and silicone - you can chew and gnaw them, this trains your pet's teeth and jaw.
- Training items are items with which your pet can be taught useful skills (search for and fetch things, hand them directly into your hands, swim, jump, run, etc.). Most often, these items are used for training.
- Educational (interactive) - puzzles that train ingenuity. For example, mazes with balls, caps and other tasks. Having solved all the riddles, the dog receives a treat.
Note! Any toys can be found in pet stores. If this is not possible, the owner can make them himself.
DIY snuff mat
Dangerous toys - what you should not play with
Unfortunately, there are a lot of toys on the pet products market that are dangerous to the puppy’s health and that should not be played with. When you choose a rubber toy, make sure that it is certified, made of non-toxic materials and is not painted on the top layer.
Important! Plastic toys that a dog can chew into small, sharp pieces are strictly prohibited. For large and medium-sized breeds with a powerful dental system, soft toys can be dangerous.
The optimal and useful toys are bones made from pressed leather, dried meat and offal. When choosing edible toys, make sure they are not illegally produced. All toys for animals (especially edible ones), like food, are labeled and must have a label or packaging with recommendations for use.
What toys should not be given to puppies?
You should not let them play with Christmas tree rain or tinsel, which the puppy can swallow and it will be difficult to get them out. There are cases where surgical intervention was required.
Worn out, torn toys should be replaced promptly, otherwise there is a risk that the pet will accidentally swallow particles, which in turn can lead to intestinal blockage.
Old slippers, shoes and other clothes are not suitable for play, because as the puppy grows up, he will understand that the shoes standing at the door are also his toys and can be chewed on.
It should be remembered that it is not right to simply offer the puppy a toy and walk away, leaving him alone. You need to teach your pet to play so that he becomes interested and understands what he needs to do.
Age specific features of playing with puppies
When choosing accessories, it is important to take into account the age characteristics of playing with puppies. At each stage of development, the puppy has new priorities that allow him to master certain skills. All certified toys are designed to suit the specific size and age of the dog. By studying the accessory label, you will find recommendations for use and duration of operation.
Toys designed for small breeds and puppies should not be used for large or medium-sized dogs. If your pet swallows a toy or a fragment of it, there is a risk of intestinal blockage, which is a fatal condition.
Using inappropriate toys can be a disservice. Puppies' self-esteem is very vulnerable, so if a pet cannot cope with a toy, it may lose interest in games of a certain type.
Tip: change toys as they wear out and as the puppy grows older. According to the rules, the toy must be changed as soon as cracks appear on it. In fact, the accessory becomes unsafe when the pet has the opportunity to split it into several parts.
1–2 months
The need for play begins when the puppy is 3-4 weeks old. In the first weeks of life, the puppy plays with its brothers and sisters, as social adaptation is extremely important at this stage. At such a young age, puppies learn tact, control of their own strength, and the ability to recognize the emotions of other living beings.
Babies begin to be interested in toys at the age of 1–2 months. During this period, it is advisable that the pet is already provided with a set of various toys. It is extremely important that toys are safe for your puppy, as his behavior and intentions cannot be predicted. Later, from the age of two months, the puppy will use toys for various purposes. Active, inquisitive dogs use toys for leisure in adulthood and even in old age.
What is the best toy to buy for your dog?
The choice of toy depends on the age and character of the dog. You need to answer several questions: does she like outdoor games, what does she prefer to play, etc. Puzzles for dogs will be useful at any age. They develop the animal's logical thinking and other qualities. This gift should be given to all dogs.
Puller
Dogs are extremely smart and intelligent animals, so they need intellectual games. The owner must purchase educational puzzles for the pet and play with the dog.
How to make a toy for a puppy with your own hands?
Many owners are disappointed in toys from pet stores because they are expensive and have a short lifespan. If you have an active medium, large, or even small breed puppy, you've probably already encountered the feeling that you're wasting money. A new toy is “enough” for 10–20 minutes and you are forced to empty the family budget again.
An alternative can be old T-shirts, socks and towels. However, a dog can tear old things into small pieces, which is unsafe. How to make a toy for a puppy with your own hands from unnecessary things is shown in the video clips below.
Making master class:
- Yarn braid toys
- “Noisemakers” made from a bottle and a sock.
- Strong rope from old T-shirts.
- Rope monster with a ball.
- Soft toy made from a sock
- A soft toy made from old jeans.
Making master class:
- Puller braids.
- Braids with a ball.
- A snuffling mat is an educational toy.
Master class on making multilayer braided rope with a beautiful pattern:
A selection of ideas for educational, intellectual tasks and toys for dogs:
All fabric toys should only be used under your supervision. If you need to keep your dog occupied and left unattended, it is better to use edible toys that are difficult to chew.
Purpose of toys
Entertaining items for dogs do a great job of this. They are multifunctional, as they solve the problems of growing pets and prevent unpleasant incidents. Firstly, for puppies, a toy becomes a means of recognizing the surrounding reality.
Secondly, you will not one day find your home in ruins, and your shoes and books torn. Such surprises often happen during the period of teeth change. Therefore, it is better to buy a rubber toy for your dog than new shoes or a TV remote control.
Thirdly, while playing, your pet is actively moving, which means he is always in excellent physical shape and in a great mood.
Fourthly, toys become a stimulus for your friend when training: with their help you can teach him to carry out various commands, as well as instill the basics of discipline.
Knowing that you have a favorite pastime, the dog will never run away from you, but will patiently wait for you to play with it. You should not deceive your pet’s expectations: training takes time, and fun takes an hour.
Fifthly, popular educational toys are becoming an important factor for dogs in interacting with their owner.
“I want a new toy!” What to answer to the dog?
Owners sometimes don’t even understand that their pets’ irrepressible desire to spoil personal belongings and furniture is a kind of request for the purchase of new fun. Remember, playing with dogs is very important! And you can do this in different ways, including using dog toys.
Dog games
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Petstages dog toy “ORCA 3 rings” 23 cm
540,00 ₽
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Petstages dog toy “ORCA flying saucer” 22 cm
743,00 ₽
No one is surprised by the gaming needs of children. And every parent knows that this is how, through play, a child learns about the world, develops, and adapts to society. Imagine, everything is the same for dogs. The only difference is that games should accompany the animal throughout its life. However, we adults sometimes like to play. Is not it?
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Petstages dog toy “ORCA tennis ball” 6 cm
367,00 ₽
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Petstages Dog Toy Tennis Ball with Tire
413,00 ₽
So, with the help of play, and we are talking about an active pastime, animals maintain their physical shape. Dog trainers say that 20 minutes of play activity is equal to 40 minutes of a regular walk. Play is no less important for emotional release. Again, everything is like with people. We say “blow off steam”, for example, by playing sports, playing football or volleyball. For dogs, active play is an equally anti-stress event.
Social adaptation, establishing communication with the owner, adequate reaction to what is happening around, normal interaction with other animals - all this is trained and brought up, including through games.
The next important point is intellectual development. The animal's brain must be constantly engaged. This is where innovative dog toys come to the rescue.
Take a look here too!
- A white rabbit with an amazing name that "Alice" finally caught up with
- Rat on a leash
- Satin mouse: a fashionista from the world of rodents
- African long-eared hedgehog: how does he live in an apartment?
Specialization - toys for dogs
It’s only at first glance that it seems so complicated - you throw a stick, the dog brings it, that’s the whole game. In reality, animals, like people, want variety, new experiences, and challenges. And only by supporting them in this endeavor can we ensure the health and activity of the animal until old age. Therefore, there are companies that specialize exclusively in gaming products. For example, Petstages develops and produces innovative toys for dogs and cats.
Studying the needs of animals, the company’s specialists identified two main play activities inherent in dogs. The first is manifested in the need to constantly chew something. The second is the desire to communicate with the owner.
Soft bite
If you don’t already know, then you have to decide how delicate your pet is when it comes to biting. Petstages identifies a group of delicate chewing dogs for which a special toy is designed. “Crispy bone” is an analogue of plastic bottles. Many dogs like to chew on plastic bottles because they rustle and bend, but such play can be dangerous. When the plastic breaks, it creates sharp edges that can injure the animal. This will never happen to Crispy Bone.
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Petstages dog toy “Crunchy bone” rubber 15 cm large
946,00 ₽
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Petstages dog toy “Crunchy bone” rubber 8 cm very small
415,00 ₽
Actively gnawing
Most dogs are lovers of active chewing and therefore the widest range of variations has been developed for them. The ORKA series chewing toys for dogs are well known to dog breeders and have proven themselves to be excellent. Available in different types, the medium-hard products have a shape that helps massage the gums during play. Knots and cords made of cotton fabric remove plaque. By the way, the materials that Petstages uses in this series are identical to the materials used for teething babies. So you don't have to worry about the health and safety of your pet.
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Petstages Mini dog toy “ORCA caterpillar” 12 cm
367,00 ₽
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Petstages dog toy Mini “ORCA hedgehog” 12 cm
369,00 ₽
In addition to the benefits, the manufacturer also pays attention to the issue of how to interest the animal. That's why ORKA dog toys have different textures to keep the animal interested.
Another way to stimulate dogs' interest is to use different materials. For example, an analogue of a real chicken bone, which only looks like the prototype, but also smells like chicken! At the same time, such a toy is absolutely safe, it will not break like a real one and will not scratch your Chick-a-Bone pet.
Anti-vandal toys for dogs
The owners of powerful dogs that can chew through anything suffer the most from activity that is not directed in the right direction! Of course, such pets need special toys made of especially durable material. The Petstages brand has several options for anti-vandal entertainment.
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Petstages Chick-A-Bone Chicken Flavored Dog Toy 18cm Large
775,00 ₽
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Petstages dog toy Dogwood wooden stick 10 cm very small
183,00 ₽
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Petstages dog toy Dogwood wooden stick 22 cm large
1 003,00 ₽
Recently, it has become fashionable to use natural deer antler for playing with dogs. But company experts believe that this can be dangerous for the animal, due to too much rigidity. Therefore, a unique analogue has been developed - Deerhorn. The bone-shaped toy is made from extra-durable nylon using deer antler meal and is scented with deer antlers. The toy is available in 4 different sizes, because even among small pets there are notorious rodents.
An indispensable attribute of fetching, the wand, has also found a place in the assortment of dog toys. Made from durable polymer materials, Dogwood sticks also contain natural wood. And the Dogwood Mesquite variation also smells like barbecue. Each stick is available in several sizes, so there is one that suits every dog. Why shouldn't you use regular sticks from the street for games? They can pose a threat to the animal's health. When gnawing, and even during normal play, the dog can be injured by sharp edges.
Not a boring life
The Outward hound series are toys for dogs aimed at their need to interact with their owner. Of course, in this matter you cannot do without a ball. But Petstages makes this toy very unusual. Comet ball connects the ball and the cone, thanks to which it is thrown very far, more than 30 meters. It also makes funny sounds during the flight that attract the animal.
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OH dog toy Floatiez Stingray for playing in water
660,00 ₽
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OH dog toy Floatiez Turtle for playing in water
692,00 ₽ 562,00 ₽
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OH dog toy Accordionz “Crocodile” latex with squeaker, 15 cm
937,00 ₽
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OH dog toy Accordionz “Pig” latex with squeaker, 15 cm
937,00 ₽
But if you want to really have some fun with your dog, have a latex toy from Petstages at home. This is a series of new products that will give both you and the animal a lot of pleasure. Made in the shape of animals - pigs and bears - the toys emit squeaks, grunts and crunches when interacting with them. At the same time, the toys easily bounce off the ground, accompanying themselves with a variety of sounds. It's simply impossible to stop! Suitable for playing both indoors and outdoors.
Continuing the theme of squeaking, the manufacturer has developed a separate INVINCIBLES series. The favorite of the series is a 1.5-meter textile snake consisting of 12 squeakers! You can leave your pet with such a toy for a long time - he will have something to do on his own. There are also miniature toys made in the form of small figures with two squeakers. All squeaky toys are made of durable two-layer textile using reinforced seams.
Taking care of puppies
Small pets, torn away from their mother and transferred to an unfamiliar place, have a strong need for reassurance. To help your puppy not feel stressed and sleep well, give him a hot water bottle toy. The soft plush toy has a bag of buckwheat inside. Take it out, heat it in the microwave and put it back. In such, literally, warm company, the puppy will feel safe and comfortable.
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Natalya Kocheganova
Author, employee of “My good one”. Writes, sings, dances, plays, sews, knits, travels. I am familiar firsthand with the beneficial work of gardening. Loves life in all its shades, sounds and textures. Loves creativity and creative people, regardless of the field of implementation.
+1
The character of the pet is important
You can choose a toy that the animal will like empirically - over and over again offering the pet new options that are different from each other and observing its behavior.
In particular, a hunting dog will likely benefit from a play object that can be bitten, tossed, hidden, and found again. it is advisable to use a soft object as such a toy that will not break the glass or injure the owners.
A hunting breed puppy will need a special interactive accessory in which you can hide a treat - let him learn how to get it.
GIGWI Dog Toys + GIVEAWAY
