Dog Toys: Soft, Educational, Puppy and Large Breed Toys

Any dog owner will confirm that seeing their furry friend happily playing with a favorite toy is one of the most delightful feelings in the world. However, choosing the right toy can be challenging. The materials, sizes, and shapes of toys, as well as the dog’s age and activity level, are all factors to consider. Let’s delve into the world of dog toys to help you make the best choice.

Quality and Safety: The First Consideration

At first glance, it may seem that all dog toys are the same, but this is far from the truth. The materials they are made from matter greatly for the safety and durability of the toy. Dogs are highly active and love to chew, gnawing on their toys. This means that the material of the toy must be robust. Plastic toys, for example, can be dangerous as they easily break into small pieces that a dog could easily swallow.

Professional dog breeders from Kyiv recommend toys made of natural rubber. Toys can not only be strong and safe, but they can also withstand bites from a strong jaw. Furthermore, they can be filled with treats, stimulating the dog’s interest and making play more exciting.

Size and Shape: Matching the Toy Size to the Dog’s Size

The size of the toy is important. Small ones can pose a choking risk, especially for large dogs, while too large can be uncomfortable for play or even cause pain to small dogs. The shape of the toy also matters. Dogs love those they can easily bite or toss. Oksana, a regular customer at the V.O.G DOG salon in Pechersk, talks about the importance of choosing the right shape, saying: “Toys with incorrect shapes, such as teeth-training toys, can kill a dog’s interest in toys altogether.”

Considering Age and Individual Needs

In addition to materials, size, and shape, it’s important to consider the individual needs of your dog. Young dogs, for example, might have a greater need for toys that help them train their teeth, while older dogs may prefer soft toys they can simply hold in their jaws. Your pets may also have personal preferences. For example, some dogs love toys that make noises, while others might prefer toys made from certain materials, like plush or latex.

Variety – The Key to Success

It’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all toy for all dogs. Each dog is unique, and what one dog may like, another might not. So, it’s important to have a variety of toys at home. Maria, a vet from Lviv, advises “letting your dog choose which toys it wants to play with at the moment. Perhaps it will prefer certain toys at certain times of the day or at certain stages of its life.”