People often ask about toys: In short, how do we know that dogs aren’t destroying the house because they are bored?In fact, most dogs who eliminate or destroy things when they are left alone are neither bored nor spiteful, but are seriously distressed. They don’t eat their dog biscuits until you come home because they crave your company–they are too panicked to eat while you are gone. They don’t forgo drinking during the day and then empty the water dish as soon as you come home because they’ll only drink if you are there. They do so because they are too distressed to drink when left alone and are so thirsty because they have salivated from distress and anxiety. And they don’t forgo play with their toys because they are bored by them–they do so because their level of distress is so great they can’t play, even with food toys like stuffed Kongs.
There are toys meant for solo play and toys designed for you and your dog to play together.To keep things interesting, choose a few types of toys from the following list and rotate them often depending on your dog’s mood and activity level.
- Stuffed Toys — These soft, plush friends make great companions when your dog is in the mood for quiet snuggle time. Many stuffed toys squeak or make other noises to capture your dog’s attention. The most important thing to remember about stuffed toys is to take them out of the rotation when you notice signs of wear like torn seams or loose limbs.
- Vinyl or Latex Toys — Soft, smooth and squishy, vinyl or latex toys are great for older dogs, because they’re easy on sensitive teeth and gums. Younger dogs who aren’t aggressive chewers will also enjoy them from time to time.
- Solid Rubber Toys — These are the ones for the tough, tenacious chewers. They’re built to last and give your dog a good chewing workout. Plus, their interesting shapes will cause them to bounce unpredictably for extra fun.
- Treat Dispensing Toys — These are balls or other shapes designed with hollow areas meant to be filled with treats. They’re great for keeping your dog occupied for long periods of time, as they usually won’t give up until every last bit of treat is retrieved.
Toys are more than a fun way for your baby to play - they’re important tools for her training and social development. Different toys serve different purposes. For instance, toys for individual play keep her busy and happy when you’re gone and give her a safe and enjoyable outlet for her energy, stress and chewing. Just remember that chew toys and treats are designed to withstand specific levels of chewing. So to keep your pet safe, you’ll need to recognize her chewing behavior before giving her any toy or treat.
By now, you know how important you are to her, so it’s easy to why she can get bored or anxious when you’re gone. Leaving her stressed and with nothing to do can lead to destructive chewing. Combining an interesting variety of toys with the right training can prevent her from commandeering your favorite shoes and gnawing them to shreds.
Toys geared toward your dog’s life stages, such as those from Petstages, are thoughtfully designed for every time of your dog’s life and entertainment needs. Learn more about the right toys for your pet’s life stages.Soothing Toys: Your Puppy needs soothing because he’s experiencing separation from his mother and littermates. He needs toys that develop self-control and contentment.
Your Adult Dog needs soothing because he’s full of energy and at times over-stimulated. Offer him a rewarding task to improve concentration and calm.
Your Senior Dog needs soothing because he’s prone to anxiety, especially in unfamiliar situations. Choose toys that give him a sense of security and comfort.
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