In dog’s world, toys are one of their favorite things. At this point, it is important for dog parents to know deeply about types of dog toys. Otherwise, you may be stuck in wrong "toy loop". For this reason, let’s learn how and when to use which dog toy.
Chew Toys
When dogs are alone, they do 2 things to deal with stress. First is sleeping, the second is mastication, aka chewing. The massage and pressure of the chewing object to gingiva supports the synthesis of hormones that will reduce the dog’s stress. That’s why we can use chewing games to relieve loneliness anxiety when our dogs are alone. However, the toys to be preferred here should not be easily broken down and should not be suitable for the dog to swallow easily. A good example of a chew toy can be found here.
Fetch Toys
These toys support dogs’ hunting instincts, improve their self-confidence towards us and their congeners, increase their learning abilities, as well as planning and fictional power. However, in order to avoid object obsession in fetch toys, we need to focus our dog on ourselves correctly. The ways to do this are to increase the bond of trust between us and our dog by using plenty of treats in the games we set up, without making a fiction that will put pressure on it. A good example of a fetch toy can be found here.
Rope & Tug Toys
These toys reinforce our dog’s hunting and competitive feelings, increase their self-confidence and support their socialization with their congeners and non-species creatures. We must teach a dog “let go” command while we are playing with rope&tug toys. This command will increase our dog’s impulse control and expand both dog’s and owners comfort zone. A good example of a rope&tug toy can be found here.
Interactive Toys
The most important thing we should pay attention to when using these toys that develop our dog’s intelligence is not to forget that they are dogs we are playing. It is highly recommended to start with the simplest interactive toy to discover our dog’s abilities and increase their self-confidence, not to be pressured in any way while using the toy, and reward the dog abundantly while playing the game. A good example of a interactive toy can be found here.
Puppy Toys
Dogs use their mouths when carrying or holding something from one place to another, since dogs’ hands cannot grasp the movement like we do. During the critical socialization period (between the 3rd and 12th weeks), the right toys should be preferred, respectively, in order for them to learn the rules correctly in the relations they will establish with congeners and non-species creatures, especially to develop their mouth-eye coordination. The most important thing to consider when choosing these toys is to choose the toy that will not break easily and get into the throat. A good example of a puppy toy can be found here.
Plush Toys
These toys can be preferred especially for female dogs to simulate maternal impulses. The point to be noted here is that it should never be used in dogs who have not reached mental maturity. These dogs can clog their digestive tracts by smashing and swallowing plush toys. A good example of a puppy toy can be found here.