Toys: Choosing the right Toys, Using toys for Physical and Mental Stimulation

The Value of Toys

People tend to underestimate the value of toys and play for their companion animals.

Toys -- the right toys -- serve a greater purpose than to simply entertain a dog. Thoughtfully chosen toys are not indulgences, but necessities. They're essential equipment for managing, socializing and bringing out the best in your dog.

Playing with appropriate toys ...

* Safely occupies the dog's paws, jaws and mind

* Channels pent-up physical and mental energy into something productive instead of destructive

* Gives the dog "legal" items to play with, distracting the dog from off-limits items such as shoes, plants and knickknacks (however, it is still wise and fair to put such items out of your dog's reach when you cannot supervise him, otherwise he may eventually be tempted to give novel items a chew)

* Reduces stress

* Alleviates boredom and loneliness

* Distracts and engages dogs who are prone to separation anxiety

* Provides jaw exercise necessary in the physical development of puppies and young dogs

* Provides environmental enrichment when dogs are confined or otherwise left alone

* Even helps prevent many behavioral problems

* In addition, you can use access to toys as a reward for good behavior, to motivate and reinforce desired behavior during training sessions, and to regain your dog's attention when he is distracted (for example, on walks or in a stressful situation).

What is an appropriate toy?

One that suits the individual dog in terms of appeal and interest, size, safe construction, relative durability and ability to exercise body and mind.

But owner responsibility involves more than shopping. It requires supervision. Nearly any toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your dog's interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your dog can handle without close supervision ... which toys are fine for short periods ... and which toys your pet gets carried away with, and thus should be removed.
 

* Play with your dog. Toys are not a substitute for companionship and interaction with pack members. Make the toys part of your daily interaction, which will strengthen your bond ... give you fun opportunities to reinforce the concept that you are the leader/alpha (by starting and ending the play sessions, for example) ... safely and productively engage your dog's energy so that he's more likely to behave and be calm when you can't be with him ... exercise your dog to maintain and improve her health ... and get some good exercise yourself. Interactive play also helps you socialize pups and mature dogs, and maintain socialization; you have the opportunity to turn playtime into lessons about acceptable and unacceptable behavior with people as well as with other animals. For instance, playtime is a good time for teaching dogs not to jump (you would give your dog his desired toy only when he sits calmly) and to discourage mouthy behavior. Fun games include hide and seek, hide the toy or treat, scavenger hunts (hiding multiple treats around the house), catch and fetch indoors or outside, Frisbee and flyball.

The more energy that you put into teaching your dog to fetch, the less desire he will have to burrow and chew. As the saying goes, "a tired dog is a good dog." In addition, a well-conditioned dog is less likely to develop diseases and joint problems.

Avoid tug-of-war games with dogs who have dominant personalities or if you have leadership issues. Also, avoid wild roughhousing and any form of combative play, which encourages aggressive behavior and can result in injury.

* Use toys as rewards. When teaching your dog new behaviors or retraining to eliminate a bad habit, an appealing toy can be used as a reward for good behavior. You can use a favorite toy to regain your dog's attention on walks, or in place of edible training treats. You can use the toy in socializing a pup or dog, and to help a dog get comfortable with a new person.

* Assemble a variety of safe and stimulating toys for your individual dog.

* Rotate your dog's toys every few days by making only two or three toys available a day. This practice will help each toy maintain its special appeal to your dog. * If you end up with toys your dog can't or won't play with, donate them to a local animal shelter.

* Use toys to promote good manners. Teach your dog to greet you and guests at the door with a toy in her mouth. This gives her something positive to do with her energy, instead of directing it into jumping or other unwanted pestering behaviors.

* No free goodies: instead of just tossing toys and treats on the floor, instruct the dog to do something good and desirable, such as "Sit", and then immediately offer the treat. This enables you to use toys to teach and reinforce good behavior, and dogs are happy to show off their skills. In addition, teach dogs not to grab toys or other items out of your hand.

* Some people dab small amounts of mint mouthwash on the child's toys so that the dog can immediately smell whose toys are whose. If the dog doesn't seem to get the message, dab a small amount of the mouthwash on his nose -- it typically just takes one time. Then the next time the dog encounters the child's toys, he probably will be repelled by the mouthwash scent. Note: some dogs will go for the toys regardless of the unappealing scent and taste.

* Check your dog's teeth regularly. You should brush your dog's teeth daily or at least every other day, which will give you the opportunity to check for any undesirable dental developments. We occasionally hear about dog owners who suddenly notice cracked or worn-down teeth and jump to the conclusion the problem stemmed from a particular toy. However, dental problems result from a variety of factors, from poor early or ongoing nutrition, genetics, accidents or injury, rough play or fighting with another dog, chomping on hard or rough objects. Don't wait until damage suddenly becomes obvious. Supervise your dog, get to know early on about his chewing habits, limit his access to certain toys if he tends to chew too vigorously for too long, remember to choose the right size and kind of toys for your individual dog, notice if his chewing habits change, brush his teeth daily, and examine his gums regularly.

Stuffed toys. Plush and other soft toys tend to be better in the paws of gentle dogs than in the jaws of voracious chewers and dogs with considerable prey drives, who tend to tear open the items and pull out the stuffing and any embedded squeakers. The stuffing and especially the squeakers can pose choking hazards. They can last years or nanoseconds depending on the dog, and can be used for toss and retrieve sessions as well as carrying around, nuzzling and pure comfort. Some are now covered in berber and other tougher fabric for enhanced durability.

Talking toys. Good for lonely, gentle dogs, these include the Look Who's Talking series of plush toys. Dogs with high prey drive may be prone to pulling these toys apart.

Vinyl toys. As with soft stuffed toys, some dogs will play nice with them -- and others will quickly reduce them to pieces. Wash them with warm soapy water from time to time. Don't give them to dogs who might pull or tear them apart. This isn't a good habit to encourage.