How To Choose Toys for Dogs

How To Choose Toys for Dogs

HuggleHounds® HuggleFleece Person Toy

How to choose the perfect toys for your dog? Toys aren't just fun and games, they're an essential part of your dog's daily life. Dog toys help relieve boredom, reduce stress, channel excess energy, reward curiosity, offer comfort, prevent problem behaviors, provide mental and physical stimulation, and calm anxieties. So let's play!

What to you look for in buying a dog toy:

Size matters. If a toy's too small, your large dog could swallow it. Too large, and your small dog will find it difficult to handle. Many of our toys are offered in multiple sizes to help you make the right choice.

Personality matters, too. Is your dog a lethal toy-shredder or a gentle nurturer? One is best matched with a tough, nearly indestructible toy; the other a cuddly plush pal.

Age and activity levels are other considerations. Is your dog a voracious teething puppy, a frisky adolescent, or a sedate senior? Every dog deserves playthings that reflect and reward its stage in life.

Safety is key. Look for toys made in the USA that are nontoxic, phthalate-free and BPA-free. Watch out for attached eyes, buttons or trims that your dog could chew off and ingest. Choose soft fabrics that are easy on your dog's mouth and can be machine-washed.

Still not sure exactly what your dog would put into the shopping cart? We recommend offering a variety of playthings, then observe which ones become your dog's special favorites. Our extensive, ever-changing selection of high-quality toys in all sizes, shapes, colors and types will make choosing fun!

Ball Toys

The quintessential dog toy, balls are fun to bounce, spin, toss, roll, chase, catch and chew.For added excitment, there are balls that float, balls that conceal treats, balls that wobble and balls that make noise.

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Plush Toys

Many dogs enjoy carrying their cuddly companions around and snuggling with them at naptime, while others are intent on ripping the stuffing out of them! If your dog is an aggressive chewer, look for understuffed or stuffing-free toys. While no toy is indestructible, our popular assortment of toys with Tuffut Technology™ prolong playtime with extra-durable reinforced seams and tough liners that can withstand over 100 lbs. of tugging.

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Squeaker Toys

Squeakers add a fun element of surprise that dogs find captivating. Some toys have multiple squeakers for added “sound bites,” while endless-squeaker toys–essentially one long squeaker–emit a satisfying sound no matter where your dog chomps. Crackly touches of crinkle are also fascinating to dogs, and knotted limbs provide an attractive gnawing alternative to your shoe or phone.

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Tugging Toys

Did someone say tug-of-war? When choosing a toy for tugging, look for comfort (your hand, the dog's mouth) and durable construction that can stand up to repeated pulling. Tough, puncture-resistant nylon or natural rubber toys are good choices for energetic dogs.

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Food-Dispensing Toys

Fun and rewarding, treat-fillable toys keep dogs happily occupied for hours, figuring out how to access the kibble, cheese or peanut butter you've tucked inside. Making dogs work for their treats and eat them slowly also aids in digestion and weight control.

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