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How to Know What Dog Toys to Buy?

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Theon Squires

Some may consider that buying a dog whistle or dog toys is a simple affair. Yes, it might be simpler than other purchases you make for your pet, but knowing what you are buying and how you should choose the items is important. That’s because anything you buy for your dog from a store has some risks. So, ensuring you don’t put your pups’ life in danger is very important.

Why Are Dog Toys Important?

Dogs love to play. From big dogs to smaller ones and from puppies to full-grown pooches, they enjoy playing around with their owners, other dogs, and sometimes even by themselves. But for that, they need the right things to play with. Many dog owners may think an old sock or a tennis ball is enough to keep their dogs entertained. Although that might be true for some dogs, it doesn’t apply to all. And if they don’t get something to keep them busy and happy, they might switch from old socks and tennis balls to chewing on new shoes and expensive furniture. That’s not a risk you should take for a few bucks.

The main reason why dog toys are important is that it gives your dog something to play with. Sure, that might sound a bit redundant, but when you think about it goes deeper than just words. For dogs, playing isn’t just about throwing things and bringing them back. It’s about a lot of other things that dog owners may not even be aware of. Toys help them develop their instincts. This way, they can improve their protective characteristics without causing any damage to your home. For dogs playing is also about building up force and showing dominance. That’s why they will play tug with anyone that wants to, even other dogs. This is how they show their strength to others and demonstrate their capability.

Also, dog toys are important because they offer emotional support to dogs. That sounds weird to some, but it makes a lot of sense. Dogs are usually packed animals. They are growing up in a family that is not exactly like you may be difficult. Some dogs may have difficulty adapting to their families, especially if they aren’t brought in when they are young. So a toy, or better yet toys, is precisely what they need. Toys serve as surrogates for a pack. This way, they can have something that belongs to the ad that they can control safely. Dogs will tend to have favorite toys, depending on how they make them feel. They will pick toys that comfort them and make them feel safe. So to have a well-emotionally adjusted pup, you should consider buying him some toy friends.

How to Know What Dog Toys to Buy?

When buying dog toys, one should know a few things before spending any money on them. Firstly, these toys have to be chosen by age and functionality. You can buy squeaky toys for a mature Great Dane, and that’s because there’s always the risk that they might accidentally swallow it and choke on it. So you have to ensure that the toys are appropriate for the dog’s age and size. Older dogs may require more durable toys to use them more roughly. On the other hand, Puppies may need toys made of softer materials that can help them with teething or amuse them when playing with them.

Another thing any dog owner should consider when buying dog toys is the materials they are made of. That’s because cheaper toys may contain fabrics, materials, or dyes that can harm dogs if it gets in their mouths or eyes. That doesn’t mean there aren’t cheaper toys on the market that are perfect for certain dogs. Ropes or hard rubber balls are among these products. But those who want to go to the high-end part of the pet store should look for toys that don’t have any pieces that can break off easily and create a choking hazard. Also, they should try and look for all-natural dyes and toys made from natural materials. This way, even if the poor pup gets any in his system, it can easily pass without causing too much damage.

Can These Toys Be a Good Gift for A Dog Owner?

Yes. They are ideal to be given as gifts to people that own and love dogs. Provided that you know what their dogs like and what they allow them to play with. That’s because not all owners allow their dogs to play with toys. So you should ensure you get to know both owner and dog before buying anything.

When Should One Use a Dog Whistle?

Everybody has heard of a dog whistle and knows it is used to call on a trained dog. But knowing when exactly to use it can take time to figure out. For instance, many will use them on untrained dogs and blow in them for a very long time. They don’t work that way. All you do when using it that way is scare your dog and make him anxious because he doesn’t know what you want him to do. That’s why it is important to use the whistle after the dog has been properly trained or while training him. Also, using short bursts is more effective than long whistles.

Another thing anyone wanting to use a dog whistle should know is to refrain from using it in crowded places where untrained dogs might be. Many people use them at dog parks, usually to call their dog back or to get his attention to play or train. But that also means that other dogs in the area can hear it, and that can make them nervous. You may end up with a whole pack charging at you, looking for the source of the sound, or at least a choir of howling and barking from those unfamiliar with the whistle. That’s why you should always ensure you know how and where to use that whistle properly.  

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Theon Squires
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