The basic rules of thumb when choosing the right dog toys is know the goal you are trying to accomplish. From here, the next step is understanding your breed’s behavior while taking into account the breed size. Once you have this information, the choices are endless.

Dog toys play an important role in your dogs overall well being; one of the most important is controlling anxiety. All dogs suffer from some degree of separation anxiety. Although we cannot stop the necessities of life such as going to work and running errands, we can help our canine family members cope.

The best method of helping your dog cope with anxiety is by keeping their mind focused and active. Boredom is one of the major contributors to anxiety, which for too many dog owners manifests into destructive behavior. To avoid or eliminate this bad behavior have a healthy supply of dog toys for your dog to keep occupied.

If your dog is a heavy chewer, that is, he/she can tear apart plush dog toys in minutes then perhaps a Kong dog toys or Indestructible dog toys is the best alternative. Kong dog toys filled with peanut butter and then frozen will give your dog hours of focus; there is even an extreme Kong for those breeds that seem to chew through anything.

As indestructible dog toys go the one we found to hold up to the claim “Indestructible,” is from Huck. This brand of dog toys is an indestructible ball which when tossed bounces in different directions each and every time it lands on the ground giving your dog plenty to focus on. Both the Huck indestructible dog toy and the Kong are made from natural materials and are non-toxic.

Plush dog toys are by far the most popular toy on the market. Most are safe if your dog happens to rip out the stuffing but you should read the label to ensure no toxic chemicals are present. The benefit to plush dog toys is that they are machine washable so if your dog likes to slobber all over the toy you can add it to the wash and it’s as good as new.

There are stuffing free versions to plush dog toys that are beginning to make a presence in the dog toy market. These toys are great if your dog’s primary goal is tearing out the stuffing living it behind. They also make a prefect tool in training hunting dogs.

Balls and Frisbees are great toys for dogs that enjoy playing fetch. These dog toys come in several varieties so choose wisely, that is small dog, small dog toys. Playing fetch with a large dog and small ball could have disastrous consequences if they swallow the ball whole and it lodges in their throat.

Have several dog toys available for your dog to play with, occupy their time, and focus their mind. Doing so will relieve anxiety, boredom, and the destructive behavior they accompany.  Like their human companions, variety is the spice of life for your dog, having an assortment of dog toys equals a happier well-rounded dog.

by Remarkable Dogs

Every dog owner knows that dogs love to chew; leave him or her to their own whims they will chew just about anything. Have you ever returned home from work or from an errand to find your favorite pair of shoes in pieces or the edge of the couch shredded? If the answer is yes then perhaps it is time to invest in some dog toys.

Pet toys do more than just entertain your dog; they keep his/her mind occupied. Most dog breeds suffer from some level of separation anxiety. The way your dog demonstrates that anxiety is chewing, having a toy available, or if you’re like many dog owners, several toys around will relieve stress and boredom.

Recently, there has been concern that some dog toys are toxic to both your family and your dog. If you have, any pet toys made from vinyl or PVC you should replace them immediately. Both contain toxic chemicals and quite possibly lead. How can you tell if the toy is vinyl? Take a whiff if it smells like vinyl it most likely is. In buying new pet toys, check with the manufacture for more information if in doubt or choose another toy with a clearly marked label.

With the variety of pet toys on the market today, making a safe choice can be the ease part; determining which kind to buy is another matter. If your dog is a moderate chewer then a plush dog toy is a good choice. Most are machine washable and keeping several around rotating as needed is a great way to keep them clean.

Squeaker toys are also a good choice for the moderate chewer as long as the noise does not bother you. The noise of the squeaker helps to keep your dog’s mind offer an anxiety trigger and focused on the business of having fun. Although not machine washable, some dog owners have used the dishwasher to keep these pet toys clean.

If you have a heavy chewer or your dog suffers from severe dog anxiety then a more durable dog toy is in order. While a dog toy for the severe anxiety suffer will never replace your attention, keeping a variety of tough dog toys around will help to relieve some of the stress.

For the heavy chewer there are really two options for dog owners; buy cheap dog toys knowing that your dog will destroy them in a matter of days or tough dog toys like knotted ropes. If cheap dog toys are your choice, make sure to buy only those with clearly marked labels. The stuffing on the inside as well as the exterior material should be made of a natural substance. If you see the word “phthalates” then the toy is toxic. Phthalates, used in plastics keep them flexible and durable.

Dog toys play an important role in your dog’s life from temperament to well being. Look at the pet toys in your collection, if you cannot identify whether you have a toxic dog toy then replace them with new organic dog toys. Organic dog toys are toys such as a rope toy made from natural jute, organic cotton in plush dog toys and others made of wool materials. These toys are rather inexpensive, priced from $3.99 to about $15 dollars.

Whether you buy your pet toys on-line or from your local pet store read the labels and choose the very best dog toys for your four-legged family member. Realizing the significance pet toys present to your dog’s overall well being and happiness it is our responsibility as dog owners to provide the safest environment for our dogs.