At Rural Paws, entertaining dogs is our bread and butter. We know that some toys are excellent boredom busters, while others are essential training tools. But we also appreciate that spending money on a toy that yields an uninterested sniff or gets instantly destroyed is frustrating! Because many of our Tauranga dog daycare customers have queries over dog toys, we created this guide to helping your select the best toys for your pooch.
Find the right sized toys
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and so too should their toys. As a rule of thumb, choose toys that your pup can comfortably carry it in their mouth while not so small that they may swallow it. Because we only host small dogs are our dog daycare, you won’t find any extra-large ropes, Kongs or tennis balls here, although these are great option if you have a bigger dog at home.
Variety is key
Toys aren’t just a bit of fun, they also offer the all-important mental stimulation your pooch craves. Just like a toddler getting sick of his train set, dogs get bored if they are expected to play with the same few toys over and over again.
It’s best to have handful of toys that provide different types of play and rotate through your selection. Offer the tunnel one day followed by a knotted rope or rubber ducky the next. At our doggy daycare in Tauranga, while they all have their favourites, every dog craves some variety.
Supervised toys
Be mindful that some dog toys are only appropriate under your watchful eye. You’ll need to supervise play with squeaker toys, for instance, as your pup won’t be able to resist trying to extract that squeaker. And while many dogs love plush toys, they are best played with under supervision lest they be pulled to bits. It’s a good idea to monitor your dog while playing with any food-stuffed toys, too. Once the food is all gone, they’ll still look for more, which can often end in yet another destroyed toy.
Homemade dog toys
Don’t be put off by the high price tag of dog toys at your local pet shop. While there are many flashy and expensive products on the market, here at dog daycare, we love the humble homemade toy. String some fleece through a door mat, make your own t-shirt rope toy or slice a tennis ball and stuff it with treats. There are heaps of ways to enrich your pup’s life, and these toys are sustainable, fun and cheap!
Interactive toys
For young pups or highly energetic dogs, keeping them stimulated with interactive toys is essential. There are some great interactive dog mats on the market, but frisbees, ropes and ball launchers will also do the trick.
The ‘other dog’ toy
Toys are important, but nothing can compare to playing with others! Give your pup utter joy by sending them to a Tauranga dog daycare where they can socialise with, bark at and chase other dogs. If you’re looking for a doggy daycare, look no further than our Welcome Bay dog retreat.
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