Dogs are in constant need of stimulation, whether they are taking on a self-appointed job, looking for playtime, or just sitting and watching the world go by. Dogs have brains capable of thinking, but they tend to spend more time reacting. When you’re in control of the stimulation your dog receives, you are better equipped to provide them with a safer, happier, and healthier environment. Chew toys are a necessary part of providing stimulation to keep them from seeking it out on their own. We all know how well dogs tend to find their own stimulation!
Choosing the Right Chew Toys for Your Dog
When selecting chew toys for dogs, a few factors can make your purchase more valuable. For instance, if your dog has an excessive amount of energy, you’ll want to keep a variety of challenging “thinking” toys on hand. These toys are usually designed with one or more hidden treats inside, allowing them to work at retrieving their own reward. Don’t give them free access to these toys. Instead, choose one to give for a week and then alternate it with another the following week. While exercise is necessary for a dog’s daily life, you will tire out their excess energy faster and more satisfyingly by challenging their ever-evolving brain.
All dogs can benefit from these thought-provoking toys. In fact, toys that encourage a dog to use its reasoning skills have consistently earned accolades from dog-friendly groups and associations. Not to mention, dogs themselves give them high ratings, as evidenced by their intense interest in these specially designed toys.
Interactive Chew Toys for Dogs
Interactive chew toys for dogs are another favorite. The more your dog can get you to engage with them through play, the more you have the chance not only to exercise your authority but also reward them for good behavior. Whether they’re racing for a squeaky toy or bounding after an indestructible ball, always provide a command to follow before giving in to their requests. This is a great way to maximize the benefits of the chew toy while interacting positively. Never play tug-of-war with your dog unless you’ve trained them to let you win every time. Until your dog responds reliably to a “drop it” command, playing tug-of-war can set you up for failure and allow your dog to assume dominance, at least momentarily.
Safety Concerns and Choosing Durable Toys
There are numerous chew toys on the market with mixed reviews. Some reviews are accurate, while others aren’t as reliable. The basic rule of thumb is simple: if your dog is likely to break off small bits, there is a choking hazard. This naturally means that many super-crunchy chew toys aren’t entirely safe. However, we could make the same argument about gum for humans—it’s a choking hazard, but many people chew it every day without choking. Rawhides, for instance, have a fairly high incidence of choking, but most of these incidents occurred during unsupervised sessions. Had a human been nearby to intervene, most of those dogs would still be safe. Ingesting anything that isn’t food can be unhealthy for any animal, and rawhides are no exception. There are risks of rawhide pieces becoming stuck in the digestive tract. While we do use rawhides for our dogs, we only offer them during supervised sessions and on special occasions—about three times a year.
There are plenty of other chew toys that are considered safer. However, what’s a great chew toy for one dog might not work for another, as each dog’s personality plays a role in toy selection. For example, if your dog is a perpetual de-squeaker, toys that squeak are likely to be shredded (and ingested) quickly. This would be a waste of money as the toy won’t last long. After all, no one enjoys a toy that’s destroyed within an hour.
Some chew toys are designed with durability in mind, making them nearly impossible for your dog to shred, tear, or mutilate. While these toys might not be as fun for a dog who loves to destroy their toys, most dogs respond well to toys that offer a continuous challenge. The fun lasts longer when they don’t win immediately. If you have a “destroyer” on your hands, you might want to try these more durable chew toys.
Homemade Chew Toys: Proceed with Caution
There are also plenty of household items that seem like good alternatives for chew toys—stuffed socks, junk mail, and even empty paper towel tubes can be fun for Fido. While we are guilty of the occasional paper towel tube shredding session, homemade toys are generally not a good idea. Without proper research, you can’t be sure which items might cause negative behavior (how can you get mad at a dog chewing your socks if you allowed them to play with them in the first place?) or pose an unknown health threat.
When selecting chew toys for dogs, always try them out in a controlled and well-supervised environment. Check the fun factor and the safety factor before stocking up on similar toys. Make sure that your toy selection meets both your safety requirements and your dog’s need for fun.
