6 Types of Toys Every Dog Should Have to Play With

Dogs Just Want to Have Fun

Every owner knows toys are an important part of a dog's life. While the primary mission of a dog is to be a friend and a companion, there are certain times when a dog's mind is not occupied with a human. During this time, dogs usually look for distractions, like chewing on and playing with anything within their reach.

For these reasons, it is essential to draw the attention of a dog towards harmless toys, fulfilling their fun and chewing needs during the day and, possibly, night. The choice of toys for our canine friends is almost infinite, tending to every aspect of dog instinct and developing positive behavioral patterns.

The best way to know what to toys to buy for your dog is by following a 10-toy rule: every dog has to have at least 10 toys at its disposal, and they all need to be different. It might seem like a lot for one dog, but the happiness and health of your pet will be completely worth it, and the dog will never be bored.

In addition, the cost of these toys will easily cover the potential damages that a dog can do in the house if left without a ‘job’ to do.

It is important to remember, however, that toys do pose a potential threat to a dog's health if eaten. An important aspect of dog safety involves supervising them while playing and ensuring the toys are made of non-toxic materials. With that out of the way, let’s review some of the most popular types of toys every dog owner should buy.

Balls

You can’t go wrong with a good ol’ ball. This toy is in the chasing category, allowing dogs to move around as much as they want. Playing fetch is a favorite for dogs, as it's part of the natural instincts of any canine. The modern market offers a broad variety of balls for dogs, starting with a simple tennis ball and ending with high-tech glowing balls with built-in flashlights.

However, a dog usually doesn’t care what the color, shape and technical characteristics of a ball are. The only thing to consider before buying a ball is the size of the dog.

Tip: The material of tennis balls can harm the teeth and pose a choking hazard, so they should not be considered as the best choice of ball toy.