Dog Toys: Good versus Awful

Who do you think the Pet Store commercials on TV are there for? I can assure you its not for your dog to stare and bark at (but if you are having that problem you need to call, TV time is for relaxing, its not for Fido to try and jump through the screen). The commercials are meant for you, to suck you in and believe that your beloved four legged friend will love you more if you buy them more toys. Well, it's all crap. That being said, if you are going to spoil your dog (and come on we both know you are going to spoil your dog) at least do so in a way that does not promote unwanted behaviors! There are good toys, and there are toys that are just, well, awful.

​The worst possible dog toys are, wait for it.... plush stuffed animal toys. Dogs need to chew there is no doubt about it, but they don't need to chew a pillow shaped like an elephant. Don't forget, that stuffed elephant is made out of the same materials that your pillow, blankets, socks, towels and so on are made out of. Your pup knows how things feel in his/her mouth, and if we condition our young dogs to chew plush materials, don't be surprised when your pillow is "destuffed" and when the elephant has been decapitated

Old Shoes are not a dog toy, they are old shoes. One day you notice your dog chewing and old slipper that you don't "really like" anyway and decide that its okay. The next day, your dog chews your new $150 shoe and your pissed. Be consistent with your dogs from day 1, it makes for an easier understanding of your rules and boundaries!

​Socks with a water bottle placed inside. I do Love your DIY creativity, but this teaches your dog to chew socks and water bottles, and its just not fun trying to untrain your dog to do so.


​Good Toys:

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