Some people use rawhide chew toys instead, but these can easily create choking hazards as your dog chews off smaller bits of the rawhide, so hard rubber toys can offer a safer option. [4] X Expert Source Jaimie ScottDog Owner Trainer Expert Interview. 16 June 2020. [5] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Tennis balls are also a common active toy option. Keep your eye on your dog with tennis balls, though, and discard them as soon as your dog chews through it to prevent any choking hazards. [6] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Nylabone and Kong are two common brands of durable, active toys for dogs. [7] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source If you buy rope or fabric toys, put them away as soon as playtime is done. If you leave them out, your dog may chew on them and swallow the pieces. [8] X Expert Source Jaimie ScottDog Owner Trainer Expert Interview. 16 June 2020.

“Busy-box” toys are another popular option in this category. These hard rubber spheres and cubes allow you to place treats inside, which your dog can only reach by moving the toy around to make the treats fall out. [10] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

Though not technically soft toys, bubbles also make great “kill” toys for dogs. Blow some bubbles, and if your dog likes them, it will pounce and bite at them playfully. Just make sure you purchase pet-safe bubble brands in case the dog manages to ingest some of the mix or if one of the bubbles bursts right next to your dog’s eyes. [12] X Research source Soft toys with squeakers in them are very common “kill” toys since your dog will often shake it around trying to get the squeaking portion out of the toy. [13] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Ensure that you keep a close on your dog around these toys and throw away the squeakers and loose stuffing to prevent choking hazards. [14] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

Try to keep at least one toy to roll, one to comfort, one to “kill,” and one to carry/chew in the rotation. [16] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Dogs often have a very favorite in the “comfort” toy category—one that your dog babies. This is often a mainstay in the toy rotation that you can leave with your dog all the time. [17] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

It will obviously take time to teach your dog the commands. Use positive reinforcement and treats to teach the commands. For instance, have a treat ready in one hand when you say, “Drop it. ” Repeat the command but don’t provide the treat until your dog releases the tug toy. [24] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source After several times, your dog will begin associating the phrase and obeying even without the treat. Contrary to popular belief, it’s okay to let your dog win at tug sometimes. It’s an especially good tactic to help your dog develop confidence when it comes to play time, and it does not automatically make your dog think of itself as the pack leader. Keep the tug toy at waist height or below so as not to encourage your dog to jump up on your or others. [25] X Research source

If your dog initially has trouble understanding that you want it to chase the object, then start teaching your dog fetch by playing a game of tug where you toss the tug object a foot or two away. Your dog will still grab it at this distance, and you can slowly increase the distance until it turns into fetch. [27] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source While sticks are the stereotypical object with which to play fetch outside, they can actually cut your dog’s mouth or cause other injuries. Use dog-safe toys instead. You can even use soft, stuffed toys for indoor games of fetch. [28] X Research source This is also a great source of exercise for dogs that doesn’t have to wear you out at the same time, and by changing up the direction, distance, and height at which your throw the toy, you can keep your dog engaged in the play for a long time. [29] X Research source

Use the “Stay” command to stop your dog from following you as you hide. If your dog doesn’t yet know the “Stay” command, this is a great game to help teach it, or you can simply have someone else hold the dog still while you hide and let go as soon as you call for the dog. [31] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Choose very easy hiding spots as you teach your dog the game, and find progressively harder ones as the dog gets the hang of how to play. Once your dog is a pro, you will be able to hide completely out of sight, forcing the dog to use its sense of smell to locate you. [32] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source

These fun gatherings test both the owner and dog’s ability to work as a team to navigate these objects and walks in a competition against other owners and dogs.