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Click on any of these Dog toys for more info and let the hours of entertainment begin!
Know the Score…um' Dog Toys that is.
All dogs like to play, especially chase games but these are not necessarily the games you want them to play. Retrieving games are best, giving the dog lots of exercise, without necessarily exhausting you. Balls are good toys and attractive to dogs, but things that bounce erratically, like tennis balls are better. Great for learning how to play fetch. Dogs truly love squeaky toys or any toy that makes a noise when a dog grabs it. This is probably because the noise makes the dog think it has caught an injured animal. Frisbees are the all-time best chasing and retrieving toy BUT you should go for required soft Frisbees. These are made of soft plastic or cloth. Although these don’t go as far, and are not as controllable as the hard plastic flying disks, they are much less likely to damage a dog's mouth and teeth when he snatches it from the air. Unless you are using nylon or hard rubber toys specifically designed for dogs, make sure that the dog does not play with them unsupervised. Some toys fall apart or splinter and can cause choking if swallowed. If the toy looks like it is coming apart replace it. Dogs that go fetch, but don’t bring it back.. Lots of dogs will chase after a ball or other retrieving toy, but when they get it they not only won’t bring it back, but actually run away from you with it when you try to get it back. Actually, the dog has simply taken charge of the game and changed the rules from “fetch” to “tag” or “keep away.” If you want the dog to actually retrieve you must change the game a little so that you are in control. When the toy is thrown, tell the dog, "Take it". As soon as the dog takes the toy in his mouth and looks at you, turn and run in the opposite direction. Most dogs will dash after you to try to catch up. When he gets near, take the toy, give him some praise and a treat, and immediately throw the toy again to keep the game going. Dog boredom and inappropriate chewing These days many of us are busier than ever and leave our dogs completely alone for long periods of time, sometimes for 12 hours or more. Then we come home to find that the dog has been chewing on all our favorite shoes, clothes, furniture legs, wires etc. Then of course it is the dog that gets yelled at, scolded or heaven forbid hit. First off this really isn't fair to a dog, and if you have this busy a lifestyle, and you are thinking about getting a dog, maybe you shouldn't. Other pets may well be more appropriate. Dogs are pack animals by nature; this means that they need companionship and don't like being left alone for long periods. If you are in this scenario perhaps you could ask a neighbor or friend to walk or play with your dog in the middle of the day. If you can afford it, a dog walker is a great idea. The number one cause of inappropriate chewing when you are not home is boredom. At the very least, provide your dogs with good toys to amuse themselves. Many toys can be stuffed with peanut butter or other dog treats. This gives the dog something appropriate to do when you are not around. Another tip is to keep the television or the radio on. Talk radio is thought to be better than music and is soothing to most dogs. Nothing though, can replace human interaction, not even a second dog, which is not a good idea if you don't even have time for the first one. Remember have fun out there the more fun you have the more fun your dog will have and that’s Wicked’ |
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