Dog Toys Do's and Don’ts

When considering toys, there is far more to consider than cuteness. Safety is everything, but, safety doesn't stop with just the toys you buy. Puppies will consider everything a toy.
 
Dangers to puppies include rubber bands, small toys, small balls, children's toys, poisonous plants, pantyhose, electrical wires, string, and ribbon. Nearly anything that can be swallowed can potentially be harmful to your pet, if not fatal.

What you want to do is find toys that are going to help your puppy get through chewing stages as well as into adult stages. Before running out to get a lot of one thing, try one or two out to see what your dog actually likes before investing in more.

Your puppy is going to want to chew as a puppy. You want in-destructive toys such as Kongs, rubber bones, and puppy teething toys.

DO NOT'S
• Do not give your dog anything with vinyl as that is toxic. Yes, there are vinyl toys out there. Steer away from them.

• Do not give your dogs rope toys or toys that have a string on them. This ends up in a puppies or adults tummy and it is not good for them.

• Be mindful of rawhide chews. Some break off and become lodged in the puppies or dogs' throat. They can also cause issues if a child handles them.

• Do not give stuffed animals intended for a child that might have button eyes or other harmful objects that could be chewed off and swallowed.

• Do not give small balls. Keep the tennis ball size since small ones tend to get lodged in a pup's or adult's throat.

As an adult doodle, you will find that they prefer to carry a toy around and not play with it. You will want to get several dog stuffies for them to carry. Your doodle will more than likely find your socks, t-shirts, mail, or anything in close proximity to him or her. Be ready to exchange it from their mouth with one of their toys. Nothing is sacred. Be mindful that the toys that they carry around, will need to be washed perhaps once a week due to excessive slobber from holding them in their mouths. Provide a toy bowl or basket for all of your pup’s belongings and teach to get from there.