Choosing the best dog toy for any activity will lead to success. The toy you choose needs to be safe and suit the purpose. Before I was a professional dog trainer, I never gave any thought to toy selection apart from if a toy appealed to me. Since those days, I’ve created systems and processes for toy selection to benefit my dogs. Picking the wrong toy can set your training back and could be dangerous. Picking the right toy will set you and your dog up for success
In the episode you'll hear:
- The six categories that toys can fit into and the best toys for each.
- About looking at what’s on the end of a tug toy.
- What toys are best, and what toys never to choose for retrieving.
- Why never to play fetch with sticks and not let your dog carry a stick.
- My thoughts on tennis balls that you might not want to hear!
- Toys you can use to exercise your dog.
- How toys for training help educate our dogs.
- Why to consider where you will reward your dog for toy selection.
- What to know about toys that deliver food to your dog and where to use them.
- About toys that are entertainment for dogs.
- How to use toys for enrichment and what to consider about your dog’s safety.
- The toys you can make at home that won’t cost you anything.
Resources:
- Episode 54: Dog Toy Checklist: What’s Good and What to Avoid
- Vlog Post: Retrieve Games
- 4MyMerles Creations
- West Paw Toppl Treat Toys
- Nina Ottosson Puzzle Game Toys
- *Aerobie Sprint Flying Ring
- *Chuckit! Amphibious Bumper
- *Kong Squeezz Stick
- *Jolly Pets Romp-n-Roll Rope Ball
- *iFetch Interactive Ball Launchers for Dogs
- *iDig Digging Toy by iFetch
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Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you!
“Your podcast episode on dog toy selection is incredibly informative, especially in highlighting the importance of choosing toys that suit both safety and purpose. I found your insights on avoiding certain types of toys for retrieving particularly eye-opening, as well as your caution about tennis balls. It’s clear that thoughtful toy selection not only enhances training outcomes but also promotes canine safety and enrichment. I’m curious about your thoughts on how different toys can impact dogs’ behavior and development over time, especially in terms of mental stimulation and physical exercise. Thank you for sharing such valuable expertise!”
OMG that’s a great tug toy with the raspberry on the end.
Wish I wasn’t over two years late to enter. Thanks for your training. My puppy arrives in a month. Busy getting ready and watching a podcast (or three) a day. Thank you.
Enjoyed your video recommending toys. In other episode, nostalgia for the work and teaching of Dr. Yin, also a Bob Bailey, Chicken School graduate.
I am working leave the stick alone. My fire pit makes ask out of them.
Thanks for this episode. I am in recallers right now and doing tiggers module. Trying to explore tugging with my two Goldens
thanks for the thoughtful insights / re choosing dog toys . My dog loves toys ! I am currently working the tugging with my dog / great at home but not so successful in different environments yet .
Loved the ressources your shared too