Importance of dog toys and their role in development

A complete guide to choosing the right toy for your pup

Dog toys

Toys are important for proper mental and physical development of dogs.

Toys are very essential to promote proper mental and physical development in dogs

Role of toys

Dogs hunt for survival.

The instincts of dogs to chase and hunt is still intact though curbed compared to their wild ancestors. This is the reason why they make great fetch players, tug of war experts and escape artists..!!

Why are toys important?

Toys have many roles to play in the complete development of your pup

1. Keeps them engaged

Allows dogs to spend time with themselves

Toys allow dogs to spend time with themselves and not feel the constant need to be around us. This is very important as it builds confidence in them and promotes independent behavior.

2. Tires them out

A tired dog is a stimulated dog

Just the way studying makes our brain tired and allows us to fall asleep, similarly, toys provide our dogs the much needed mental stimulation which tires out their brain.

3. Reduces fear

Toys help reduce fear in uncertain situations like firecrackers or thunderstorms

If your dog is already tired by the time the thunderstorm or fireworks start, he or she is less likely to feel the extreme fear otherwise felt if the dog had pent up energy

4. Increases problem solving behavior

Helps develop the analytical part of the dog's brain

Toys are like block puzzles for our pooches. It promotes critical thinking and problem solving behavior. A small time engagement with a toy is almost equal to a 30 min walk.

5. Helps during lockdown

If you are home, you are at your dog's beck and call.

We may have many friends but our dogs only have their guardians. Therefore, when you are home, it is natural for your pup is natural for your pup to demand your attention. Toys can come in as Godsend in such circumstances.

6. Fun

Toys are fun, not only for the dog, but also for the guardian.

Toys are fun, even if they don’t last more than 5 minutes in our furry friend's hands. But as long a that toy is intact, you can be sure, your fur baby is enjoying himself/herself.

7. Training resources

Toys and treats are facing tough competition in this regard

Whether you are training your puppy to stop puppy biting behavior, or training him or her to adapt to the crate, toys provide a sense of familiarity and home to them. They can also act as distractors which helps during training your pup to stop biting.

8. Encourages good behavior

Toys help us teach dogs, what they can destroy and what they cannot.

If your dog is engaging in unwanted behavior, say 'NO' and call your dog over. When your dog comes to you, reward the behavior with a toy.

9. Increases bonding

Playing with our pups enhances the bond of friendship

Toys build up trust in dogs towards us. Toys have proved to be an asset in training, like in case of playing fetch. It also trains them to communicate with us.

10. Increases social behavior

Helps improve interaction of the dog with guests and other dogs

If your dog does not like visitors, have them offer a toy to your pup. If the dog is presented with the toy by the visitor, it increases the chance of your dog accepting the visitor into your home.

11. Reduces behavioral problems

Prevents destruction of the house in your absence

This is especially important in case of dogs facing separation anxiety. The toys can be used to keep the pup busy while he or she is undergoing training to deal with separation anxiety.

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Hi. I'm Dr. Shruti, and I love writing on everything related to dog care. Welcome to your one-stop destination of dog care. Articles focus on dog care tips, grooming, psychology, training, diseases, and everything dog-related.

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