Toys are GOOD for your dog

Did you know that dog toys are actually good for your dog, and not just an indulgence on the part of the owner?

There are all kinds of uses for different types of toys.

First, starting as puppies, toys give your dog a distraction from other would-be toys like your couch or your favorite pair of shoes.

My dogs all love ropes. Every single one of them that has ever had one played with them until they were tiny pieces of thread.

Ropes serve a couple of great purposes, in addition to keeping your dog from chewing your house up like termites.

First, it's great bonding for you and the dog if you engage in a good game of tug-og-war. It also helps them exercise. Our dog Sadie is one big mass of muscles. When we play with the rope, she uses her entire body to try to get it away and you can just see all of her muscles flexing. She's a Black Lab and has the most beautiful, sleek black coat.

Rope dog toys also help keep their teeth clean. Who wants to have a dog with teeth problems? I mean, you really don't want to go into that pointy landmine when your dog is in pain and irritable, do you?

Like people, dogs are comforted by familiarity. So dog toys that they know and love are great travel companions. They help give your dog a little extra comfort when you're away from home or take a vacation with your dog.

Here are some tips to consider when buying dog toys:

Make sure they do not have small, choking parts. Dogs are like babies here, they put it in their mouth and can choke. They don't know Heimlich!

Don't get realistic looking toys like, say, shoes or food. You don't want them thinking that your shoes are toys or that hot dog sitting on the counter is really his toy.

Don't buy too many toys. Rotate the ones they already have. I do this with my kids too and it works great. It's like getting new toys all over again.

Tina Spriggs Editor of Dog Lovers Newsletter http://www.dog-gifts-and-toys-for-dog-lovers .com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Dog Pile - Please Pick It Up

I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More

Crate Training Dogs: The Right Way and the Wrong Way - Part Two

Part2: Does your puppy want to be crate trained?Yes! in... Read More

You Can Help Reduce the Number of Unwanted Cats - Spaying and Neutering of Cats

Every year, hundreds of thousands of cats and kittens are... Read More

Horse Training Creativeness: The 5th Of 6 Keys To Developing A Partnership With Your Horse

The 6 Keys To Building A Life Long Partnership With... Read More

Disaster Preparedness for Pets - A Guide for Pet-Care Business Professionals

June is Disaster Preparedness for Pets month ? but if... Read More

How To Stop Your Cat Scratching Your Furniture - Forever!

Your cat scratching at your furniture can not only leave... Read More

What Should I Make My Snake Cage From?

What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More

Chinchillas As Pets

You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More

Are You Listening To Your Cat Talking?

Is your cat talking to you?Many cat lovers claim that... Read More

Westies Puppies - How to Prepare for Your Westie Puppy

Just like when you bring home a new baby, you... Read More

Dog Safety: How to Keep Your Pups Safe From Loss or Theft

According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs... Read More

How to Make Your Cats Life, and YOUR Life, Happier - Training Your Cat

Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More

Why Should We Get Kittens as Pets?

Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More

Dogs and Old Age, How To Care For Your Aging Canine

Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More

The Joy Of Having Puppies!

One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More

What About a Newfoundland Dog

Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show... Read More

Your Dogs Health; Why Dog Breath is No Laughing Matter

Your dogs health is important to you. You show her... Read More

Herbs For Your Dog

Herbology, basically, is the use of herbs in the treatment... Read More

Two Tails Are Better Than One

Training one dog can be hard enough, but two, now... Read More

Flea Control

Last summer, we added a new pet to our family... Read More

The Beauty of Boxer Dogs

Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More

Tips For Keeping Your Pug Happy And Healthy

Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More

The Case AGAINST Raw Frozen Pet Foods

For some 25 years I have alerted the public to... Read More

Orthopedic Dog Beds

Many people consider their dog to be part of their... Read More

Antibiotics? I Think Not

Have you noticed that doctors are now being much more... Read More

Lets Get Clear On Proper Dog Care

Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More

Life with the Rat Terriers

I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More

Does Your Dog Have Allergies?

Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More

Dog Training ? Early Training Is Essential

Dogs are a fantastic edition to any family but like... Read More

Caring For Your Pomeranians Teeth

Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More

Aquarium Supplies Part 1 -- My First Experience With Bettas

Keeping fish as pets takes more than just feeding them... Read More

7 Simple Ways To Safe Guard Your Dog This Summer!

If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More

Cold Weather Pet Care

As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More