First are toys designed for the dog to play with, under the owner's supervision. Latex or vinyl toys, often with squeakies or bells inside; soft, cuddly plush toys; and such things as tennis balls, Booda ropes, or frisbees fall into this category. These toys are ideal for owners to play games with the dog...e.g. 'fetch', 'find it', etc. Games that involve toys are also an excellent way to reward good behaviour in training sessions.
The second group includes the 'heavy duty' stuff...things like Kongs; Nyla Bones; hard, solid rubber balls, and maybe rawhides, hooves and pig ears. These are what I consider 'stress relievers' and are ideal in easing separation anxiety, or just plain boredom when the dog is left alone.
MY DOG HAS EVERY TOY IMAGINABLE TO PLAY WITH WHEN WE LEAVE HIM, YET, HE INEVITABLY FINDS SOMETHING TO DAMAGE IN OUR ABSENCE. SHOES, FURNITURE, DRYWALL...YOU NAME IT, HE'S TRIED IT!
Have you ever noticed how it's usually the kid with the most toys on the block that seems to get into the most trouble? Instead of providing the whole 'toy box', try leaving him only one or two at a time. Alternate these 'stress relieving' toys...e.g. a Kong and a pig ear one day, a Nyla Bone and a hard rubber ball another day, a rawhide and a cow hoof on still another day. Keep it interesting!
MY DOG'S FAVORITE TOY IS HIS 'ROPE'. HE LOVES TO PLAY TUG-O-WAR. ANY HARM IN THIS GAME?
Plenty! Apart from possibly wrecking his teeth, you are encouraging him to bite. Since the toy is an extension of your hand, many excitable dogs forget where the rope ends and flesh begins. The greatest drawback to this game is the dog learning that he is stronger than the human at the end of the rope. No dog should ever be allowed to discover this fact. This is one game that is definitely not for the large powerful or dominant dogs of any size.
MY DOG REFUSES TO GIVE UP HER TOY AFTER I'VE TOSSED IT. HOW CAN I TEACH HER TO BE LESS POSSESSIVE?
First, do not get involved in a tugging contest (see previous question). Get out a treat, hold it under the dog's nose and say 'thank you' or 'drop it'. When the dog opens her mouth for the treat, the toy should fall into your waiting hand. Praise lavishly with 'good dog'. Eventually, she should respond to the command alone.
Provide safe, rugged chewables, but no more than a couple, and be sure to rotate the selection. Try rubbing your scent on the toy before leaving (in a calm, matter of fact manner). Fill a Kong with dry kibble, broken biscuit, or rub the inside with peanut butter or cheese whiz. The idea is to keep him working at the toy. Hard rubber balls must be large enough that the dog can not swallow them. Do not leave 'chew ropes' when the dog is left alone. The dog should be supervised with this type of toy. Dogs love the feel of tennis balls. Just be sure not to toss them for a dog that might swallow one. They also love the feel of prickly rubber toys such as 'hedge hogs' or 'porcupines'. Be sure to throw out latex toys that become chewed; watch for bells and squeakies that could be swallowed. Rotate the toys you toss to your dog to keep his interest up. Instead of always offering a treat for 'a job well done' after a training exercise, try a toy instead. If the dog appears to be bored with training or finds learning something new stressful, nothing works better than playing a game with him using a favorite toy.
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