The Artful Canine TImes Newletter - April 2009: Indoor Dog Toys, Current Events, Summer Dog Care, etc.

The mission seems pretty simply, right? You’ve got a new dog or puppy and want to get them some playthings so that when you are out or otherwise occupied, your dog will be too – in a non-destructive kind of way. Once in the pet store you become overwhelmed by all the choices, and realize that finding a safe, durable, and fun dog toy is tougher than you thought.

I can't tell you how many $5, $10 and even $20 dollar bills I have piddled away in search of the "perfect" toy. There's a few that I buy and eventually have to replace, and considering the many hours of fun they bring my dogs and I, it's worth it. So I suggest you view your dog toys like your kids toys - they will break, they will become boring, and you will go through many!

Take for example, squeaky toys. We go through a lot of these in our house. The primary problem lies in the squeaker, and the encasement for the squeaker I’ve found that toys with a nylon or canvas stuffed encasement usually lasts longer than the furry or stretchy ones. It may be because the stretchy ones are easy to tear, where nylon/canvas are taut and harder to tear. I swear by the Dirty Rotten Kitty line …. I bought two for my Mini Schnauzers two years ago (example at left below) and we still have them. Sure, they have to chew a bit to hear the squeaker, but they actually still squeak!

We tend to play with rubber squeaky toys like balls indoors – I throw them and the dogs fetch (and play hard to get). They also will withstand some tug-o-war play. I would not encourage tug-o-war play with these toys and bigger dogs because they won't last more than a few days. Some of the bigger nylon stuffed toys will satisfy the chewing need of many bigger dogs. Kong brand is also a bit longer lasting than others for big doggies. The squeaky toy pictured above (far right) is a Kong brand and pretty durable.

For general play and price, tennis balls can’t be beat. Even if you have to replace them once a month, that's only $1! The only problem is that they always end up under a couch, table, bookcase, etc. and most dogs will not let up until a ball is retrieved and put back into play. I recently bought a rubber ball with sherpa on it (pictured above) thinking the sherpa would keep it from rolling under things. It actually worked, but the sherpa started peeling off in a matter of days. But easy fix - I glued it back on, and the dogs are happy again.

I guess the point of this little story is first, lower your expectations on the life expectancy of the toys you buy your dog. There is no such thing as toy that lasts forever. Second, look for toys that will provide play and exercise that both you and your dog will enjoy. After all, dog toys were designed for dogs and their humans!