Dog toys are essential to keep your dog healthy and happy. Dogs are very active and social animals that derive great satisfaction from achieving simple goals and pleasing their owners. Working breeds, like Border Collies, are in even greater need of the kind of satisfaction that can be gained from the right play and toys that are adapted to various play behaviors.
So what are the play behaviors your dog can have and what types of dog toys are appropriate for each type? Active play behaviors include running, jumping, tug of war, and searching for hidden toys. For this type of game, you will want a good selection of balls, knotted ropes, and small brightly colored toys that can be ‘hidden’ under your sofa or in corners. Hunting or baby dog toy behaviors require special toys in which you can hide broken treats or peanut butter. Your dog can work on these toys with his mouth and nose (sometimes for hours) until he has successfully removed all the treats. The comfort needs or agitation behaviors of the prey require soft toys of the appropriate size for the dog. Often times when your dog has “killed” his prey, he will snuggle up to her for a nap.
Provide your dog with variety in her toys. A general rule of thumb for dog toys is “kill”, one for rolling, one for carrying, and one for “baby.” Rotate these toys frequently, although your dog may be attracted to a particular soft “baby” and he will always want to keep that toy close to where he sleeps. Introduce new toys intermittently, one toy at a time. This will give you a chance to check the old ones for loose parts and will keep your dog’s interest at its peak. A fun way to introduce new toys is to play hide and seek. A toy that your dog has found ‘only’ will have more appeal than one that is simply handed to him.
Dog toys engage your dog both mentally and physically. They provide an easy platform for interactive play and stimulate a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from it. Dogs that “play” regularly with their owners and that have adequate toys to entertain them when their owners are not at home demonstrate markedly less destructive behavior are easier to train, and generally lead happier lives.
