Think You have Toy Trouble?

Think You’ve Got Toy Trouble?

Never Fear, They’re Always Worth the Price!

One of the chief complaints we hear about dog toys is they don’t last, and people wrongly assume that could make them a waste of money. Below are a few of the many reasons you should always feel good about spending your hard-earned money on toy for your dog.

1. Toys help with dog’s emotional balance. Dogs that get the necessary physical and mental stimulation tend to be healthier and more emotionally well-balanced.

2. Playing with toys stimulates your dog’s mind and promotes problem solving skills.

3. Toys keep dogs busy. And guess what? When your dog is busy, he doesn’t have time to get into trouble.

4. Toys help fulfill instinctive drives like ripping and shredding, hunting and finding food, and chasing and herding.

5. Toys help dogs expend energy. Fetching and retrieving helps expend all that pent up canine energy. And when you’re an active participant in the fun, you get the added benefit of bonding time with your pup. So go ahead, grab a toy and join the fun!

And of course, there’s another reason toys are such an important investment for your dog. Even if (or when) a toy gets shredded or damaged, remember, that could have been your shoe, your sock, your power cord, your rug, your… you get the picture.

Never deprive your dog of toys because you think they’re a waste of money. Toys are made to be played with, and with dogs, that can sometimes mean total destruction. And that’s another reason why selecting the right toy – one designed and manufactured with utmost safety in mind – is so crucial. Consider the purchase an investment in your dog’s emotional well-being.

Here’s a few tips for making your pets toys last a little longer:

• Change out toys every week. When it comes to toys, novelty seems to be something dogs love.
• Keep at least one toy out of reach and use it for special occasions - as a reward during training, or to ensure your pup gets that “wow factor” from a new toy every so often.
• Some toys are tougher than others – our HuggleHounds Ruff Tex, for instance, is the best choice for aggressive chewers.
• Toys made from material might have a shorter life expectancy, especially if you have a “shredder” on your hands, so sit back and enjoy watching your dog rip it to pieces (make sure he doesn’t ingest any of it) and properly dispose of any small pieces.

Keep in mind, even if missing a head or limb, toys are still cherished by your dog. Once they’ve “de-stuffed” their toys (and the squeaker’s been safely removed!) many dogs seem to appreciate the toy’s “carcass” as the best part and will continue to play with it. Remember, all HuggleHounds toys can be washed (even that fun, flattened carcass).

A small investment in toys is worth a happy and mentally healthy dog!

• Your dog’s safety is your responsibility.
• Choose toys that are appropriate based on pet size and pet habits.
• Never leave your dog alone with a toy.
• No toy is indestructible.
• Loose parts can present a choking hazard or an intestinal blockage.
• Inspect all toys regularly.
• If any part of a toy becomes damaged or separated, replace the toy.
• Always supervise your dog during play in order to prevent accidental swallowing of any part of a toy.
• If your dog swallows any part of a toy, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
• Keep this toy away from children