DOG Training TOYS

1. First, select appropriate play and chew toys for your dog. I am grouping play and chew toys together because you should play with your dog with his chew toys, especially in the beginning.
◆ Acceptable Chew or Play Toys
◆ Kong or Rhino toys
◆ Nylabones
◆ Hard rubber balls like Boomer Balls that are large enough that they won’t get stuck in your dog’s throat; better too large than too small
◆ Soft flying disks (think fabric Frisbee-type disks)
◆ Interactive play toys like the Buster Cube, a square box you can put little food treats in; by moving it around, your dog can get some of the treats. Many dogs spend hours playing with this toy.

Nylabone makes excellent chew bones
in many shapes, sizes and flavors.

The Kong is a great play toy and is very
helpful in addressing many dog problems.

No dog should have free access to a play toy. Free access to pos¬sessions tells a dog that he is the leader. Also, it gives the dog an opportunity to destroy and ingest these toys, which can be dangerous.
◆ Unacceptable Play Toys
◆ Don’t use tennis balls and stuffed fuzzy toys. These are too similar to unacceptable items, like your carpeting and clothing.
◆ Ropes or other toys for tug-of-war can stimulate some dogs to be aggressive. They’re an absolute no-no for households with children.
◆ Most squeaky rubber toys can be chewed into little pieces, which presents a health risk for the dog.

2. Get your dog focused on the appropriate play and chew toys. This is done by making the toys a major source of interaction between you and the dog. Play with the dog and his toys. Greet him with his toys. Act coy with his toys. Constantly focusing him on histoys and praising him when he plays with them will soon result in your dog…