It is so important to play with your dog to keep them active, happy and healthy, both mentally and physically. In addition to walking your dog, playtime is the second most important part of keeping their mind and body active. Plus, playtime is such a beneficial time for your dog, as they are spending it with their favorite person. Obviously when you have a puppy playtime seems like an all-day thing, which it should be. Playtime is incredibly important for the development of essential skills. Puppies use their mouths to explore, especially as they are teething and growing. They learn about boundaries, how to socialize, and how to be gentle as they are having fun. Playtime is also where puppies learn their motor skills, they learn how to hold toys with their paws, keep their balance while holding something, and learn how to jump, bark and wrestle while playing.
As your dog starts to get older, we might tend to forget to pull out the toys as often, but playtime is beneficial throughout a dogs’ entire life. Most dogs don’t tend to play alone, as they much prefer to play with their owners. Show them that you care by creating playtime every day. This will strengthen your relationship and increase their trust and understanding towards you. Playtime is not only a release of energy, but is shown to improve your dog's confidence, mental wellness, coordination and can also have a positive impact on their mental health as they age. When your dog plays, their brain releases positive endorphins that create joy and happiness. The effects of these endorphins last long after playtime is over. This provides your adult pup with emotional health and hormonal balance for a better life. In addition to making your dog feel good, mental stimulation can have a profoundly positive impact on dogs that struggle with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Engaging in games has been proven to slow the progression of Canine Cognitive Decline and improve the symptoms of CCD.
Sometimes it is your job to initiate playtime, especially if your dog is not doing so. It’s always the right time for playtime, so break out the toys, or bring home some new ones, and spend time with your dog.
There is no "one size fits all" dog toy. Every dog has different toy preferences, and some do prefer chew bones over toys. The biggest comment we hear when helping people pick out a dog toy is "I don't know what my dog will like". Simple solution, bring your dog into Spikes and Houles, and let them choose. Pets are welcome at Spikes & Houles on leash. Take your dog to the toy section & show them each type of toy. Squeak or rattle the toy if it is one that makes noise. Some toys squeak or grunt, others rattle or make a crinkling noise. There are toys that make no sounds and toys that can be filled with treats. Do not give your dog the toy, just show each toy to gauge the level of interest. You probably have seen a sign in some stores that says "you break it, you bought it". With toys the rule is "you drool on it you buy it". It is normal to buy several toys before finding your dog's perfect toy. If your dog is not interested in a toy that you bring home, trying storing in your dog food for a while before re-introducing to your dog. Some dogs don't like that "new toy smell" and the smell of food will attract his interest.
Treat dispensing toys are also excellent for a dog that is anxious left home alone or gets bored during the day. My dogs look forward to when I leave for work because they each get a Kong filled with dog food & peanut butter that is frozen overnight.
Don’t be shy when you're at our stores & always ask the Spikes and Houles staff for help choosing a toy. We are all animal lovers and buy toys and treats for our dogs, so the products we carry are personally tested by our own pets! Check out our selection of Dog Toys we have to choose from!
