Man's best friend loves us but also loves to play so it is up to the owners to supply them with great, safe toys. They need a variety of toys so they have some they play with alone and others that are fun for them and yourself. Because they are such social animals many dogs hate to be alone even for a few hours. Sometimes, having a special toy brought out only when you will be away for a bit can relieve a little of your pets stress.

The most important factor when selecting a dog toy is your pets? safety. Make sure that any toys you purchase are large enough, so they are not choking hazards. Durable toys that hold up to biting, pulling and chewing are necessary. Never give a dog stuffed animals made for children as they are easy to tear apart and can injure your pet. Shopping for a dog toy is often confusing because there are so many choices. There are rope toys, chew toys, rawhide bones, rubber balls, stuffed animals, talking toys, treat filled toys and dental toys. These are only a few of hundreds of toys available. Picking an appropriate toy that your will love and play can be difficult.

If your dog is very energetic and needs an hour or more of play daily, with or without their owners, they need toys that stand up to a lot of abuse. Hard rubber toys and balls, that you throw to your pet or play soccer with, are great for burning off energy. Ropes are good for fetching and tugging on. If your dog likes to chew, then nylon bones and pigs ears are fantastic for keeping your pet busy. Tough, thick, study toys are perfect for busy, lively dogs. Other dogs play hard for about five or ten minutes and then need to take a rest or nap. Often these are the smaller breeds of dog. Dog safe stuffed animals, squeaky toys or their own blanket to tug on or sleep with, are great choices. For the dogs that fit between extremely energetic and low energy try toys such as rope toys, rubber balls and treat toys. If your dog loves water and you spend a lot of time at the beach or lake, there are floating dog toys made specifically for throwing and fetching.

All dogs have their own distinct personality and just like children and what we think they will like is not necessarily what they want. Many pet stores allow owners to bring their pets shopping along with them. Not only is this fun for both but you might be amazed at what toys your dog really prefers, that you would not usually consider. You may find that your Great Dane is terrified of squeaky toys or that your toy poodle wants a soccer ball to push around. It can be a very interesting experience seeing what color, size or shape toys attract your pets.

The bottom line is that no matter what great dog toys you end up purchasing for your pet, make sure it is safe for them.