Dog supplies: Toys

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Some dogs don't care about toys, and no amount of jumping up and down with a new squeaky toy is going to generate much interest. But most dogs love them--toys can provide comfort, exercise, mental stimulation, and camaraderie. And for dogs who spend a lot of time alone, a good stash of toys can stave off boredom and the ensuing destruction of hearth and home.

Rules of the game

• Take away old toys once in a while and swap them for something novel. Later, rotate the old favorites back into play--they'll seem almost new again. Just like us, dogs need variety.
• Stash toys in a box or basket, so you don't trip over balls, tug toys, and chewies every time you walk through the house. A good-looking container can even be a household accent, unless of course your dog opts to chew it instead of the toys.
• Don't use toys to play competitive games, such as tug-of-war, with any dog who has an aggression problem.

Types of toys

With more toys on the market than ever, you should be able to find something your dog adores. Here are some favorites:

• balls (tennis balls being a particular favorite)
• sticks (some are made of tennis ball material)
• dental chews
• rope toys
• Kongs, or hollow chew toys, that you can stuff with treats
• toys with squeakers inside
• interactive toys that make noise, flash lights, or drop treats or other toys when the dog plays with it

The best toy is one that suits your dog

If your dog's a retriever:
He probably likes to retrieve things (no surprise), and balls are perfect for him. The toy that's perfect for you: a plastic  [Continued]