By Margaret Svete, Ph.D.
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky for us there are
endless choices.
But did you know how important toys are for your dogs - puppies
especially.
Toys play a great role in the emotional and mental development of
puppies. They also act as solutions for inappropriate chewing,
boredom, and separation anxiety. In fact most dog trainers
recommend that new puppy owners buy lots of toys for the newest
member of the family.
Variety is the spice of life. Most experts recommend buying
different kinds of toys for your dog so that you can discover
which ones he really likes.
You might be surprised with the answers. Berry, my 95 pound
German Shepherd just loves cuddling up his stuffed animals. Who
would have thought!
Trainers and behaviorists recommend that their clients have three
sets of toys.
Primary toys are your dog's favorite. Leave these out for your
dog when your not around. This helps reduce separation anxiety
because your dog associates you leaving with his getting his
favorite toy.
Secondary toys are the toys to have out when you are home. Be
sure to pick up the primary toys.
And finally the third set of toys is used to rotate with the the
first set. Trainers recommend swapping toys every 3 days or so.
This helps keep your dog interested in all his toys.
And always choose toys wisely. Try to buy toys that match your
dog's size. And always make sure there are no dangerous small
pieces that your dog can chew loose and swallow or worse yet -
choke on.
Margaret Svete, best-selling author, television and radio
personality, and dog rescuer helps dog owners discover easy dog
care tips. Subscribe to the premiere dog care ezine, The Dog
Enquirer, at
http://www.allaboutdogcare.com
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