Dogs like to play. Giving them their own things to play with is a great way to let them use some of their energy, and also keep away from your things that they should not be chewing on. But there is a bit of an art to selecting the right dog toys.

Just like kids, all dogs don’t like the same dog toys. Some dogs like to play a little rough others have a softer side.

The first thing to consider, when choosing dog toys, is to make sure the toys are the right size. The toys you give your dog should always be large enough they could not get stuck in your dog’s throat. Dogs will chew on toys. That’s how they play. You just need to make sure what they will chew on will be safe. One mistake many dog owners make is to give their dogs golf balls to play with. While this may seem fun at first, once the dog is able to break through the outer skin of the golf ball, they may well start to swallow the insides, and that could soon mean a trip to the vet’s office.

Next you need to decide what style of toys will best suit your dog. This could take a little bit of trial and error when you first get your pet.

You may have to buy a few different styles of toys and then watch to see which kind he seems to be the most interested in. All dogs develop their own playing style and by watching what they like to play with, and what they don’t, you will be able to more easily select toys they will like in the future.

For a rough and tumble dog, you want to get pull dog toys, and things that are a little hardier and created for a rip-roaring playtime. If tug of war is a game you like to play with your dog, you need to make sure you get tugging toys that are fun, but also safe. While you will be pulling with your hands, your dog will be pulling with his teeth. That means there could be damage done of the toy he is pulling on is too hard. You should look for rubber or rope pull items so they will be a little softer on the inside of his mouth.

If you have a dog that likes to shred things it may be best to choose tug of war toys that are not made of rope, as this rope could well be the next thing that is shredded in your home.

Some dogs like softer toys, and things that are not as rough on their teeth. For these pets there are plenty of stuffed dog toys to choose from. Many of them are stuffed animals that have rattles or squeakers inside, so as your dog plays with them, they will make noise and encourage him to play even more.

One important note on giving your dog stuffed animals. If you have children, teach your dog which toys are his and which are your child’s. You may have to monitor this for a while to make sure your pet doesn’t attack the kid’s toys.

The similarities between dogs and children are numerous. Children need a lot of attention to grow up properly and can become a law unto themselves if they are not looked after well. Dogs, like children can be quite handful if they are left to think for themselves.

Another area where dogs and children are alike is in the area of toys. There are several toys for dogs in the market that are purchased for several reasons. These reasons include:

- Teething: Dogs teeth just as babies do and like babies, they tend to experience a degree of pain and itching in their mouth. The itching sensation that accompanies teeth is what usually propels dogs to munch on your household items. You can purchase a dog toy for chewing that can keep the dog busy and help with the itch that the teething produces. A frozen nylon bone will be good for a chewing dog to munch on. In selecting chew toys for your dog, pick the ones that are durable and tasty.

Dogs need to be trained not to chew. It can be frustrating to have a dog that nibbles everything you have from your bathroom slippers to your cushion pillows. Buying a chew toy or a dog toy for your dog forms part of its training as it learns not to chew your stuff.

- Dental health: Chew toys help to keep your dog’s teeth in perfect condition. A good chew toy will help a dog exercise its teeth and gums properly.

- Tricks: Some dogs are trained to perform tricks using toys. tricks like shaking hands with a stranger or standing on their hindlegs. Training a dog to perform tricks may be for entertainment or even as a source of income.

- Reward marker: You can use a dog toy that your dog may particularly like to reward it anytime it exhibits a desirable behavior. As a reward marker, dog toys make an excellent source of motivation for the dog. In addition, you should endeavor to always reward your dog when it performs a command accurately. In the same vein, punish your dog when it fails to obey your commands. Discipline and love should go hand in hand if you are to train your dog successfully.

- Mood enhancer: Some dogs with psychological problems tend to perk up at the sight of a toy and forget their problems. Some dog psychologists recommend dog toys for some very moody dogs.

Dog toys are of different shapes and sizes and are used for varying reasons. You need to find out which toy best fits your dog before you purchase it.