Importance Of Play
Play is essential in the early development of dogs. Play helps with social and physical skills in puppies. Typically, play starts between 2 and 4 weeks of age with the rest of the litter mates. This helps with the dog’s social skills. Social skills in dogs are important because it helps them interact with other dogs, especially unfamiliar ones and stops from unnecessary confrontation when out in the world (like when out on walks).
It also helps with confidence and necessary training advantages later on. When puppies play with one another, one player will bite the other player and the one being bitten will whine. If the biter does not stop biting the one being bitten will stop playing with the biter and cause a bit of a social isolation. This teaches the biter and the one being bitten communication skills and bite-inhibition skills. This is actually one of the reasons why puppies are not supposed to be separated until 7 weeks of age.
Home Alone And Separation Anxiety
Dogs have similar reactions to situations as humans. Being alone for extended periods of time can cause depression in dogs too, similar to how being alone can affect humans. Dogs require interaction just the same. Similar to humans, dogs form close family bonds with each other and other humans.
The principal reason is to be able to effectively hunt and find food, as well as being able to defend themselves if the need arises. They strive when they can comfortably live with humans in the home and they understand their status within the pack. In this situation, the pack is the family within the home.
When we leave dogs alone, some dogs will suffer from separation anxiety. This is what is happening when we hear our neighbour’s door close and then an hour of a barking dog that follows. Though the sound is annoying to you, the neighbour will typically come home to urine, chewed up shoes, digging, and escape attempts.
Separation anxiety isn’t entirely treatable; however, it can be managed, usually with something to distract the dog from the realization that they are, in fact, alone. The owner can counter separation anxiety behavior by taking a situation that threatens the dog’s happiness (being left alone) with something that is pleasant (a puzzle toy, interactive toys or similar).
Buying Advice
It is not realistic to be home 100% of our daily lives, at one point we do need to go out and leave dogs at home. In this article, we discuss toys that help dogs cope with being left alone. Generally speaking, the price is to be considered. If buying a cheaper toy it will not always withstand the aggression or strength of a dog.
Puzzle toys, interactive toys with treats and other interactive dog toys are key to the mental stimulation and will help control the potential destructive behavior of your dog. It is important to buy a toy that is good quality and made of non-toxic materials.
Additionally, making sure that the toy that is being purchased is meant for the size of dog that it is being bought for. Most, if not all, toys have the size range that the toy is meant for. Ensure that before buying that you are reading the specifications on the package so that the toy is appropriate for your pup.
Top 5 Best Toys For Puppies
1. Petstages ORKA Bone
This puppy toy comes in a mini and large size and is available is one color: blue. This cute bone is the ideal shape for chewers or puppies who are teething. It is also easy to carry and has a solid construction for added durability. This toy is flat, which helps exercise a puppies jaw muscles.It is on the inexpensive side of quality toys
2. Petstages Rag Rope Ball
This wacky toy comes in one size and in one color: multicolored. It is great for a game of tug or fetches, making it a fun and versatile toy. This toy is around the size of a tennis ball for easy storage and has rope and denim arms to slow down the ball when thrown.It is great for dogs of all ages and sizes but will definitely keep your puppy busy while he’s home alone.It is also inexpensive for quality toys
3. Kong Classic Kong Dog Toy, Medium, Red
This Toy Is Rated 4.5/5 Stars On Amazon.
This toy comes in six sizes: X-small, small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large, as well as a variety of colors.Kong is a known a trusted company and this toy perfect for stuffing with treats. It keeps dogs busy attempting to get the treat out of the toy for several minutes or hours depending on the dog. It fits both KONG treats as well as others of your choice.
This toy is recommended by vets and dog trainers and is made of strong, durable materials for even the most powerful chewers. It also offers an unpredictable bounce for a fun game of fetch.It is on the inexpensive side of quality toys
4. PetSafe Busy Buddy Waggle Dog Toy, Medium/Large
This Toy Is Rated 3.5/5 Stars On Amazon.
This toy comes in three sizes: X-small, small, and medium/large. It is only available in purple. This toy will last your dog from puppyhood to his adult years as it is ideal for dogs 25 – 65 pounds.
This puppy toy features a patented ‘Treat Meter’ which randomly dispenses treats and guarantees that it will keep your puppy occupied for hours. It also features a flexible chewing surface in middle and on both ends. This toy is made of high-quality, non-toxic materials and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning (top rack only).
5. Dog Chew Toys, PESTORY Non-Toxic Rubber Puzzle Dog IQ Toys Balls Set, Training/Chewing/Tooth Cleaning/Treat Dispensing, For Challenging Interactive Play
This Toy Is Rated 5/5 Stars On Amazon.
These toys come in one size and each package includes 2 toys, a smooth blue toy, and a textured orange ball. These balls are both puncture-resistant and super durable. They will entertain your pup for hours and will keep him engaged by randomly dispensing tasty treats.
This set of toys helps promote a strong jaw and healthy teeth with natural chewer-friendly materials. It is non-toxic and won’t hurt your puppy’s undeveloped mouth.These balls are non-toxic and non-abrasive and feature a strong internal structure which ensures that it will take the dog longer to get the treats out.
Best of all, it comes with a 24-month customer warranty.It is at the mid-range in price for quality toys We hope this article helped you understand separation anxiety and the benefits of keeping dogs entertained while you are away. Happy play!
Is Your Puppy Teething?
A teething puppy can cause a lot of destruction. If you puppy is at the teething age they will seek out any soft objects to dull the pain as the new teeth grow in. This stage can last for years and over that period of time dogs can cause a lot of damage. Check out this article about great teething toys for puppies before your puppy ruins your next pillow of shoe!
