We love our dogs, and we love to give them experiences which make them happy.

But dog toys are not only great for giving your dogs enjoyment – they are instrumental in providing comfort when you are gone, making a dog less stressed  in an unfamiliar situation, or  as a reward while you are obedience training. Toys are great for so many purposes, not the least of which – your pet loves them! Here are some of America’s favorite dog toys – which one makes your dog sit up and beg?

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Dog Toys Your Pet is Sure to Love

This list of toys is compiled from sales of dog toys across the country, and should not be considered an endorsement of any toy or toy brand by Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training.

  1. Kong Toys: KONG® brand dog toys are among the most well known chew toys on the market. Made of durable, non abrasive and springy plastic, these toys come in a variety of sizes and encourage play while keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy. Kong toys are hollowed out and are often filled with treats or peanut butter as a reward for your pooch – or to keep him occupied while you are gone. New for 2019 is the Kong Treat Dispenser, which releases treats slowly, keeping your dog’s interest and preventing rapid over-eating. Kong toys are great for obedience training, to ease separation anxiety, and as a diversion to avoid destructive chewing behaviors.
  2. CHUCKIT! Flying Dog Toys: A simple game of fetch gets an upgrade with these aerodynamic, short range flight toys made of durable materials for hours of fun. Available in several varieties, the toys fly and float – so wherever they land, you can retrieve them. Vibrant colors and glow in the dark properties ensure you will never lose them, and your dog won’t lose his favorite toy. These toys are great to keep your dog in top shape, and to encourage play with their favorite human.
  3. Interactive Tug Toys: Dogs love to play tug of war, either with you or with other dogs. While the classic rope toys will suffice for this game, newer version of the product are sure to keep the fun going. Highly durable plastic designs stretch to two times their size, ensuring that your dog(s) are challenged and intrigued, while not causing any long-term damage to the toy. The popular brand of choice for 2019 appears to be West Paw, who offers a full line of squishy, flexible toys for your pet.
  4. Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy: This toy doubles as a behavioral aid, as it helps new canine members of the family adjust to their new surroundings. Nervous pups will be comforted by this stuffed animal which has a feature to keep it warm and has a steady, pulsing heartbeat. Puppies learn quickly to be comforted by this companion, and owners report that the dog toy remains a favorite of their pet for a lifetime. Battery life is about two weeks, but owners claim that there is usually no need to replace them, as the puppy is generally acclimated by then.

There are many ways to help our dogs transition through the stages of their life, from puppyhood to old age. The experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training thrive on helping Sarasota and Bradenton dog owners to have a happy and healthy relationship with their pet. From training a rambunctious dog to obey to recommending techniques for calming a scared pup – we are your local professional dog training team. Call us with any questions you may have about caring for your family dog. We’d love to help.