Having a dog means having someone to snuggle, to act as a companion and someone who just wants to play! Dogs are notorious for playing and are on the look out for constant stimulation and new activities. Anyone who has raised a puppy knows how funny it is to see a puppy who can't keep their eyes open, but is still determined to play with a ball! Whether chasing and catching a ball, throwing around a plush toy or chewing on a rope, dogs thrive on playtime.

Dogs are emotionally sensitive and intelligent beings, this mean they get bored! Although dogs need a routine and sense of security, too much tedium or being stuck in a rut can have many of the same depressing effects as it does with humans. For this reason, a few different types of toys should be kept for a dog to stimulate different levels of their thinking and allow them different games to play. For instance, having a small ball to roll around the house is a must. Perfect for a rainy day when a walk is out of the questions, playing ball with your dog keeps them fit and alert while allowing for some bonding time with you. Plush animal toys with their soft surfaces are perfect for tossing and playing rough and tumble or to curl up for a nice afternoon nap with. Experts suggest only giving your dog 2 or 3 different toys to play with at a time and replace them every week with others from your supply to keep playtime fresh and exciting for your friend.

To avoid possible choking injury, please only give your dog toys which were specifically designed for them and not for children. Dog toys are made from a harder rubber and are manufactured to withstand some rough play and teeth. Using toys only from pet stores will allow you to replace them less often and decrease risk of choking. However, always inspect your dog's toys on a regular basis for loose parts, unraveled ends or stuffing spilling out. Even the toughest toys will eventually start to break down with constant play; by checking the toys over periodically you can save your dog a potential bellyache later.