How many toys should a dog have? Can a dog have too many toys? These are frequent questions from dog owners who worry about canine boredom or “spoiling” their dogs.
Toys keep dogs entertained and provide them with mental and physical stimulation. They can also help dogs relieve boredom, stress, and anxiety.
Toys can also be used to teach dogs new tricks or to help them get exercise. In addition, toys can help dogs bond with their owners.
The answer to how many toys a dog should have depends on a few factors. In this article, we’ll discuss how many toys are appropriate for different types of dogs, as well as how often you should get new toys.
How Many Toys Should I Get for My Dog?
How many toys should a dog have depends on the breed, size, activity level, and mental stimulation needs of the dog. You can’t buy your dog too many toys, but you can have too few.
Large dogs need more robust toys, while especially smart dogs need toys that stimulate the brain. Every dog should have toys to help exercise the brain and stay sharp into the senior years.
Dogs who suffer from destructive boredom need more toys, and possibly more complicated toys to keep them busy.
If your dog is teething, you’ll have big problems with destructive chewing if you don’t provide enough toys and chews to alleviate the tooth and gum discomfort the dog is experiencing.
Do Dogs Need More Toys by Breed Size?
The size of the dog will have some impact on how many toys it needs. Very large dogs tend to need large, indestructible toys that they can chew on and toss around for hours at a time.
Large dogs are more prone to a fixation on 1 or 2 favorite toys, especially if they can be stuffed with treats. Kong toys are a favorite for large dogs, and many large dogs are happy with this single toy.
Very small dogs usually need a larger collection of smaller toys. Many small dogs like to cuddle with fluffy toys but always check for wear and tear because small dogs can choke on bits that come off of plush toys.
Predictably, medium-sized breeds typically need a few toys but will have several that they like the most.
Does My Active Dog Need More Toys?
The natural activity level of your dog will also dictate how many toys it needs. For example, a hunting dog such as a Labrador Retriever will need more toys than a lapdog such as a Yorkshire Terrier.
Dogs that were bred to be working dogs have greater mental stimulation needs than those bred to be lapdogs. Shepherds, Collies, Terriers, and Cattle Dogs all benefit greatly from a wide variety of interesting toys.
We love to give our working-breed dogs snuffle mats and puzzle toys to keep their minds busy and sharp when we aren’t in the field together.
Dogs who want to sleep all day still need the mental and physical stimulation of play. Try tempting your dog off the pillow with a delicious chew, a new toy, or for extra fun, test out a new flirt pole with your dog.
What Are the Best Types of Dog Toys to Buy?
All dogs are different, and a favorite type of toy for one dog may be totally uninteresting to a different dog.
Finding the perfect toys for your dog involves a lot of trial and error. Having said that, here are some of the classic favorites that are usually a hit with most dogs.
Safety Note: Only buy toys designed for dogs, and check them regularly for wear and tear. Dogs often choke on or ingest squeakers, fabric, stuffing, and hardware from unsafe toys, requiring vet intervention.
- Balls: Balls are a classic toy that all dogs love. They are perfect for playing fetch, and they come in a variety of sizes and colors.
- Tugs: Tug toys and rope toys are great for interactive playtime. They are also perfect for dogs that like to chew.
- Bones: Bones are another classic toy that all dogs love. They are perfect for chewing and gnawing, and they come in a variety of sizes.
- Plush toys: Plush toys are perfect for lapdogs that like to cuddle. They are also great for puppies that are teething. Only buy plushes designed for dogs.
- Interactive toys: Interactive toys are designed to keep your dog’s brain engaged. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used for a variety of purposes such as fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek.
- Squeaky toys: Squeaky toys are another classic toy that all dogs love. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they are perfect for playing fetch or tug-of-war.
- Chew toys: Chew toys are perfect for dogs that like to chew. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the best ones are made from indestructible materials.
- Water toys: Water toys are perfect for dogs that love to swim. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used for a variety of purposes such as fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek.
How Many Toys Should a Dog Have: Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you keep your dog entertained:
- Keep a variety of different types of toys available, but only give the dog about 5 at a time to choose from
- Rotate available toys every couple of days to keep things interesting
- Play interactive games with your dog, such as fetch or tug-of-war
- Give your dog a chew toy to keep him occupied while you’re out of the house
- Take your dog for walks or play in the park to use up extra energy
- Let your dog swim in the pool or run around in the yard with toys
- Give your dog a treat-dispensing toy to keep him occupied
- If your dog is chewing household items, buy more toys to help cure the boredom
What Are the Benefits of Toys for Dogs?
Toys can keep dogs entertained and provide them with mental and physical stimulation. They can also help dogs relieve boredom, stress, and anxiety.
Toys can also be used to teach dogs new tricks or to help them get exercise. In addition, toys can help dogs bond with their owners.
Playing with toys with your dog can help relieve stress and anxiety from your absence during the day.
Final Thoughts
A wealth of toys can’t replace time spent with their owners. Dogs are extremely sociable animals that feel it deeply when they’re neglected.
Be sure to spend quality time with your dog and provide toys to help them through times alone.
When our dogs get bored with their toys, we buy them new ones. It’s a small price to pay for their happiness and mental and emotional welfare.
