The Best Dog Toys That Don't Have To Break the Bank

The best dog toys aren't always the most expensive. The best dog toys are the ones your dog will get the most enjoyment out of. Why waste your money on dog toys that will just sit around and not get any use, regardless of the cost? How do you know which toys your dog will enjoy? Trial and error. Allow me to explain.

I've known dogs who will only play with balls. Tennis balls, big rubber balls, I even had a dog who's favorite toy was a bowling ball. He didn't chew on the ball, but loved to chase it and roll it around with his nose. He could even pick the bowling ball up with his teeth using the finger holes, and throw it. I never was able to talk the local bowling alley into letting me bring him in. They said they didn't have shoes that would fit him. My daughter's chihuahua has had one favorite stuffed animal since the day she got him. There is nothing left of the animal, and I can't even tell what kind of animal it used to be, but this dog will not play with anything else. I tried to take it away once to see if he would play with another toy and he seemed very depressed until I gave it back to him. My dog prefers stuffed toys as well. He likes to rip them open and throw the stuffing around the room. The best dog toys for other dogs might be rubber toys, bones, pull toys, or throw toys. Every dog has a preference and the only way we can know is for the dog to tell us.

Trial and error

When your dog is a puppy, or when you first get him, take him to one of those large pet retailers that allow you to take your pet shopping with you. These retailers know how a dog likes to shop. They will have rows and rows of dog toys on the bottom shelves, in bins so that your dog can see, feel, smell, and even play with each and every one. It won't take long before your dog will find a favorite and he'll let you know which one it is. He won't let you put it back. Either you are going to pay for the toy or leave the dog at the store, because he's not giving up the toy.

If taking your dog shopping is not an option for you, you may have to bring him home one toy at a time. First try a stuffed toy, then a ball, then maybe a frisbee or rope. You will soon be able to determine which toys he likes best, and by trial and error you will eventually find the best dog toys for your dog.