We love spoiling our dogs with new toys. But there's nothing worse than that toy getting torn to pieces in seconds or being completely ignored. When it comes to choosing the best dog toys, there are some key things to keep in mind to ensure it’s the perfect addition to their toybox.

1. Size of Your Dog

The first thing to think about when choosing the best dog toy is the size of your dog. If you have a large breed, they tend to be more powerful chewers so will need something larger and sturdier. Whereas smaller dogs with smaller mouths are generally much happier with smaller, softer toys.

2. Chewing Habits

No matter what the breed, some dogs just have a knack of shredding toys in seconds. You’ll bring home a squeaky toy or teddy and soon enough, it’s in pieces all over the floor. Not only is it irritating having to clean up bits of toy constantly, but it’s also a waste of money.

If you have a dog that loves to chew and can tear through toys easily, you’ll want something strong and durable that doesn’t get shredded.

Our Barker Dog Rope toy is the perfect present for heavy chewers. It’s made with tightly woven, thick rope that’s hard for dogs to get through. Also, it has a handle so you can play tug of war with your dog without it slipping.

For smaller dogs or puppies, our Barker Dog Bone toy is a great option. It’s made from fabric so it’s perfect for those with delicate mouths. 

3. Energy Level

Some dogs love to sit alone and chew for hours, but others love nothing more than chasing toys around the house. If your dog is left home alone in the day and has a habit of being destructive, an interactive toy such as treat ball or puzzle toy will help keep them entertained and stimulated.

Treat toys are also a good option to give dogs who get anxious when left home alone. They can help to reduce anxiety by training dogs to associate you leaving with treats rather than separation. As a result, this introduces a more positive experience when you leave the house.  

Our Barker Ball is a treat toy made with non-toxic rubber making it much safer for dogs and super easy to clean. 

4. Comfort Vs Play

For most dogs, a soft toy will provide them with comfort and they will want to take that toy with them everywhere. This type of toy should be lightweight, small enough to carry around and be soft for them to grip in their mouth. Our Barker Bone is made from fabric with a soft filling making it a good comfort companion. 

However soft stuffed toys are not appropriate for all dogs. If your dog likes to pull apart toys, we recommend avoiding these types of toys to avoid potential choking hazards.

5. Rawhide Toys

Rawhides are made from the hide of animals and are meant to be long-lasting chews that break down into tiny, soft pieces over time. For dogs that are soft chewers, rawhides are generally considered to be safe treats because these dogs don’t break them down into chunks. However strong chewers are typically able to break off large chunks that can pose a major choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage.

In addition the manufacturing process of these toys can present potential risks. In order to dry and preserve the hide effectively, chemicals are used. And while a good quality rawhide is washed and treated using as many natural processes as possible, not all companies maintain the same standards. Some dogs are simply sensitive or allergic to rawhide or other substances used in their manufacture. This can cause problems, including diarrhea, digestive irritation and Salmonella poisoning. 

With more potential dangers than benefits, a rawhide toys is not a toy we recommend. 

While the entertainment and comfort of your dog is the ultimate goal, safety should always come first. Regardless of your dogs size or temperament, you should always supervise your dog when interacting with any toy to ensure their safety.

We hope these tips help you choose the best dog toy for your furry friend. You can view our full range of dog toys here or contact us if you have any questions.