These are a few types of toys for dogs we like (before all you toy
manufacturers
out there take offense ) and the reason we like of don't like them.
This
is not intended to say do or do not use some types of toys. The NACR
has
no affiliation with any manufacturer or reseller.
Latex squeaky toys are better over vinyl as they stretch easier and are softer for smaller dogs to play with. They are more durable. They cost a little more but usually will last longer unless you have a very aggressive chewer. They are not as able to withstand the effects of the sun laying around outside in the yard, but for indoors they are much preferred.
For both latex or vinyl check the squeaky piece. Some are not attached very well and can fall our during normal play thus removing the squeak from the fun of play and in the worst case be swallowed
Cows hooves are great for any size dog. They are durable and dogs seem to love chewing on them. I prefer to look for a thicker wall as they last longer. I have found some that have been made brittle in during processing ( not very often ) and they don't hold up as well at all. Only drawback I have found is they are murder to step on barefooted in the middle of the night.
Rawhide - depends on your dogs individual appetite for it. I have some that can nurse an 8 knotted bone for 5 years and others that would be saying "burp" in 5 minutes. Two caveats from me" the rawhides that appear to be little pieces glued (compressed rawhide) together, I have had dogs break of a sharp piece and cut their mouths. The other thing is the little roller sticks - I have had big dogs get one end soft and try to swallow it and choke. For the dog that respects rawhide a larger knotted end bone or a rolled big 'retriever' for those that do not respect the amount given. I like the rawhide chips as the dosage is easily monitored. There are some dogs however that don't do well with rawhide so they don't get any. The only other drawback can be some dogs get a soft rawhide really sticky and it can be a problem with shag carpet.
Rope bones are wonderful
Beef soup bones - the shank part cut by your butcher 2 to 5 inches long, are a big hit.( I don't care for the knuckle part as it is really many smaller bones help together by ligaments ). When the dogs have eaten all the marrow out I boil them to help sterilize them and add a little beef bouillon. I will boil them anytime they seem real dirty.
BONES - NO chicken, pork or any bone that is easily splintered. That can be a life threatening thing to give your dog. Splinters can tear up intestines very easily. This is another reason for teaching your dog to allow you to remove anything from his mouth at any time.
Stuffed toys ( remove hard eyes and noses from old kids toys ) are great for the gentler dog. Some view a stuffed toy as a time challenge to shred. Others carry them around for years. One warning get hollofill or polyfil, not styrofoam bead filled.
Vermont chewman ( brand ) is a type of lambswool covered stuffed toys. They are worth the extra money if you can find them, as they have proved far superior durability.
Balls are wonderful in about any material ( no golf balls - due to internal make up - I cut open a pressurized ball once and feel lucky to have my eyesight ). The old tennis ball is good by me although some dogs think they are for defuzzing. Racquet balls, old basket balls - semi deflated for the big guys same with old footballs. Most all dog toy balls are fine although beware of the old type with a bell as the bell can be swallowed if your dog gets it out.
Tug toys can be fun if your dog likes to play tug of war with you, but be careful not to play this game to much before the adult teeth are well developed as constant tugging is said to affect teeth placement ( makes sense if you think about braces for children ).
A dampened then frozen washcloth or other moisture holding rag is wonderful for the teething time, when dogs have the extra need to chew. ( about 14 weeks of age to six months ).
For the young pups that spend crate time I like to hang a nice toy off the inside of the crate so they can play with it but it doesn't get soiled, and addition to a snuggle buddy for them.