Best Selling Fun Interactive Outdoor Dog Play Toys
Winter has retreated and, at last, warmer months have arrived. With the onset of spring, we are going to find ourselves spending more time outdoors. It may be in a park, walking around our neighborhoods, or in our own backyards. For dog owners, this means our beloved canine companions will be accompanying us. Since we both will be spending more time outdoors that means we need to find something to help enhance the fun. To that end, here are some of the best selling fun, interactive, outdoor dog play toys found on Amazon.
Even Rover Can Get Bored…
One thing all animals have in common is the capability of independent thought. We may not all be on the same intellectual level, but we all do like different things and need some sort of stimulation in our lives. Too often, I’ve seen dog owners go off on their day and leave Fido behind to nap and pace until they return. Think about it. If you found yourself suddenly a shut in, how would you feel if your family or friends left you for long periods. How would you feel with nothing to entertain yourself with? I’m not meaning to say that these uninformed owners are doing this intentionally, but it is happening.
Dogs were meant to live their own lives and not just wait around for us while we live ours. They may be humanity’s oldest friends, but even through tens of thousands of years of pre-history they were free to roam around as they pleased. It is only recently in our history that our canine companions have become essentially trapped in our homes. Not all dog caregivers are lucky enough to live with a safe, fenced in yard for partially unsupervised play. It is up to everyone to make sure their dog’s life is intellectually satisfying.
Even Rover Can Get Bored…
One thing all animals have in common is the capability of independent thought. We may not all be on the same intellectual level, but we all do like different things and need some sort of stimulation in our lives. Too often, I’ve seen dog owners go off on their day and leave Fido behind to nap and pace until they return. Think about it. If you found yourself suddenly a shut in, how would you feel if your family or friends left you for long periods. How would you feel with nothing to entertain yourself with? I’m not meaning to say that these uninformed owners are doing this intentionally, but it is happening.
Dogs were meant to live their own lives and not just wait around for us while we live ours. They may be humanity’s oldest friends, but even through tens of thousands of years of pre-history they were free to roam around as they pleased. It is only recently in our history that our canine companions have become essentially trapped in our homes. Not all dog caregivers are lucky enough to live with a safe, fenced in yard for partially unsupervised play. It is up to everyone to make sure their dog’s life is intellectually satisfying.
Tips For Canine Stimulation
- Social Enrichment: Dogs are social creatures. Long stretches of isolation during the day is detrimental to their health and behavior. Find a way to schedule some extra mid-day interaction. It could be a dog walker or even a trusted friend to stop by for some playtime.
- Cognitive Enrichment: Rex has an intellect. Providing a way to stimulate that can not only make your dog smarter but can ward off boredom based behavioral problems. Independent puzzle games are a great way to give some cognitive stimulation.
- Physical Enrichment: Nature never intended dogs to sit around idle most of the day. They need to move and exercise to stay fit and nimble. Set up some basic obstacle courses for your dog to navigate with your encouragement. Take the dog out for fun walks in addition to bathroom walks. Use a kiddie pool filled with sand for your pooch to dig up toys you’ve hidden. The physical activity will do your dog a world of good.
- Sensory Enrichment: Dogs have far more active senses that us mere humans. Find ways for Pugsley to use them by hiding treats around the home to sniff out in a hunting game. Dog safe bubbles can be entertaining for the both of you. Researchers have created audio tracks to help dogs with separation anxiety and there is even a DogTV network intended for the same purpose.
Come On, Let’s Play!
When it comes to enriching a dog’s life, toys can be incredibly convenient tools. There are millions on the market all designed for different purposes. Some are for indoor use while others are for outdoor. Some are for social play while others are for individual. Toys also have differences based on the size, age, and breed of the intended end user. Most important is the toy’s safety. It may seem like choosing your pooches toy is a complicated affair, but all you need to do keep some basic things in mind to guide your decision.
- Safety: Not all toys are alike. Small parts, such as bells and squeakers, can be choking hazards. Are the materials it’s made from dog safe? These are all things you need to research before purchasing.
- Age Appropriateness: Age matters! Puppies have softer baby teeth and shouldn’t be chewing on hard toys. Teething dogs need more specialized textures. Older dogs can handle the harder rubber toys.
- Size Appropriateness: Would you give a toy sized for a German Shepard to a Chihuahua? Or how about vice versa? If the toy is too small, it can quickly become a choking hazard. If it is too big your dog won’t be able to effectively play and will get bored with it quickly.
- Indoor or Outdoor: Consider the intended use for the toy. Hard rubber, sturdy ropes, and balls that can float are all good outdoor options. Softer plush toys are far better suited for indoors.
Come On, Let’s Play!
When it comes to enriching a dog’s life, toys can be incredibly convenient tools. There are millions on the market all designed for different purposes. Some are for indoor use while others are for outdoor. Some are for social play while others are for individual. Toys also have differences based on the size, age, and breed of the intended end user. Most important is the toy’s safety. It may seem like choosing your pooches toy is a complicated affair, but all you need to do keep some basic things in mind to guide your decision.
- Safety: Not all toys are alike. Small parts, such as bells and squeakers, can be choking hazards. Are the materials it’s made from dog safe? These are all things you need to research before purchasing.
- Age Appropriateness: Age matters! Puppies have softer baby teeth and shouldn’t be chewing on hard toys. Teething dogs need more specialized textures. Older dogs can handle the harder rubber toys.
- Size Appropriateness: Would you give a toy sized for a German Shepard to a Chihuahua? Or how about vice versa? If the toy is too small, it can quickly become a choking hazard. If it is too big your dog won’t be able to effectively play and will get bored with it quickly.
- Indoor or Outdoor: Consider the intended use for the toy. Hard rubber, sturdy ropes, and balls that can float are all good outdoor options. Softer plush toys are far better suited for indoors.
Want To Go To The Park!?
Again, picture yourself shut in with no means of entertainment. How would your sanity fare? The same is true for dogs. Even if we interact with them indoors, there is still nothing like playing outdoors. Sure, they make it outside for a quick bathroom run, but is that enough? Dogs get as much benefit from playing outdoors as humans do. In fact, it is even more important for them than for us.
- Weight Control: Dogs gain excess weight if they sit around all day. This leads to serious health problems for them. Getting outside daily, specifically for play, makes for a healthier dog. This is especially true for working and sporting breeds such as border collies, huskies, etc.
- Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Without proper stimulation your dog will get bored. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and a whole host of behavioral problems including aggression. Outdoor play gives Rover a proper outlet for what otherwise would be bad behavior.
- Sunlight Exposure: Dogs need sunlight to maintain a proper balance of vitamin D. This all-important vitamin is essential for bone health and maintaining their body’s correct calcium to phosphorous ratio. Windows can block a lot of the sun’s radiation, so your dog needs to spend time outside to gain the maximum benefit.
- Fresh Air: Even indoors there will always be some sort of low-level air pollution. It comes from our carpets, furniture, cooking, cleaning, etc. Getting fresh air from time to time boosts their mood just as it boosts ours.
Want To Go To The Park!?
Again, picture yourself shut in with no means of entertainment. How would your sanity fare? The same is true for dogs. Even if we interact with them indoors, there is still nothing like playing outdoors. Sure, they make it outside for a quick bathroom run, but is that enough? Dogs get as much benefit from playing outdoors as humans do. In fact, it is even more important for them than for us.
- Weight Control: Dogs gain excess weight if they sit around all day. This leads to serious health problems for them. Getting outside daily, specifically for play, makes for a healthier dog. This is especially true for working and sporting breeds such as border collies, huskies, etc.
- Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Without proper stimulation your dog will get bored. This can lead to anxiety, depression, and a whole host of behavioral problems including aggression. Outdoor play gives Rover a proper outlet for what otherwise would be bad behavior.
- Sunlight Exposure: Dogs need sunlight to maintain a proper balance of vitamin D. This all-important vitamin is essential for bone health and maintaining their body’s correct calcium to phosphorous ratio. Windows can block a lot of the sun’s radiation, so your dog needs to spend time outside to gain the maximum benefit.
- Fresh Air: Even indoors there will always be some sort of low-level air pollution. It comes from our carpets, furniture, cooking, cleaning, etc. Getting fresh air from time to time boosts their mood just as it boosts ours.
Best Selling Interactive Outdoor Fetch Toys
The first thing most think of when it comes to outdoor games to play with your dog is fetch. This game can be much more than just throwing a stick. Try using a disc that allows you to vary the speed and can change direction mid-flight to challenge Fido’s agility. Is your shoulder limiting your play time? Try using a ball launcher that way Rex can let you know when he’s done rather than your muscles.
Best Selling Interactive Outdoor Rope Toys
One thing most dog owners know is that dogs love to play tug. Having the right tug toys will give the two of you hours of fun and help ensure that the toys become worn out instead of your stuff! That, and it’s a great bonding activity for the two of you.
Best Selling Interactive Outdoor Water Toys
Most dogs love to play in the water, especially during the hot weather. Not only does it help them stay cool, but it helps keep them stimulated at the same time. Floating toys allow you to extend the game of fetch to a new arena while a doggie powered fountain can keep your pooch entertained on a hot day. And hey, even our dogs like to lounge around the pool sometimes!
BONUS! A Portable Dog Pool
Warm springs and hot summers can mean reduced time spent playing outdoors. Help keep the fun going with a pool of their very own! Fido can run and play all he wants, then cool down with a quick dip. Don’t let the heat put a cramp on your play time.
The Call Of The Wild
Spring has begun, summer is approaching, and we are starting to spend more time outside of our homes. Along for the ride are our furry, four-legged family members. While walks might be great for a short while we still need some fun, interactive, outdoor dog play toys to help make the time more entertaining. Just like humans, dogs need enrichment in their lives. Boredom can lead to several problems including anxiety and aggression. Putting some thought behind the toys we buy them will go a long way towards keeping Rex and Fido simulated and happy. Hopefully I’ve given you some ideas of what to look for with these best selling fun, interactive, outdoor dog play toys. What are you waiting for? Get out there, run, be free, and play safe!
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