Dog Toys and Basic Supplies

Toys and Supplies Banner for Dog Encyclopedia

If you are starting off with a new dog, there are certain things you will need to get for your dog. There are so many kinds of dog supplies available that we may wonder what is really necessary and what is extravagant. Realistically, there are multiple factors that contribute to a happy, healthy life for your dog. There are very few dogs that do not enjoy their toys. Some prefer a nice loud squeaky toy, while others want to play fetch or tug-of-war. Toys are an important part of your dog’s development – they often mimic activities dogs would perform in the wild, such as chewing or retrieving. Plus, they help keep your dog active and stimulated.

Dog Collars
Every dog should have a collar or harness, period. This collar or harness should ALWAYS be equipped with your dog’s current identification tags. Microchips are a great way to supplement identification tags, but they are not acceptable replacements. Beyond identification, collars or harnesses are used with leashes in order to walk and restrain your dog. Plus, they are a great way to show off your dog’s personal style (and your own, too)!

Dog Leashes
Every dog needs a leash, and each should be trained to walk on it. Chances are your dog will be subject to leash laws at one time or another, even if there are no leash laws in your area. You may even want to keep multiple types of leashes around the house for multiple uses.

Dog Kennels
Dog kennels, or crates, can be a wonderful thing for most dogs. Similar to a dog bed, having a kennel can give your dog a place to retreat and feel secure. Kennels are an integral part of housebreaking and can also play a role in other types of

training. Additionally, kennels can really come in handy for travel.

Dog Grooming Equipment
All dogs need some degree of grooming, a task that requires some equipment. You will need to find grooming tools that suit your dog’s overall grooming requirements. Choose brushes, combs and shampoos based on your dog’s coat type. For some types, you will need hair clippers and scissors. All dogs need nail trims, but the size of your dog will determine the type of nail trimmers needed. Other miscellaneous grooming tools may be helpful depending on your dog’s individual needs.

Dog Bowls
Obviously, food and water are necessary for your dog to survive and remain healthy. Your choice of bowls or dishes is important as well. Plastic bowls may not be ideal for some dogs, while stainless steel bowls are economical and durable. Ceramic bowls come in various designs, adding a little personality to mealtime.

Dog Toys
For dogs and other animal companions, toys are not a luxury, but a necessity. Toys help fight boredom in dogs left alone, and toys can even help prevent some problem behaviors from developing. There are three different types of toys for your dog.
Active Toys:

Very hard rubber toys, such as Nylabone®-type products and Kong®-type products, are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and are fun for chewing and for carrying around.
"Rope" toys are usually available in a "bone" shape with knotted ends.
Tennis balls make great dog toys, but keep an eye out for any that could be chewed through, and discard them.

Distraction Toys:

Kong®-type toys, especially when filled with broken-up treats—or, even better, a mixture of broken-up treats and peanut butter—can keep a puppy or dog busy for hours. Only by chewing diligently can your dog get to the treats, and then only in small bits. Double-check with your veterinarian about whether or not you should give peanut butter to your dog. Be sure to choose a Kong®-type toy of appropriate size for your dog.
"Busy-box" toys are large rubber cubes with hiding places for treats. Only by moving the cube around with his nose, mouth, and paws can your dog get to the goodies.

Comfort Toys:

Soft stuffed toys are good for several purposes, but aren't appropriate for all dogs. For some dogs, the stuffed toy should be small enough to carry around. For dogs who want to shake or "kill" the toy, the toy should be the size that "prey" would be for that size dog (mouse-size, rabbit-size, or duck-size).

Rotate your dog's toys weekly by making only a few toys available at a time. Keep a variety of types easily accessible. If your dog has a favorite, like a soft "baby," you may want to leave it out all the time. Provide toys that offer variety—at least one toy to carry, one to "kill," one to roll, and one to "baby." "Hide and Seek" is a fun game for dogs to play. "Found" toys are often much more attractive than a toy which is obviously introduced. Making an interactive game out of finding toys or treats is a good "rainy-day" activity for your dog, using up energy without the need for a lot of space. Many of your dog's toys should be interactive. Interactive play is very important for your dog because he needs active "people time"—and such play also enhances the bond between you and your pet. By focusing on a specific task—such as repeatedly returning a ball, Kong, or Frisbee®, or playing "hide-and-seek" with treats or toys—your dog can expel pent-up mental and physical energy in a limited amount of time and space. This greatly reduces stress due to confinement, isolation, and boredom. For young, high-energy, and untrained dogs, interactive play also offers an opportunity for socialization and helps them learn about appropriate and inappropriate behavior, such as jumping up or being mouthy.