In prior articles, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of giving your dog room to breathe, of walking him regularly, of giving him the sort of attention he so desperately needs. One thing we haven’t talked about yet is playtime. Dogs love to scamper around and have fun, and no spot of playtime is complete without a set of toys.


As you’d expect, there are a lot of great products out there in the market to choose from. To make our picks, we’ve looked at Amazon, the great equalizer and a brand that’s available to anyone with an internet connection. But of course, you can substitute these ideas for similar products at your local pet shop.


Happy shopping.


Plastic Frisbee


Park time is transformed the minute you have a frisbee in your hand. Dogs like nothing more than to play fetch, and frisbees are a great way of giving them the excuse to run like mad.


This frisbee
is suitable for use by the whole family – including your furry friend! – and it’s designed not to damage your dog’s precious teeth.


Dog bone


As the dog-eared ends of your carpet demonstrate, your dog loves chewing on stuff. So give him something to placate him in style. This wishbone from by Benebone, a proudly US product, comes with the tagline “Dogs Chew Good”. It’s yours to choose in three different flavors (bacon, chicken or peanut) and three different sizes (small, medium, large) making it a versatile product that’ll work with just about any breed.


Keep in mind though that these bones aren’t supposed to be eaten, so check it periodically to make sure it’s not starting to fray.


Squeaky dog toy


If your dog’s the playful sort – and chances are he is – he’s going to love playing with this squeaky fox, racoon or squirrel.


The toy comes in two sizes which, according to the manufacturer, makes is perfect for small and medium-sized breeds.


And it’ll last a long time too, in part because it doesn’t have any stuffing to rip out. Made to last and great fun to boot, your dog is sure to love it. Just make sure you can put up with the sound of it squeaking.


Knotted rope


Dogs have a lot of energy they need to expend. One of the best ways to exercise them is with a knotted piece of rope. Initiate a spot of tug-of-war to really tire your animal out.


This 3-knot variety
has Amazon’s seal of approval, a very reasonable $8 price tag a rating of 4.5 stars from over 1,000 reviews.


The good news is that it comes in several sizes and is made from good-quality materials, helping it withstand extended playtime.


Ball pack


Whether its tennis balls, footballs or soccer balls, this pack from Amazon has something for every ball-loving dog in America. Choose between one ball on its own or all of them together.


Balls are an absolutely brilliant way of letting a dog have fun outside, and a game like throw-and-fetch strengthens that bond you enjoy with your dog.


Last but not least, we couldn’t say no to the toy that cleans your dog’s teeth while he’s playing. Yes, this nifty bone from Galileo features tiny bristles that clean hard-to-reach areas of your dog’s mouth and gums.


So there you have it – transform those walks in the park and brighten up your dog’s day at home with something as small as a toy. Introduce playtime into the fold to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated. You’ll notice a massive difference in his mood, in his willingness to listen, in his overall quality of life as well.