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Fetch and Tug Toys for Dogs

To prevent Fido from chewing you out of house and home, stimulate him both mentally and physically—interactive toys and/or toys meant for determined, active chewers or moderate chewers are the perfect solution for a happy home. Interactive toys and games are a great way to help your dog release pent-up energy, promote socialization, and strengthen the bond between the two of you.


Fetch

Try teaching your dog to retrieve a ball, stick, or even a Nylabone Frisbee®. Using a long leash, throw the toy and gently reel him back toward you, encouraging him all the way. The leash prevents your pooch not only from running away but also from using the toy as a chew. Be sure to have a treat or another toy in your hand to encourage him to drop it, then reward him by throwing the toy again. 

 

 

Rope and rubber tug toys also provide a great way for you and your four-legged fur ball to play together or for two dogs to engage in some friendly tug-of-war. No matter which type of play you choose, it’s important to give Rover the exercise and mental stimulation he needs—a physically and mentally satisfied dog will tend to find fewer destructive things to do in the house.

 

Obstacle Course

For rainy day fun, create an “obstacle course” in your home. Write different exercises (like “sit-stay for ten seconds,” “down,” “find the hidden treat under a cup,” etc.) on sticky notes. Post them around your house (in doorways, on the refrigerator, on the coffee table, etc.). Then put your dog on leash. Walk with him from note to note, performing the exercises you have written for yourself. Remember to reward him for each exercise or at the end with a big treat or his favorite game. You’ve just trained, exercised, and bonded with him!
 

- Top Tips from Top Trainers: Tracey Schowalter, Puppy Adept, Inc., Gainesville, GA

 

Agility classes teach you how to train and handle your dog over jumps, tunnels, dog walks, A-frames, and other obstacles used in agility. Even if you aren’t interested in competing or earning titles on your dog, practicing agility with simple homemade equipment is a fun way to reinforce your bond with him, run off some of his energy, and just plain have a great time.


- Training Your Dog for Life, Sheila Webster Boneham, Ph.D.

 

Hide-and-Seek

Play hide-and-seek with your dog. Dogs love to be with their people, so this game comes fairly naturally and can also teach a dog each family member’s name. Let’s call the family members Sam and Jane. Jane will hide and Sam will say “Where’s Jane?” Jane will take this as a cue and call the dog’s name. Once the dog finds Jane, she will offer heaps of reinforcement. Keep repeating the game. Jane should change locations to keep the dog interested. Eventually, she can stop calling him because he will understand what to do when Sam says “Where’s Jane?”
 

- Top Tips from Top Trainers:  Elizabeth Langham , MS, CPDT-KA, Tree Frog Farm Dog Training and Agility, North Yarmouth, ME

 

Fetch and Tug Toys Solutions from Nylabone:


 


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