FAQ: Toys for dogs

Solid rubber balls are heavier and more chew-resistant, while hollow ones are lighter, bounce and float better, but a strong chewer can bite through them. Choose according to how your dog chews.

Yes, but long, repetitive ball chasing with sudden stops and turns strains the joints. Combine it with calm walks and sniffing activities, and take breaks.

Hand-held launchers let you throw the ball further without bending down or getting your hands dirty. Just make sure the dog does not get exhausted or overheated, and limit play for young dogs and dogs with joint problems.

An automatic thrower can keep an energetic dog busy, but some dogs cannot stop playing and wear themselves out. Use it only under supervision and limit the play time.

Some breeds, especially herding and gun dogs, are very strongly driven to chase and retrieve. If the dog cannot settle, add calmer activities and teach cues that start and end the game.

Light-up balls are handy for playing in the dark, but the batteries inside are dangerous if the dog bites through the ball. Give them only under supervision and do not let the dog chew them.

Retrieving is not instinctive for many dogs, so it has to be taught: praise and reward the dog when it comes back with the ball, and use two balls so it wants to give up the first. Do not chase the dog, as that turns into a game of catch-me.

A ball on a rope is easy to throw further and good for tug games, as the owner's hand stays away from the teeth. Check that the rope is firmly attached and not fraying, as torn-off strands are dangerous.

Discs made for dogs are softer and more flexible than ones for people, so they are less likely to hurt the teeth and mouth. Play on a soft surface and do not throw too high, so the dog does not make sudden jumps and injure itself.

While a puppy is growing, high jumps and hard landings are best limited because growing joints are sensitive. Start by rolling the disc along the ground or throwing it low, and ask a vet about the right age for intensive sport.

Balls, soft discs, rubber rings and stick-shaped toys made for dogs all work for fetch. Choose a toy that is easy to see, and one that floats if you play near water.

Dogs see colour differently from people and distinguish blue and yellow shades best, while red and orange can look dull to them on grass. That is why blue or yellow toys are often easier for a dog to spot on grass.

Tug helps a dog burn off energy and strengthens the bond with its owner, as long as there are rules. Teach the dog to let go on cue and stop the game if its teeth touch your hand.

Tug played with clear rules does not make a dog aggressive. What matters is that the dog learns to release the toy and that you start and end the game.

Tug gently with a puppy, moving the toy side to side rather than up and down, and do not pull hard so you do not hurt its teeth and jaw. During teething, soften the game or pause it for a while.

Long toys with handles, ropes, rubber rings and soft tug toys made of tough fabric all work. Length matters, so the owner's hand stays away from the dog's teeth.

During play, freeze, hold the toy still and offer a treat or another toy, and when the dog lets go, say the cue and reward. Repeat until the dog releases the toy on the cue alone.

Yes, but gently, low to the ground and without sudden jerks. For small dogs choose lighter, thinner tug toys that are easy to grip.

Many dogs happily play tug with each other, but watch that the game does not turn into anger or a fight over the toy. If one dog starts growling or stiffens, end the game.

Puzzles make a dog search for a hidden treat, slide lids or pull out pieces, which exercises the mind and reduces boredom. Mental work tires a dog out just as much as physical exercise.