Interactive Tug-of-War Dog Toy with Squeaker
While plush dog toys seem like a luxury more than a necessity, for some dogs these are essential tools that provide them comfort when they are feeling nervous as well as a source of entertainment when they are left alone in the house for extended periods. In some cases, soft toys for puppies can even help prevent certain unwanted behaviours (e.g., chewing on wires and shoes, licking excessively, etc.).
However, not all plush dog toys are equal. To make sure that you choose high-quality cuddle products for your furry friends, source them from a reputable online store such as eDog.
Whether you need a fluffy toy dog, an anti-barking collar (such as a shock collar or ultrasonic bark control), a dog grooming kit, travel-friendly accessories, an invisible dog fence, a GPS dog tracking, or a dog leash, we have all the right accessories to make pet ownership fun and easy.
How to choose the right plush toy for your dog?
Much like children, dogs (regardless of breed) love stuffed animals because they allow them to release their pent-up energy, fight boredom, and remain active, which in turn prevents them from chewing on wires and destroying things at your house. However, as with anything else, you need to choose safe products and take a few extra precautions to make sure your pet is safe.
As a general rule, choose plush dog toys that don’t have any plastic parts. Also, avoid anything with buttons because they are often made of plastic and other materials that pose a choking hazard. Instead, opt for a puppy plush toy that has eyes and nose made out of thread.
At eDog, our plush dog toys like teddies for puppies and interactive squeaky stuffed animals have no buttons and other plastic parts. To further reduce choking hazards, we use a knotted rope skeleton, which gives our products increased durability and reduces the need for stuffing.
Make sure that you get a toy that is slightly larger than your pet’s mouth. Dogs carry their favourite toy in their mouth quite a bit, so if it’s too small, it may pose a choking hazard, and it also makes it hard for them to play with it. As a general rule, opt for a size that allows for easy grip.
A toy that’s too small may also become soaked with your dog’s saliva, which could result in bacteria build-up.
Another important feature you should look for in plush dog toys is durability; this is especially important if your pets shake and ‘kill’ their soft toys. At eDog, our products are designed to withstand ‘attacks’, with some even containing an internal rope skeleton that adds strength and reduces stuffing to minimise messy accidents.
How to train your dog to play with toys?
Early socialisation is the key to training your dog to play with toys. In fact, most pets that don’t play have not experienced playing with humans. That being said, start slowly when training your puppies with toys, which means letting them smell the items first so they can get used to the texture, smell, and sight of their stuffed animals.
If your dogs show interest in their toys, reward them with treats or praise. Another option is to hide a treat or spread a small dab of peanut butter on a tug toy or a ball so they will associate these items with good things.
Once your pets are comfortable with their plush dog toys, start interacting with them. One tip is to sit close to them and shake the toys a bit. If they show some interest, reward them with soft praise or food. Remember, it may take some time for them to associate toys with playtime, but the more you engage with them, the sooner they will learn the desired behaviour.
Some games like fetch, meanwhile, require teaching additional rules to your dogs. While most dogs won’t have any problem chasing and picking up a plush toy or ball that you throw, you need to teach them to ‘come’ and ‘drop it’ for the game to continue.
How to clean your dog’s plush toys?
Most plush dog toys can be tossed into the washer to give them a thorough cleaning. However, make sure that you read the care instructions because some products can only be handwashed, while others have specific cleaning requirements.
To wash your soft toys, you can use an ordinary detergent or a dog-friendly product designed to clean and sanitise dog toys, clothes, and accessories. Another option is to use a natural cleaning method, which involves adding white vinegar and baking soda to the washing cycle.
While most plush dog toys can be safely dried using a low heat setting, air-drying on a sunny day remains the gentlest way to dry them.
Now that you know what to look for in plush dog toys, how to train your pets using them, and how to care for soft toys, visit eDog now and choose from our pet-friendly products designed to make your furry companions happy and obedient. Shop now!