We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 4-month-old Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd/Cane Corso mix named Reuben.
Mom and dad say I am curious, mischievous, protective, and extremely caring. I love my new bed, all my meals, and of course my walks. I am also finding my “new voice.”
Every night when I go to bed, I wake up bigger. The vet says I will grow to 130 lbs. YEAH for me!!!!
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue:
Paul and I spoil our dogs with way too many “toys”. O.K. it’s really me!!! I purchase a lot of KONG or K9 Dynamics products because of our German Shepherd’s bite force. However, the squeaky toys are his favourite, as this gives him “feedback” that his bite is strong enough and would be effective.
Many dogs love squeaky toys because it satisfies their prey drive. This is an instinct for dogs, to hunt and capture their “prey”.
The sound of the squeaky toy resembles the noise of a wounded, scared, or injured animal.
Some dogs can rip apart the soft fluffy toys, as they want to get to the plastic squeaker. This is natural as most dogs want to capture and “kill” their prey. Therefore, the dogs with squeaky toys need to be supervised, in case they start to eat the squeaker, stuffing or plastic. Your dog could choke or swallow the squeaker whole.
You may find that your dog might lose interest in their toy, after the squeaker is gone, as the hunt is over. If you notice your dog getting too excited and aggressive with a squeaky toy, choose a different toy option.
Now there are some dogs that are afraid of squeaky toys. These dogs usually have a lower prey drive and sounds frighten them, as it is too loud. You can find toys with a softer squeaker and your dog may choose to toss the toy instead. For this type of dog, we would recommend a rubber toy, a tug, or a ball.
There are now dog toys available that are stuffing-free.
Chewing a squeaky, or rubber toy can help improve your dog’s dental health. This will help dogs that are active chewers to have less plaque buildup on their teeth and help massage their gums.
Paul and I both inspect the dog toys at night, throwing away any damaged toys, and putting aside the ones we can sew. HEE! HEE!
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