Every dog should have a toy or two. Not only are they fun for your dog, they provide mental stimulation and are a great outlet for excess energy. Toys can also help to prevent boredom, which is often the root behind many problem behaviors. But some toys are better for certain dogs than for others. Plus, you must make sure that whatever toy you give to your dog is safe for him. There are few things to keep in mind when selecting a toy for your dog.

First, take your dog's size into consideration and get him toys that are size appropriate. Little dogs may be overwhelmed by large toys while small toys can be a potential choking hazard for large dogs. Next, consider your dog's chewing style. Toys made of hard, durable rubber or nylon are best for aggressive chewers. You can fill the hollow, hard rubber toys with a treat or even peanut butter to keep him further occupied. You should, however, avoid plush toys or soft rubber toys if you've got an aggressive chewer. He may be able to chew the toy to bits and the small parts can cause him to choke. Dogs who aren't big chewers will do best with soft toys, artificial sheepskin toys, and latex and vinyl squeaky toys. These should be able to last them awhile. If your dog falls somewhere in between the aggressive chewer and the non-chewer, look for toys that are still soft but durable. These can include nylon or cotton rope toys, some plush toys, rubber balls, rubber bones, tennis balls, and toys made of berber, canvas, and fleece .