Video:Choose Toys For Your Dog

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Transcript:Choose Toys For Your Dog

Hi, I'm Nicole Chmura for About.com. This is Lady. She's energetic and loves to play, and we encourage her by choosing the right toys.

Dog Toy Benefits

The American Veterinary Medical Association considers mental stimulation a big part of keeping a puppy healthy. Toys are great for exercising both the brain and all four legs. It's as easy as throwing a ball.

Using Toys to Train Dogs

Sometimes toys can be used a training tools - at the park, or teaching them how to use a doggie door.

Dog Toys for Exercise

Fetching a Frisbee is always fun. Lady is crazy about this soft one - perfect for the pool. She wears herself out jumping in and out to catch it – a real workout in the water.

Chew Toy Varieties

When she's a little calmer, you're sure to find a chew toy in her mouth. Some are silly and squeaky. Others are simple and cheap-- like this plastic water bottle. It gets her undivided attention, no matter what's going on. We just have to be sure she doesn't eat the plastic.

Toys for Clean Teeth

Tug of war is another of Lady's favorite games. Besides exercise, this rope also helps keep her teeth clean.

Edible Bubbles for Dogs

Here's a unique interactive toy-- she's chasing edible bubbles flavored just for furry ones - BBQ chicken or bacon.

Toys to Pass the Time

When a dog has time alone, rawhide and other chew toys help them pass the time. A Kong is another great way to prevent boredom. Putting a treat or a little peanut butter inside keeps them occupied for hours.

Stuffed Animals as Dog Toys

Lady loves stuffed animals, too. But before she gets them, we make sure to remove plastic eyes and noses that could pose a choking hazard. Really, that's good advice for anything small.

Cleaning Dog Toys

Toys will probably dirty during playtime, so be sure they get at least a rinse when you're done.

Rotating Dog Toys

Here's a great tip from the American Kennel Club: rotate toys. Put some away for a few weeks. Then, when you bring them out again, she'll love them like they're new.

Dog Walking as Play

This may be the best toy of all-- a leash. Endless sights and smells on regular walks are all but guaranteed to keep your four legged friend active and happy.

Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us here on the Web at dogs.about.com.