Toys are an important part of any pet's development, especially if the pet's owners are not around all of the time. If you have a dog, especially a dog which spends quite a bit of time home alone, then both you and your dog will be happier and more entertained if you can find some dog toys to keep your best friend entertained.

Dog toys come in all shapes and sizes, from bones the size of your arm to balls, baubles, and doohickeys. So what type of dog toy is best for your particular dog? It seems that, in general, the best toys are a matter of doggie preference. Some dogs love bones more than anything else in the world, while others won't touch the things. Other dogs love the newest sparkly, noisy gadgets and the newest playthings. They'll be fascinated with whatever loud, squeaky, rattley toy you get them until you find them a different one. Other dogs don't like any toys and want nothing more than your company.

If your furry friend spends a lot of time at home while you're at work, look for dog toys which will let him or her have fun alone. Dog toys with lots of knobs and protrusions allow dogs to flip and toss the toys on their own, allowing them sort of a solitary form of catch. Be sure that any dog toy you buy is large enough for the dog you're buying it for. Oversized toys are fine, but if you get toys that are too small your dog may accidentally swallow them and they can get lodged in your dog's throat. Since your dog will primarily play with the toy by biting, carrying, and tossing it in its mouth, the toy needs to be large enough so it can't be accidentally swallowed. Be sure to get toys that are sturdy enough to handle your dog too. If your dog can bite off smaller pieces of the toy they can be just as dangerous to swallow.

Your dog's play time with you can be a great time for toys as well. Many dogs love to play catch or fetch with hard rubber balls or training dummies which can be easier for owners to throw. Some dogs love to play tug of war with knotted pieces of rope, though be careful that this doesn't teach the dog to latch on to other things like slippers and articles of clothing. Dog toys can make your doggie's life a lot more interesting, both during play with you and play on its own.

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