Toys for Guide Dogs

All dogs love to play, and guide dogs for the blind are no exception. However, puppies and dogs designated and trained as helper animals must have toys that do not accelerate the prey drive or promote destructive behavior. During the puppy training stage, certain types of toys are recommended by Guide Dogs for the Blind.

  1. Chew Toys for Puppies in Training

    • Guide dogs are like all other dogs---especially puppies---when it comes to chewing things up. While in the kennel stage of training, provide the puppy with entertaining toys at all times. Some pups will gravitate toward the stuffed animal sort of toy, but take care that there are no sewn-on button eyes or other parts that can easily be ripped off and swallowed by an eager pup. Rope toys and squeaky toys present a similar danger, so only allow the puppy to play with them when you are present.

      Medium-sized Nylabones and Kongs can be left in the kennel when the puppy is unsupervised. Real bones should not be given to a puppy unless they have been sterilized to reduce the risk of bacterial infection. Remember that puppies will get a new set of molars at anywhere between 6 and 8 months, and the chewing will intensify. It is important that guide dogs in training learn to only chew on designated toys.

    Adult Guide Dog Toys

    • There are toys approved by Guide Dogs for the Blind that are suitable for the adult guide dog. Kongs come in various sizes and can be stuffed with peanut butter or other treats. Black Kongs are more durable than red ones, so take into account the chewing behavior of the individual animal, and do not buy a cheaper knockoff product as pieces may come off in the dog's mouth. GoughNuts are large, tough, doughnut-shaped chew toys that are floatable (great for pool or bathtime), easily cleaned and have a red-colored center that indicates when it is time to discard the toy.

    Toys Unacceptable for Guide Dogs

    • Among the toys that are considered unacceptable for guide dogs are edibles such as bones made of cornstarch, raw or smoked bones, rawhide chewies, cow or pig hooves and pig ears. Balls, sticks, Frisbees, and retrieving toys teach behavior that is not considered appropriate for guide dogs and thus should not be allowed. In addition, Guide Dogs for the Blind guidelines dictate that socks, shoes, kid toys or anything that is not precisely a dog toy should not be given to the animal as a plaything, as this encourages destructive behavior with everyday items.