Items for Dogs to Play With in the Yard

What better way to spend time with your canine companion than by playing in the backyard. Your dog will love the exercise and probably be a bit quieter and better behaved around the house as a result. Whether you plan on playing with your dog or simply want to give your dog something to occupy itself (make sure your yard is escape-proof), there are a variety of toys on the market to suit you and your dog's needs.

  1. Fetch Toys

    • Almost every dog loves a good game of fetch in the backyard. Fetch toys, such as tennis balls and flying discs, come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Flying discs can be found in soft fabric or rubber materials, which are easier on a dog's gums and teeth. These toys should only be given to your dog under close supervision; they are not suitable as chew toys, and if your dog is left alone with them, it might resort to chewing on them.

    Tug Toys

    • When used properly, playing with tug toys with your dog is a great way for the two of you to bond. Tug toys can be found in leather, rope and rubber materials. If you have a puppy, soak a rope tug toy in low-sodium chicken broth before giving it to your puppy on a hot summer day.

      Some dog trainers advise against leaving tug toys around and to use them only when you're playing with your dog, especially if your dog is prone to becoming possessive of its toys.

    Chew Toys

    • Hooves, pig ears, rawhide and several varieties of bones are available to satisfy your dog's chewing needs. Because some of these chew toys and treats can be quite messy, some pet owners allow their dogs to enjoy them outside.

      Pressed rawhide is safer for your dog than regular rawhide (which can cause a blockage in your dog's digestive system if swallowed). Pressed rawhide contains only tiny pieces of rawhide that will not cause a blockage if swallowed. Always look for rawhide produced and processed in the United States; rawhide is not regulated in other countries and could contain arsenic-based chemicals and bleaching chemicals. As with fetch toys, these toys and treats should only be given to your dog under supervision.

    Food-Dispensing Toys

    • Food-dispensing toys are widely regarded by dog trainers as the best way to occupy your dog when you're not home, or when you are home but unable to supervise your dog. There are a variety of food-dispensing toys available: Kongs, Tug-a-Jugs, Buster Cubes and Nina Ottosson Toys. Kongs are easy to fill and clean. You can fill them with kibble, peanut butter, yogurt, meat and any other healthy treats and freeze them before giving them to your dog.