Dear Miss Behavin’:

We are looking for some suggestions on types of toys to get for our pup this holiday. There is such a large variety and price range, I am not sure what is the best choice. Can you help?

Of course, what a lucky pup! There is quite the variety out there nowadays that it can make one wonder what is the best choice. The answer as to the best toy for your pup will depend on your pup. My pup Baloo likes grunting stuffed toys, stealing the kitty’s toys, wool based toys and food dispensing toys. Here are some ideas.

The classic is the original Kong, you can build on your pups skill level and try freezing it to keep him busy for a longer time. There are some great options for dry kibble dispensing toys, my favorite is the Buster Cube or the Kong Wobbler and there are many others to choose from. Some newer items on the market are the Snuffle Mat which can be bought or made and Licky Mats that can be used for a special treat.

If your pup enjoys stuffed toys but destroys them quickly, look for ones that are made for tough chewers. The HuggleHounds brand of stuffed toys have lasted fairly well in my household through the years. These can be pricy, but they tend to last longer.

If you want to give your pup a year-round treat, there are many subscription plans like the Bark Box that sends your pup a box of toys and treats every month. These are customizable to cater to your pups likes and dislikes.

If you are a do it yourselfer, the possibilities are endless. You can use old cardboard boxes to hide things in, old socks to put empty water bottles in, old t-shirts or towels to make tug toys, the possibilities are endless. Experiment to see what your pup likes and have fun!

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