The Golden Retriever is a large, muscular, high energy and active dog. Intelligent and bred to be working dogs they require plenty of exercise.

Like all dogs they must relieve any stress and any pent up energy they may feel. If you do not keep them occupied they will find in most cases less desirable ways to amuse themselves. Ashley Core, a research paper helper, confirms “dog toys can play a vital role in relieving both, as well as provide entertainment for your dog and keep his mind stimulated”. Not just any toy will do – it must be the right toy.

Safety
The first consideration is safety. Is it the right toy for your Golden? Does it have strings, staples, glass bead eyes or any part that is cheaply made and easy to destroy or possibly cause injury?

Durability

When a manufacturer says a toy is indestructible they’re not lying, they’re just hopeful. If the toy is made from cheap plastic, it’s certainly not going to last. Unless the toy is of a decent quality it won’t last no matter how they describe it. Bionic may have been a word to describe the “Million Dollar Man” but it certainly doesn’t describe most toys on the market today.

Many manufacturers are trying to develop toys that will survive the teeth of larger breeds that enjoy chewing – no matter the age – and also for large aggressive chewers. Kongs are very popular dog toys for this reason.

Tight knotted rope can be child’s play to a Golden Retriever determined to loosen that knot. It’s important to look for more challenging dog toys as the basics in some cases may not be enough.

Weak seams are found like missiles to a target. While in the store or when the toy you’ve ordered on the Internet arrives in the mail do a test without damaging it.

In the case of plush toys pull on it to test the strength of the seams with a firm tug. Try not to split the seam but to get an idea of the seams strength. Pay close attention to the stitching as well made plush toys use heavy thread or double even triple stitch the seams. If a tug on the seams feels like a weak handshake, it’s not the right toy for your large breed dog.

Balls

Most balls for pets are made very simply. In order to avoid a choking hazard, the balls must be the right size. You may have read in the news that Oprah Winfrey’s Golden Retriever died after inhaling a ball that lodged in his throat. The right size means larger than a size the dog can easily swallow but accidents do happen even when you think they can’t.

You would not buy a large ball for a Jack Russell Terrier and a small ball for a Golden Retriever. The Jack Russell would have very little fun with a toy he can’t manage and the Golden is presented with a hazardous situation. Jack Russell Terriers are a feisty breed and may stand up to the challenge, never the less in most cases size does matter.

Hard rubber balls make a fun ball toy for most dogs. They come in a wide variety of sizes to meet the needs of your dog and in most cases can withstand some rough handling.

Treat Dispensing Toys

Most dogs love treat dispensing toys that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. When your dog is bored or home alone babble balls engage your dog in funny conversations.

You can also buy treat dispensing toys that talk. You can record your message and as your dog works to get the treat the recorded message plays intermittently. This may be very reassuring to a dog that’s missing you.

Interactive Play

For interactive play the “Chuck It” helps to keep your dog’s saliva off your hands as you play a good game of fetch and exercise your dog. A Frisbee or similar disk may also provide some needed exercise.

Squeaking Toys

Most dogs love toys that squeak no matter the shape, size or material. What’s important about dog toys that squeak is that they need to be of good quality materials preferably made of a durable rubber and where the squeaker is deeply buried.

If your Golden’s greatest desire is to kill the toy like prey and he goes immediately for the squeaker this may not be the right type of dog toy.

Each Golden Retriever though the same breed will have individual preferences when it comes to toys. Your dog’s size, breed, age, energy level and personality are important considerations when choosing toys. Purchase toys that are of good quality, that are safe, provide mental stimulation, involve problem solving, drain excess energy and that will truly be enjoyed.

About the author: John M. Caviness is a copywriter at MeowEssay. Besides, he spends his time training dogs. Moreover, John is a volunteer at some puppy mills.