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Just like humans, some dogs are wild fish in the water, while others are like seals basking in the sand — and we love them too. For the splashing dogs next to us, playing in the water not only provides a fun place to exercise (especially during the summer months), but it can also Also strengthen the relationship between child and pet-parent. Even if your dog enjoys being on land and keeping their paws dry, exposure to water can be crucial to their safety and well-being — and play is an important component. important to help them feel comfortable.
But you have really Need a dog-specific water toy or any old ball that squeaks? Read on as we dig deeper into the benefits of dog pool toys and find out if they’re essential in keeping our puppies active and comfortable in the water.
Benefits of Water Toys for Dogs — Expert Advice
Contrary to popular belief, Not all dogs can swim or immediately fell in love with being in the country. There’s nothing wrong with a puppy enjoying being on dry land, but it’s still important to help your dog foster some level of comfort around water. It doesn’t just save you headaches in the shower.
A dog unfamiliar with or afraid of water may not understand how to stay afloat long enough for rescuers to arrive, and drowning or serious injury can happen within seconds. That’s why you should give your dog time to get comfortable in the water. Even the most terrestrial puppies can encounter a body of water during their adventure, be it a pond at a local park, a friend’s pool, or a stream during a trip. hiking — and may not like the water enough to keep them from falling in.
tourismism via iStock
Whether you’re getting to know a new puppy, helping an anxious adult, or working with a seasoned professional, toys and games can be some of the best tools to help your dog learn. how to paddle yourself.
For those just starting out, Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) Audrey Nett of Audible recommend slow water exposure and insist on the game. “Focus on cooperative care and spend time introducing water in a fun, positive way,” she says.
Nett points out that your dog’s growing confidence in water can also transfer to other areas, making bath time easier and strengthening your bond with the puppy. “All in all, play is just a really good way to build a bond between dogs and their guardians,” she says. “As long as the dog is enjoying himself, he can really build trust in the water.”
Floating dog toy to help you get into the water easily
So you’re ready to start playing in the water — but do you need a specific set of water toys for your dog?
As pet parents, we know that not all toys are created equal. The same goes for water toys for dogs. Traditional options like stuffing and tennis balls can get flooded and bogged down in waves. They are also not usually built to withstand the pressure of water and can become a choking hazard when seams get wet and frayed. Not to mention, without proper dry cleaning, water-soaked toys can become a mold hazard.
That’s why water toys for dogs have an extra paw up. Not only are they more durable in water and built to float, but they also cater to the individuality of our pups. You can find water toys for every dog activity, from grabbing and pulling to diving and chewing. Matching the toy to your dog’s senses will make the water more appealing to a reluctant puppy.
If your dog likes to fetchto try on Kurgo’s Skipping Stones. These toy rocks bounce along the water like a slide, except they never sink — easy to lure your dog to splash with them. Start on the beach, then try the depths to get your puppy wet. Just make sure you keep an eye on the toys if your dog doesn’t have a reliable place to get them — they can look oddly like real terrestrial rocks.
If your dog likes squeaky toysto try on Outward Hound Floatiez dog toy. For some baby rats, prey driving that a toy squeaks on can trigger water anxiety. You can give this toy in a shallow bath or Children’s swimming pools are safe for dogs to increase the puppy’s tolerance for splashing (or standing) around. These toys are available in 10 different varieties, all with their own silly sounds.
Roo the Rover Test Pup tried Stingray and likes to shake it when it “giggles.” The noodle-style design hugs her sharp coils and the fabric flexes well in the water, making it ideal for billiards.
If your dog likes to chew, West Paw’s Rumpus are water toys for your money. Not only does it float in water, but it’s also known to be able to withstand tough chewers. We love that it’s made by a family business in Montana and is dishwasher safe. Note that the toy is a bit heavier, which can be a challenge for puppies or smaller dogs.
Pro tip: Try feeding Rumpus on land with a spreadable food, then move it into shallow water and let your puppy give it a chase. It will probably be chewed on dry land – but a dog that will go get it is learning to navigate the water.
Is your dog already a water expert? Try diving! For water trips, Nerf Mega Tuff Competition Stick very hard to beat. An official dog water toy used by North American diving dog, this Nerf floating stick can hold some serious competition. Reviewers have noted that it is extremely durable (a 120-pound Rottweiler was reported to be able to chew it with minimal damage) and easy to spot for dogs with its bright blue and yellow color. It’s also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
To see more of our favorite floating dog toys, visit our article “14 Great dog toys for puppies that love to swim. “
Still testing the waters? Try these beginner tools for underwater play first
You don’t have to use water toys Let your dog see the swim line and splash — but floating toys can be really helpful for the job, especially if you have a puppy that doesn’t want to explore the water.
If you are in a hedge, try investing in The toy serves two purposes with respect to land and water. Pool dog toys like Chuckit Ultra Squeaker Ball provides a great middle ground. While the ball chirped It can float and bobbing in water, it’s also fun on land — bouncing erratically and mimicking prey, making it especially appealing to tall driving dogs.
One life jackets for dogs It is a good investment that can help alleviate some of the shock from a puppy’s first experiences with water, especially if you are looking to teach a puppy or have a poor water ballerina. graceful on hand (we’re looking at you, Bulldogs, Pugs, Corgis and Dachshunds). In fact, they’re a good idea for even strong swimmers.
Swimming pool for dogs It can also be a soothing, comforting way to get in the water — and a fun way to splash and bond with your puppy when the weather is hot.
Whatever you decide, making sure all your dog’s water interactions are positive and fun will help both of you enjoy some cool time on the water.
Roo shows off a giggling manta ray pool toy.
How we choose floating dog toys
The dog water toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, comprehensive review of customer reviews across multiple retail platforms, and interviews with trainers. Audrey Nett’s certified Audible. We evaluated toys based on buoyancy, durability, dog attractiveness, and distraction. We are also guided by our own experience of living and playing with our own much-loved and steadfast pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
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