Can A Dog Swallow A Lacrosse Ball
Lacrosse Ball Toxicity The quick and short answer is: yes. In terms of toxicity, a lacrosse ball is perfectly safe. Your dog can put it in his mouth and not have any negative reactions. Keep the lacrosse ball clean during playtime so your pooch wont accidentally swallow anything that could make them sick.
How To Choose The Best Toy For Your German Shepherd
Age While your dog is a puppy, he will need something soft to chew on to relieve teeth and gum sensitivity caused by growing teeth. Adult dogs will need something a bit more resilient as their teeth are very strong, and Shepherds are known to be aggressive chewers. Once your dog is 7-years-old or older, you will want to switch to softer toys as their teeth will decline in strength.
Size When it comes to toys for German Shepherds, most will end up being too small. If a toy is too small for your dog, you risk your dog choking on it. Be careful of tennis balls as they are a common reason German Shepherds will end up choking they are roughly the size of their throat and get easily lodged. Although not as common, some toys can be too large for your pup, and they wont be able to fit their mouths around them.
Chewability Known for being aggressive chewers, German Shepherds will prefer toys that feel good in their mouths. Ultra-durable toys are essential and the most cost-effective option for your dog. Kong toys are known for being resistant to constant chomping.
Design German Shepherds have such a high prey drive and will go nuts over toys that are brightly colored, noisy, and bounce in unpredictable ways. You can meet the needs of your dog by looking for toys with these characteristics.
Is the toy safe for my dog to play with?
Does my dog enjoy playing with that type of toy?
Which toys are bad for German Shepherds?
Which Toys Are Bad For German Shepherds
Not all toys labeled as high quality or indestructible will be safe for your dog. Some toys tick the box of being good in stimulating your dog but fail when it comes to their safety. So which toys are bad for German Shepherds?
Vinyl toys
Many vinyl toys you will find out there in the market have been phthalates in them. Such phthalates compounds are harmful to your dog if he keeps ingesting the chipped particles now and then. These compounds will cause kidney and liver issues.
Painted dog toys
Many painted dog toys are a great risk to our German shepherd, and you should run away from them. Many manufacturers sell them at a low price as they are easy to produce. However, they possess lots of risks. These toys have been painted with lead or other compounds, which can cause a host of health issues.
Most dogs who gnaw toys sprayed with paint are at risk of getting cancer.
Rawhide toys
Rawhide is a popular toy that most people give to their German shepherds to keep them busy or help soothe itchy gums. Treated with chemicals to make it last longer, this toy can be harmful to your dog. One example of a chemical used is formaldehyde compound which is cancerous.
This rawhide toy can be accidentally ingested, and thats where the problem begins. On the dog, risk getting choked. Also, your dog risks having blocked intestines.
Toys not manufactured from the USA
Pig ears toys
Thus avoid such toys at all cost.
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Simple Solutionball On A Rope
The best solution: get a Kong or a bigger ball with holes, and put it on a rope. The rope should be approximately 14-16 inches long, and can have a small knot at the end to help with gripping and throwing . The rope serves many purposes:
- provides a way to remove the ball from the dogs throat if it gets stuck
- controls erratic bouncing, preventing the ball from bouncing high into the air
- allows for a safer pick-up, as the dog can grab the ball off the ground instead of leaping or twisting into the air
- allows the handler to fling the ball a great distance, just like they could with a chuck-it
- allows interactive play, as the handler can gently play tug with the dog while he has the ball
- provides the handler with a way to control the ball if the dog does not want to let go or out.
Adding a rope should reduce the likelihood of incurring a training accident involving the ball, whether from the dog choking on it or from the dog chasing an erratically bouncing ball and injuring itself this way. Most importantly, the rope can be a lifeline, as a handler at our own Schutzhund club recently learned when his dogs ball became lodged in his throat during their obedience training. That rope saved his dogs life, allowing him to extract the ball quickly .
Becoming versed in canine CPR and Heimlich maneuvers can also be beneficial, although these do not correct the root cause of playing with a loose ball that can block the dogs airway.
What Happens When A Tennis Ball Hits The Ground
When it hits the ground, some energy is transferred into the ground or the air as heat or sound. The larger the energy left in the ball, the higher it will bounce on the way back up. One major reason why a tennis ball rebounds is because when it hits the ground, the ball is contorted into an elliptical shape.
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Why Choose The Best German Shepherd Toys For Boredom
Is there is any need to choose the best toy for German shepherds? Yes. Having a quality German shepherd toy will help in physically exercising your dog. A toy for playing fetch will help burn all your dogs pent-up energy and still nurture your dogs chasing instincts.
Besides being great for physical stimulation, German shepherd toys help in mentally stimulating your dog. For example, toys that have been stuffed with treats inside help in challenging your dogs intelligence.
Lastly, choose the best German shepherd toys, and rarely will you find your teething dog chewing shoes and pillows.
Summing It Up: Toys And Games For German Shepherds Are Plentiful
there you have it! Eight fun and highly-rated toys that are ideal for German shepherds. When you combine these toys with the suggested activities, you and your furry friend will surely have an excellent. You may even be inspired to come up with your own unique games to play!
We hope you enjoyed reading this post, and weve got others that are excellent for German shepherd owners. Below youll find a list of those articles. Feel free to browse them to see some helpful information and product recommendations:
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Best Fetch Toy: Chew King Fetch Balls
The Chew King Fetch Balls are the best fetch toys for German Shepherds. They are made of natural rubber, making them a smooth and odorless alternative to traditional tennis balls. They also do not absorb the moisture that tennis ball fibers too, which could be a lifesaver if your dog drools a lot.
They are durable and have hollow centers. This allows you to stuff treats inside if you want to challenge your dog at mealtimes. You could also put peanut butter or canned dog food inside and freeze the ball to make a long-lasting treat.
One of the innovative safety features of these balls is the safety air vent. If the ball should get stuck inside of your GSDs mouth, it wont cut off his air supply in the meantime. It also prevents his tongue from getting stuck inside and potentially injuring him.
You can choose from a variety of sizes that could be suitable for your GSD. I recommend erring on the side of caution and going for the biggest size. This could be particularly crucial if your German Shepherd is a destructive chewer.
Overall, this dispensing toy is an excellent value for money, especially considering that you get three in one pack. If youre looking for an alternative to simple tennis balls for your German Shepherd, you should consider the Chew King toys.
Pros:
Cons:
- The balls may not withstand particularly destructive dogs.
Nero Ball Classic K9 Ball On A Rope
Made of a special natural rubber blend & slightly larger than a regular tennis ball, it has thicker inner walls with projections on it, that give your German Shepherd a familiar mouthfeel when chewing on it. Your doggo will also want to tug and bite the tough, durable nylon rope.
The rope has a sturdy Anti-slip knot that resists heavy tugging and jumping activities. Its bright orange color is eye-catching to your German Shepherd, so it makes for a good game of hide and seek as well. Overall, a great toy to have in your yard for your GSD!
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Zippy Paws No Stuffing Plush Toy
Price: $
- Made from high quality cloth fiber no stuffing
- Can be used indoors & outdoors
Our Overview
When your GSD isnt busy tearing up the training course, shes going to want to curl up at home with a comfort buddy. Thats where this adorable plush squeaky toy comes in.
Besides an unbeatable low price, this manufacturer thought of everything when it comes to plush toys for dogs. There are 10 squeakers inside the toy, ensuring hours of play time. We also love the fact that there is no stuffing, making it safe and easy to clean.
Best of all, you can choose your dog breed! So, your dog can have a mini German Shepherd stuffed animal to sleep with in her crate and keep her company.
Puzzle Toys By Outward Hound
Many German Shepherds are too smart for their own good! Puzzle toys are specially designed to work your dogs brain and motor skills at the same time. All you have to do is hide treats in the compartments. It might take your pup some time to figure it out, but they will learn how to move the blocks and rotate the flippers to get to the hidden treats. Its a great way to keep dogs entertained while exercising their mind. We found this one and fell in love with it immediately!
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What Toys To Get For German Shepherd Puppies
You may want to consult your puppys vet for suitable toys, especially if your puppy is teething.
But, this guide outlines what might be some of the best toys for small dogs and puppies.
Good dog brands should specific in the product description if an individual toy is designed for puppies.
Some brands have toys specifically for puppies usually these toys are smaller and might be made of softer rubber for the developing gums and teeth of puppies.
Factors To Consider Before Buying A German Shepherd Toy
Before considering the best German shepherd toys, check out these factors. They will be beneficial when you are making your next purchase.
How Big Is the Toy Does Size Matter?
The toys size will matter a lot. For example, if an adult German shepherd plays with a small toy, he risks swallowing it.
Also, too big toy balls may tend to be cumbersome for German shepherd puppies.
Material Used
If the toy you choose is made from materials that you cannot pronounce the name dont settle for them. As always, the best material is nylon or hard rubber.
Strength of the Dog
How strong is your German shepherd? Dont get small toys to your big masculine German shepherds they will not last for more than 2 minutes.
The Play-Style of Your German shepherd
Is your dog a rough player? Then get a tough toy that will withstand your dogs style of play.
Health benefits
Unknown to many people, toys have lots of benefits other than keeping your dog calm. Toys will help relieve stress and anxiety. They maintain your dogs dental hygiene, fulfill your dogs instincts to chase and chew, and, last, they are great during the German shepherds teething phase.
Thus look for a toy that will offer all these benefits to your dog. If the toy you choose is not bringing up any benefit to your dog at all, then its time to set it aside and look for a toy that will serve its purpose and prove its worth.
Versatility
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Are There Really Indestructible Dog Toys For Bored Dogs
A bored dog can turn to be a destructive fur ball in your house. From your shoes, sofa or pillows all will be torn within a minute. And such dogs who are all in a destructive mood will need indestructible toys that will be hard to break. But first are their indestructible toys for bored dogs?
Well, there is not a completely indestructible or unbreakable toy. All toys are bound to break however, the good thing is that these indestructible toys are made to withstand your dogs battering for long without tearing apart.
Nowadays, with the rise of counterfeits and crooked marketers, its hard to find indestructible toys. Give such a toy to your bored German shepherd dog, and in minutes the toy will be in sheds.
So, should I invest in an overly hard toy to outwit my destructive German shepherd? No, thats not the case. Some overly hard toys can be dangerous for your dog. Some of these toys are made of tough plastic, which can break your dogs teeth. Some may break into pieces thus become dangerous if your dog ingests them.
You may have won when it comes to getting the best indestructible toy for German shepherds, but that will come with another cost, taking your dog to the veterinary clinic now and then.
Often cheap toys branded as indestructible or unbreakable are not worth it, as they dont live up to their names. They break easily.
When choosing an indestructible toy, the more expensive they are, the more they will last long.
What material should an indestructible toy have?
Kong Tire Extreme Dog Toy
- Budget-friendly.
When I think of a strong, rubber product, tires come to mind. That must have been Kongs line of thinking when they invented their tire extreme dog toy because this toy is tough like none other. Available in small or medium/large sizes, this tire can handle aggressive chewers.
Aside from its tough, natural rubber, its round and bouncy design is great for long games of fetch in the back yard. The inside of this tire is hollow. This means you can store treats and yummy natural peanut butter for your pup to discover and enjoy. As he chews the tire, hes also cleaning his teeth and soothing his irritated gums.
This toy is great for young, teething puppies as well as older, fully trained dogs. It will last forever, and its rubber is super easy to clean. Not to mention, Kong is a very popular and reliable name in dog toys.
We love the unique tire shape, and like all Kongs, you can fill the center with treats to keep your pup entertained for hours. Its also soft enough which is important because GSDs are notoriously difficult on their teeth.
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Do German Shepherds Get Bored Easily
Since German Shepherds are a tending breed, they may display this behavior when anxious. But they may also pace when bored. If your Shepherd is not showing any other signs of stress, he is probably bored. Sometimes, this behavior is followed by zoomies where your German Shepherd runs full speed through your house.
Cool German Shepherd Yard Toys For Boredom
If there was one word to describe a German Shepherd, itd definitely be athletic. An agile, lean, handsome breed, hes notorious for his aggressive nature, but yet, on the brighter side, insanely friendly and easy to train. By virtue of its intelligence and playful nature, this beloved furry ball of energy tends to get bored very quickly. The side-effects of a bored German Shepherd typically include restlessness, anxiety, digging and chewing, and spurts of aggressive barking.
So, in addition to proper grooming and training, your German Shepherd also needs the right set of play and activities to keep himself engaged. Simply a daily walk will not suffice engage your pooch in the right set of outdoor exercise, along with yard toys like frisbees, chewable toys, and so on, that give vent to his aggressive chewing and pent-up energy. Take a look at our top Ten curated yard toys right here!
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How Much Exercise Does A German Shepherd Need
If you own a German Shepherd, exercising him for at least two hours a day is the best thing you can do. This breed is highly energetic because they were bred for working on the fields for long hours. However, two hours of playing and some IQ puzzles for dogs will be enough for your German Shepherd.
Dogs like German Shepherds have high stamina, making them the wrong choice if you spend a lot of time away from home or if you live in a small apartment. When German Shepherds get bored, they tend to become destructive. Additionally, most of them will constantly bark if not given the right amount of attention throughout the day.
Additionally, unlike other breeds, German Shepherds do not tend to struggle with weight. It means that with the proper diet they will remain fit and healthy.
Tip: Try to divide the exercise time in playing and training. The more training you do with your German Shepherd, the better it will be for the two of you. With the proper training and playtime, your dog wont crave chewing on shoes or scratching doors.
If you only give German Shepherd playtime and no training, he can become disobedient. On the other hand, only focusing on training can bore them. Bored dogs tend to become destructive and, in some cases, aggressive.
If your German Shepherd likes to chew up his bed, you may want to choose a chew proof dog bed.